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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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16:
Mr. Powell: The Prosecution decidedly object to this application of my learned friend. In the first place as far as Mr. Moresby is concerned he happened to be telephoned for before Mr. Cain or myself got here, and he seemed to have made the statement as far as he - was concerned he did not object.
Mr. Taylor: Not to me personally -
Mr. Powell: I am conducting the case, and we are in possession of facts, Mr. Cain and myself, which possibly Mr. Moresby is not, as we have not seen him since yesterday afternoon. Now, your Honor, we are of the opinion that the case should conclude today, and as far as his statement that there was a general objection that the case should not go on Monday, we have nothing to do with that.
Mr. Taylor: They stated they could not come here on Monday.
Mr. Powell: They have their Chinese New Year I will admit - after considerable argument in the above matter the court held that the Crown might possibly suffer by the delay and adjournment, and that the hearing of the evidence should be proceeded with.
Haw Fat Chung was duly sworn (King's oath) and testifies as follows,
Court: Your name is Haw Fat Chung? A Yes.
Mr. Taylor: Are your witnesses all out of the room Mr. Powell
Mr. Powell: I only have one.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.