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1903/18 Rex vs. D.L. Ray and Wing Wo – murder (Trail)

As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, the BC Archives has digitized a selection of documents related to criminal prosecutions against the Chinese community from 1866 to 1914, found in GR-0419. These are mainly records created as part of the preliminary hearing held before a judge in order to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. There are often lengthy witness statements, and cross examinations by both prosecution and defense lawyers. The eventual verdict is sometimes recorded on the outside of the docket. They offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th and early 20th century criminal activity around the province, and ways in which the Chinese community was stereotyped. The records offered for transcription here are a small selection; for additional digitized material from GR-0419 click here. 

*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. In addition, GR-0419 records deal with subjects such as assault, murder and abuse, which may upset some readers. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.
*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person. 

BC Archives G-0419

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Q. And Sing, where does he stop ?

A. Living upstairs; sleeping downstairs.

Q. How does he know he was sick ?

A. Well, he can down stairs that time .

Q. How does he know he was sick ?

A. He said he just come down; he look sick and weak and sat down; and he had consumption; he saw some blood.

Q. Where was the blood ? Ask the witness.

A. He saw him downstairs, saw the blood down stairs.

Q. When he came down that day ?

A. Yes.

Q. He had a hemorrhage that day ? Where was the blood-ask him where it was ?

A. Down to the laundry.

Q. Well was it on the floor or on his person ? Mr. Gillan objects to all this evidence as not concerning the case and says he will not submit to any cross-examination. Mr Devitt says says it is not cross-examination.

Q. Ask the witness if he say Sing after that time ?

A. No, he did not.

Q. Ask him if he knew he died?

A. He say he did not know he died; he was working.

Q. He did'nt know he died ? I don't mean immediately, but did'nt he appear at the funeral ?

A. He went to the funeral.

Q. Well the, he knew he died. Ask him if he hired Sing, why he stayed there ?

A. Did not hire him.

Q. Did'nt he send to China for him ?

A. Well, he say when he brought Laundry Sing was there before he bought the laundry---

Q. (Interrupting) Did he buy Sing ?

A. (Continuing) From the other boy.

Q. He bought the laundry from the other boy ?


BC Archives GR-0419 Box 95 File 1903/18 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.

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