Transcription Page

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

BC Archives G-0419

Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]

20:

Mr. Taylor: I was under the impression that your Honor had power to arrest. I know that the Crown has. The Crown frequently arrests a witness and holds him so that he will not be tampered with.

Mr. Powell: The Court has no power under Section 583. Court: I do not think there is any authority for it.

Mr. Taylor: Well of course, I did not come prepared with authority on that point this morning but however His Honor has decided it.

Court: I think it would he better if you put your witnesses in a room by themselves. Otherwise we will have to clear the room of the Chinese.

Mr. Powell: I think the room had better be cleared.

(Court room cleared of all Chinese as ordered.)

Examination of Haw Fat Chung Cont'd by Mr. Powell:

Q Ask him his name Wing and his occupation? A (through Interpreter) His name is Haw Fat Chung. He is an actor.

Q What is that? A His name he says is Haw Fat Chung, and he is an actor.

Q He is an actor; where does he play, in the Chinese Theatre here? A Yes, in the theatre here.

Q He is an actor in the Chinese Theatre? A Yes

Q Ask him if he knows where the Chinese Theatre is between what streets? A He says he does not know the name of the street.

Q But he knows where it is? A Yes, he knows where it is.

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

Current Page Discussion [edit] [history]

Image 27 of 111