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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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22:

Q Now, what was he doing in Quann's room - it would be about midnight tell him. A He was preparing some opium for him to smoke.

Q He was what? A He was preparing opium for Quann to smoke.

Q Now, who were in the room at that time? A He says four or five.

Q Well, who were they? A Himself, Ah Fun.

Q Ah Fun. A Si Quann - man named Si Quann and Mann Quann.

Q How many is that? A There were other persons there, but he does

Q Did he see Wong On there that night? A Yes.

Mr. Taylor: My learned friend must stop leading. That is a distinctly leading question, because it suggests an answer of either Yes or no.

Mr. Powell: What am I to ask him. We will ask it in a different way. Did you see that man (pointing to Wong On)? Stand up -

Mr Taylor: I object to that at once. He is most distinctly trying to take an unfair advantage. This is all going down as a matter of record, and it can plainly be seen that he is distinctly trying to take an unfair advantage. Knowing that his question was an unfair one he then attempted unfairly by ordering this prisoner to stand up quickly to get an unfair advantage -

Mr. Powell: I will withdraw the question.

Mr. Taylor: That is a monstrous things as far as a man's life is concerned.

Mr. Powell: May I proceed?

Mr. Taylor: When I finish my objection. It is another instance where a prosecutor is turned

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

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