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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Q Now, tell us Fat( you a say you saw Wong On with an iron bar— with that (indicating Iron bar ) ? A Yes. Q 'What was he doing with it ? A Beating Mann Quann.
Q Did you see any more like this (indicating iron bar) ? A I saw three or four.
Q You know the men who had them ? A Could not see them; I just saw Wong On.
Q He the one that you know ? A Yes, you know what I mean.
Q Yes, we know what you mean; well you saw Wong 0n hitting him; after that what did they do with Mann Quann ? A Mann Quann say— I don't savee English.
Q You say Mann Quann said something what do you say he said--
MR POWELL: I think it is fair that he should ask the interpreter to interpret his answer for him, he does not seem to be able to express his answer. COURT: That is fair enough. Q (Continuing) I asked him to say while they were dragging him out, what did Mann Quaaa say ? A Mann Quann shouted out risk his life— save his life; he wanted them to save his life; Risk his life, ask him for assistance to save his life, Q Ask for assistance to save his life ; and did any of those men say anything; did they call out-the other men, these other men that were hitting him and dragging him out ? A They drag him out the door, and somebody say Lot more hurt him; hit him lot more, Q Re says what ? A He say Mann Quann nearly BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.