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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

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21:

Q How long has he been an actor down there? A Over two months, nearly three.

Q Does he know Wong On and Wong Gow? A Yes.

Q Did he know the Manager of the Theatre Mann Quann? A Yen, that is his teacher. That is the one who Iearned him.

Q What does he mean - that he is his boss or what? A He is one that teach him, that be is a student of the deceased.

Q A student of the deceased; well was the deceased an actor too? A Yes, he is an actor too.

Q Well Wing do you know what an under-study means - did he take take parts as the Manager the deceased took ask him in other words if he took same part as the Manager did? if he played same part when the Manager was not there? A Do you mean on the act? A Yes.

A No, he says he does not take the other man's place. He plays different scenes.

Q Ask him if he remembers two weeks ago last night ? A Yes. Two weeks ago last night? A Yes.

Q Now, that would be Friday night, January 29th - that is right; ask him after the show on Friday night, two weeks ago where he was after the show about 12 o'clock? A Do you mean last Friday night week.

Q No, this Friday he in speaking of, two weeks ago. A He was at Quann's room.

Q He was at Quann's room, now is Quann's room in the theatre? A Yes

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

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