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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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26:
I know how to conduct a case.
Mr. Taylor: Is he permitted to cross-examine his own witness?
Court: It is hardly a cross-examination.
Mr. Taylor: When he receives an answer to to his question, and then the witness proceeds to add something - ?
Court: That you will understand goes to show what particular time the witness is thinking of. Mr. Powell refers his mind to that incident, and then says after that did anyone come in?
Mr. Taylor: He said Did anybody else come into the room?
Court: That is after the explanation given by the witness.
Mr. Taylor: It is quite pertinent to the question but he says someone goes out and gets something for him. - my learned friend is not entitled to turn around and say did anyone else go into the room, on account of the negative: it is cross examination.
Q (continuing) He has told us that he was preparing some opium for Mann Quann, did Mann Quann smoke the opium?
Mr. Taylor: I object to that.
Q What did Mann Quann do after he got the opium?
Mr. Taylor: That is also a leading question. No one knows better than my learned friend that he is trying to insert something else -
Mr. Powell: Why don't you say for pecuniary purposes?
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.