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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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33: He say that he take him out and cut him to pieces. MR. TAYLOR: That is the witness? INTERPRETER: Yes. Q Did he say anything else? A So he keep on cursing outside, and he say I did not say anything more , and while he was leaving he said That you and Mann Quann are very fresh; you will know tomorrow COURT: You will know tomorrow ? INTERPRETER: Yes. Q Did he mean "You know" or "both know" ? A He sy you Look out for tomorrow; he say You know you die tomorrow. Q He said You and Mann Quann are very fresh, did he mean that for one, or two ? A For both. Q You will die tomorrow ? A Yes. Q Well, did anything else happen that night? A While they were leaving that night, he heard down at the stage where they were acting, voices; he says There was a lot of peoples— more than ten peoples down there walking— that is by the noise they made. Q Well, now, take the next night- Saturday night after the theatre ? A Yes. Q Where was he after the theatre, about midnight? A He was at Quann's room waiting for lunch. Q He was at Quann's room waiting for supper ? A Midnight lunch. Q Who else was in the room ? A Himself; Ah Fun, Monn Quann; and Si Quong; Lee Sim; Wong Wing. Q Wing Wong ? A Wong Wing Fook.
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.