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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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MR TAYLOR: It has nothing to do with the case. Unless the prisoners were there at the time this conversation was held it cannot be considered relevant to the case. COURT: He is not telling what was said. MR MORESBY: I submit it as evidence. Q He cursed at him; and did he say anything to him; did Nam Yuen say anything to Mann Quann ? A He said that he must fight with him again if he was such a good fighter he could come out and have a fight. MR TAYLOR: I object to all that too. Q And did he get a reply ? Did Quann reply to that ? MR TAYLOR: I object to that also. INTERPRETER: Mann Quann he refused to fight he refused to have a quarrel, or fight with him again. Q Now, can he give us the exact words that he said ? A He said No More Fightt, Q Oh that is all right. A That is, he mean he don't want to fight. Q Now., then, tell him to go on and tell us what occurred ? A After he cursed Mann Quann, and he went out, and he come back in half an hour. He did not come in the room when he came back, but Wong On came in. Q Now, which is Wong On ? A This one over here (pointing to Wong On). Q Was Wong On with Nam Yuen- did Nam Yuen come in with him ? A No, Nam Yuen did not come in the room; he was outside. Wong On was outside— he mean Nam Yuen outside and Wong On come in the room---- BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.