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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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 You saw a crowd there; what happened after that, (aside to Interpreter) just put that question to him and get him started ? A So I could not get past, I went back to same room where I come from. Q Follow up, and tell him to tell all the story. A In about half an hour's time all quieted down so I went to Quann's room, and asked him what occurred. MR. TAYLOR: Well wait; see If he is going to tell what Mann Quann say—- INTERPRETER: He said he had a row with Nam Yuen; Quannn told him he had a row with Nam Yuen, Q Did he see anything there ? A And that is all he say; Quann was marked by a cut, right here (indicating lip), Q, You indicate on the lip. A Yes, Quann had a mark on the lip. Q Quann had a cut on the lip; who was in this room when he got down there ? A He tell you the names. Mannn Quann and Ah Fat, Lee Sun. Q, Anyone else that he remembers ? A Si Quann, one other he did not know his name. Q Now, whose room was this ? A Quann's room. Q And what was Quann doing; what part of the room was he in what part of the room was he in ? A In his bunk; in his bed. Q Now, did anybody come in ? A Yes; Nam Yuem come to the door. Q Yes. A He cursed Nam Yuen-- MR TAYLOR: I object to all this. COURT: On what ground ? BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.