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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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And Mann Quann asked him to take an oath before the Joss and so Nam Yuen struck Mann Quann first. Q Oh wait a minute- where did he strike him -in what part of the building ? A Just right before the Joss. Q Well, just go on. A He then pitched on to Mann Quann three different times and beat him, and the people separated them, and Mann Quann he got a blow struck by Nam Yuen on the mouth. Q What followed after that ? A So they chased him, that is Mann Quann, and Mann Quann run down on to the stage. Q You say "So they chased him" who is they ? A Nam Yuen chased him on to the stage, and Nam Yuen still following Mann Quann, and Mann Quann run back to his own room, Q Mann Quann run back to his own room ? A Yes and when they got to Mann Quann's room Nam Yuen he cursed him at the door, and Mann Quann did not say anything, so Nam Yuen went away. Q Well, go on and tell us what next took place/ '? A Over ten minutes , this On comes to say and tell him he come to fight Mann Quann— Q Get him to identify him ? A (pointing to accused) First man. Q He came to the door, did he ? A No, he enter the room, Q He came into the room; anyone with him ? A fNam Yuen was outside the room. Q Nam Yuen  ? A Yes. Q Did he see Nam Yuen ? A Yes. Q Did they both come together to the room ? Q No, he says Nam Yuen was outside. Wong On on inside BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

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