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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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MR MORESBY:      We will show the relevancy of that; we will  show that this man was connected  with the two prisoners;  that is sufficient.

Q The stranger asked which was Quann? A Yes Mann Quann rose up from his bed and say I am Mann Quann. MB. TAYLOR: I object to that also. INTERPRETER: He say You cone out; I have some business for you outside. Mann Quann say Anything you got to say you say it here. Mann Quann asked him what his name is, and what his sir-name is, and then he told him that his sir-name was Wong and his other name was Hung and then he asked Quann what his sir name was and he told him it was Mann. Mann Quann asked him to have a drink of tea and stay for supper, but he did not say anything , he went out. MR TAYLOR: All this is objected to of course your Honor. INTERPRETER: He say shortly after he went out he came back. Q Now, at this particular time Wing I want to find out who were present  ? A He say that Gow and Wong On were at Mann Quann's room. COURT: They were where ? INTERPRETER: At Mann Quann's door Q When was this, the first or second time ? A The first time that Wong Hung came to the room. Q Well, who was in the room— the friends of Mann Quann's at his room ? A I shall just ask him. One How Fat; Ah Fun, Si Quan, Chow Chee, Lee Sun, and that is all I can name. There are one or two more, but I could not name them. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

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