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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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COURT: Somebody say what ? WITNESS: Four or five men say altogether -lots of noise. Q Say what ? A "Kill him and pull him out something like that. Q Was Wong still there — MR. TAYLOR: I object to that; it is a decidedly leading question and decidedly improper; one or the worst improper questions he has asked yet. MR. MORESBY: He has already sworn that Wong On helped to drag him out. MT TAYLOR: I say that is a leading question It should not be allowed to be put. COURT: I may think you had better not put this question. He has shown that Wong On was mixed up in it up to this time. Q Well, now you heard somebody say "Kill him and pull him out " ? A Yes. Q Did you see anything more ? A Somebody say put him down. Q Down where ? A He no say where; he just say put him down. Q Well, what next did you see ? A Who see ? Q Did you see any more ? A I saw Haw Fat in the door. Q That is, in Mann Quann's door? A Yes, and then in a short time the men run away. Q What men run away ? A The wen that were fighting Mann run away, they say "Run away quick Policeman come". MR. TAYLOR: We had better understand - let him say It over again. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.