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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 

BC Archives G-0419

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3. T. W. Bain, SWORN SAITH:-

On Saturday night January 23rd, I was instructed to go to Clanwilliam on no one to bring in a Chinaman who was supposed to have been wounded by another Chinaman who eas also to be brought in. Arrived at Clan-william about midnoght, sleeping car used by Chinaman was guarded by ten or twelve section men . On going into car I found Ki Chung sitting in bunk having in his hands hatchet marked Exhibit A, and knife marked Exhibit B. I arrested him and brought him to Revelstoke Lock-up. "T. W. Bain" Taken upon oath before the undersigned, at Revelstoke, this 10th, day of February, 1903. "W. E. McLaughlin" Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Kootenay.


Singh, Sworn Saith:- SAW Plaintiff and Defendant at Clanwilliam saw Ki Ching cut WANG Depp Chong with hatchet,it was about 6.30 P. M. I swear that hatchet marked Exhibit A. is what he struck the plaintiff with. Heard no row or quarrelling between them they were in sleeping car at time. Defendant was in his bunk or bed, as Plaintiff was passing Defendant struck him down,, two or three men carried Plaintiff out of car. " Singh his mark." Taken upon oath before the undersigned, at Revelstoke, this 10th, day of February, 1903. "W. E. McLaughlin" Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Kootenay.


Ki Chung Sworn Saith:- I have nothing to say.

"Ki his Chung" mark


BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 97 File 1903/44 Attorney General documents.

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