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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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to get the doctor — Q Doctor come ? A Then in few minutes Dr. Robertson come. Q What did they do with Quann ? A When I come back I saw Quann upstairs in bed. Q What did they do with him then ? A Doctor come and he look all over. Q What did they do with him then? Take him anywhere? A Doctor in a few minutes take him to the hospital , tell the policeman to go to the hospital with Quann Q You go with him  ? A No, go after. Q You saw Quann again ? A Yes ,I see him again. Q What time ? A It would be 3 or 4 at the hospital. Q Then did you see him again ? A What, you mean, after the hospital  ? Q Yes. A I saw him after the hospital in there. Q Was he alive or dead  ? A Dead. Q That was over at this morgue here ? A What the man's name- Mr. Hayward's store— I saw him there. MR TAYLOR I would like to reserve my cross examination of this witness too until they finish. COURT: Wing just tell Wong he must not go away; we will want him later on for cross-examination (Witness aside). BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

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