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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
He was going to indicate on the plan where he saw two men, Wong On and Wong Gow stand outside at the door. Q Let him show you where it is — (To witness) A by Witness : Quann's door. This (Indicating on plan Ex. I) is supposed to be the door; this is the table here-— MR TAYLOR: I object to this witness being examined now on this plan, as he told us before that he did not understand that plan. MR MORESBY: I an merely pointing out the particular places. MR TAYLOR: That is just what you should not do when he has told us he does not know. WITNESS: Where Quann's door ? MR MORESBY: He has asked me where Quann's door is. I understand the plan is not admitted. MR.POWELL: Of course the plan is admitted; it is proved, MR MORESBY: He understands the plan now apparently, because he is prepared to point out on this particular plan that he refers to here. MR TAYLOR: The witness has sworn he does not understand. MR MORESBY: Oh no, he swore that he did not understand the plan for the purpose of my former question. MR. TAYLOR:: He said he did not understand the plan. COURT: I understand that there was one part that was not on the plan he did not understand that. I think it is quite right for Mr Moresby to ask if he understand that part of it. He was trying before to point out a story which was not on the plan BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.