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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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72: A INTERPRETER: Looks little heavy; he say iron bar like this; I don't know whether this or not. Q (to witness) You saw an iron bar, but you don't know whether it was this or not — you saw them fighting with this ? A Three men had iron bars. Q Did you see any of them ? A just know On. Q He says three men have iron bar; what did you say ? A I saw one in Or's hand. Q What was he doing with It ? A Fight like that (indicating). Q To -who ? A To Mann Quann. Q Yes. A And then bring Mann Quann out you see ? Q Who bring Quann ? A On, Wong Hung and two or three men I don't know their names. Q They brought him out to where? A In here. Q What is that, what do you call that? A That is the Joss House; that is the Joss House. Q And did Mann Quann say anything ? A He say "Help my life. Help my life. Q "Help my life". MR. TAYLOR: I object to that also. MR POWELL: On what ground. MR. MORESBY: Yes, you might state the ground Mr Taylor for that objection. Q Now,what else was said,Mann Quann say anything more? A No. Q Anybody else say anything ? A Yes, somebody else say "Kill him,again; Kill him again. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 Fife 1904/10 Attorney General documents.