1904-10 Rex vs. Wong On and Wong Gow – murder (at the Chinese theatre)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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14:
Police Court, Victoria, B.C., 13th February, 1904 10:00 A.M.
PURSUANT to adjournment the Court met at 10:00 A.M. this 13th day of February, 1904, all parties being present as before.
Mr. Powell: We will call Haw Fat.
Mr. Taylor: Your Honor, while we were waiting this morning there was gone discussion among us as to the question of adjournment, and Mr. Moresby said he would not object to the case standing over. We want this case adjourned until Thursday. If we go on this morning we would have to ask you for an adjournment at lunch until 4 o'clock, and it would be a little unusual to have to ask you and the other Court officials to come back here on Saturday afternoon. I find that there is a general objection among the Chinese to be here Monday, and I find from information received from the Interpreter, he has to interpret in Vancouver on Tuesday morning and Thursday would be a safe day for all parties. I was not aware up till now that this afternoon I had an important appointment from two until four, and we would not be able to finish the Chinese evidence in, one day, and I have also been informed by the Chief of Police that the two Chinese who have been arrested in Seattle may be here for Thursday, in which case one hearing would do for both cases, and that is a consideration. I think that does not affect us materially, but it would affect the Court, and therefore I would ask that we adjourn until Thursday which has been suggested as a satisfactory day.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.