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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
35: meaning of Mr. Powell's question. COURT: Try him again, a little further. MR POWELL: I will do it, but it is only a matter of delay. Q Well, who come in the room— anyone come in the room after that—- anybody come in the room-- you tell us four or five sit around there, what did you do ? A I sit and wait on dinner. Q Yes, that is good, anything else ? A Lots of men walking all round.
Lots of people walking around ? A Talk out loud----
Q Lots of people walking around, talk out loud; did you see Mann Quann ? A Yes, I saw Mann Quann there. Q What was Mann Quann doing ? A He sit down too. Mann Quann came back from the Theatre to wash his face. Q This is after the theatre ? A Yes, after the theatre. Q He came up to wash his hands In the same room where all you people were A All the same his sitting room. Q And Mann Quann he wash his face ? A Yes. Q You tell us what happened; what took place ? A Mann Quann wash his face. He go back and sit on the bed, and in one or two or three minutes he call all the people to sit at the dinner. MR. TAYLOR: One, two or three minutes he called on the people to sit at dinner. Q And where was he then-- on the bed or where was he ? A Mann Quann sit on the bed.
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.