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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Q He spoke to the people outside, and told them to go home, what happened then  ? A He say "You cursed; that is, the people outside speak to Ah Fat Q Did he recognize who spoke, did he recognize the voice  ? A He says 5 or 6 people speaking outside, but he said that is all he can recognize the voice of Nam Yuen and On, and they say You "better look out, we cut you to death, cut you both to death tomorrow. Q Who said that ? A Nam Yaen and On and other speak. MR. TAYLOR: What he say Nam Yuen ? INTERPRETER: He say You cursed. MR. TAYLOR: Nam Yuen and Wong On both say that? INTERPRETER! They say that to Ah Fat. They say you Cursed  ; he means You curse from outside; he say You look out, you both look out, we are going to cut you both to death tomorrow. Q What happened then ? A So they left; the whole crowd ran away. Q Did the witness say anything else further ? Did they say any thing more to them that night  ? A They left shortly after, I left too. They went away shortly after. I left too. Q They went away and shortly after he left; now where was he the next night, Saturday night  ? A He went to Quann's room about half past 12 on Saturday night. Q He went to Mann Quann's room about half past twelve Saturday night ? A Yes. Q Tell him to go on and tell us what took place. A When I went to Quann's room, Quann was at work. He at work In theatre. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

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