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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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(Notes read by stenographer)
I asked you if he was incompetent to take an oath and you said Yes. Of course Mr. Taylor your objection from beginning to end has been noted and read. MB, TAYLOR: It is not an objection, or cannot be put as an objection. MR. POWELL: Are you going to change it ? MR TAYLOR: No, but I am going to point out in way that my friend can understand it that that does not amount to an objection, if I rise up here and call the attention of the court to something that is not an objection. MR POWELL: You have said that he is incompetent there. MR TAYLOR: I merely called your Honor's attention to the fact that the man was not in such a stage of mind to make an oath— I called your Honor's attention to that fact and I stick to that now. COURT: And you said as a result of those facts that this man was incapable of taking an oath. MR TAYLOR: I said that it did not seem to me that he could be Justified at all. MB. POWELL: Mrs. Blygh has read it and settled it, why is there all this discussion now about it ? I would ask that we proceed. It has already already been settled, and I would ask now that we have the witness affirmed ---- COURT: There may be something in what Mr Taylor says that the form of oath must be binding on this witness. I don't know whether it is binding on BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.