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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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the people seat. Q What did he do? A Go around the table and went up tp Mann Quann's bed and Man Quann he see him walking all around and Mann Quann he got up and stood on the bed and Wong hung he tried to fight. Q Mann Quann stood on the bed when Wong approached him and tried to fight him; and what did Hung do? A Hung just take one hand (indicating) took hold of Mann Quann's cue. Q When he got hold of his cue where was Wong Gow Wong On? A He says all come and Wong On came first and five to six men come in the room. Q Who did you see? A I saw Wong Gow and Wong Sam too. Four or five men I savee come in the room. I savee Wong Sam I don't savee all. Q He says four or five men he savees come in the room. he savee Sam and some he savee and some he don't know. COURT: Mr. Powell what was it was said came in who did he say came in? MR POWELL: He said Wong On came in first. COURT:Then after? A And four or five amongst whom were Wong Gow and there were three or four amongst them that he did not know amongst whom he says was Wong Gow. Q Now you have told us Wong Hung grabbed Mann Quann by the cue? A Yes. Q What did he do then? A He called and all people came in. Q What happened then? A Some people come in some people hold the cue and some people hold the

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