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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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COURT: Just come over here Wing, (indicating).

  (continuing)         Where was the noise coming

from ? A Near Quann`s room. Q Well, what did he do or what happened after that ? A So I went downstairs and see what it was. Q Tell him to go on.. A They were so crowded on the stairway that he could not get through. Q Let we understand— who went downstairs ? A He means he intended to go downstairs, but he could not get through the stairway, it was so crowded. Q So crowded he could not get through;where was the crowd ? A On the stairs. Q I want the plan (Wx.1); we will put it here so the the Court can see it. Now, this is supposed to be Quann;s room (indicating on plan); this is supposed to be the Joss House; (indicating); this is the passage way coming in (indicating on plan); this is the stairway ,going downstairs (indicating on plan) and this is the door leading to hallway going past boxes in the theatre-- now you tell me where you saw that crowd. This is Quann's room here (indicating) this is the Joss House, and this is the hallway  ? A I saw him on the third floor— it not here. Q it is not shown here (aside) Never mind this, this has nothing to do with it----A I don' t know what this is. Q If he does not understand it, we won`t ask it that way (removes plan). Do you know the room in the Chinese Theatre called the Joss Room ? A Yes. Q, Ask him to tell us how he gets into that room. A Pass the Joss House to get into one of the rooms. BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.

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