1903/44 Rex vs. Ki Chung – attempt to murder
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Indictable Offences.
(S) Section 590.
Deposition of a Witness.
CANADA: PROVINCE OF British Columbia. County of Kootenay THE deposition of [?] taken before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Kootenay this 10th day of February, in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and three, at Revelstoke [?] (or after notice to ---- who stands committed [?] for ) in the presence and hearing of Kie Chung who stands charged that He did commit an assault with intent to murder on [Wang ?] of [?] William on Saturday January 23rd 1903 by cutting him the aforesaid [Wang ?] with an axe on the head and other injuries to him did do
The said deponent saith on his oath as follows:-- Am a medical practitioner. I attended this Chinaman [Wang ?] during his illness brought Plaintiff from [?] William to the Revelstoke Hospital, He had two incised mounds