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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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out; they go out this way (indicating on plan). Q They go out the gallery door ? A I go down stairs this way and go on the stage to see Mann Quann Q, You see him there ? A Yes, I see him, and somebody lift him up and put him in a chair. Q Who? A Ah Chow. Q What does he do? A He work in the theatre, he actor. Q He actor ? A Yes. Q And police man come after that ? A Yes police man come. Q How long after ? A I just go downstairs and by one or two minutes I see policeman come, Q Policeman come and what did you do then with Mann Quann ? A Mann Quann he speak to me—— Q (interrupting) What did you do with him , take him somewhere ? A Chow he tell him— MR TAYLOR: (interrupting) I object to that he is talking about Mann Quann he is trying to answer and my learned friend will not let him.
Q Who took him upstairs ? A I. Q And policeman ? A I and policeman.
Q policeman and you took him up to the bedroom . You know the policeman. You see him the other day upstairs here ? A I not remember his face Q You see Man Quann after that ? A Yes. Q Where ? A I take him out the door and see him. Q After that, did you see him next day ? A Next day he be dead. i) Did you see him dead ? A Yes. BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.