Transcription Page

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]

Q He say Wong On was on the inside of the room? A Yes, he said so, Q Now,what happened then ? A He said that this On say that you been beating my relation , and Mann Quann told him he was right, and he said there were other people outside with him and they would tell him who was right. The people in the room advised 0n to go out and he went out and shortly after he come back again— - lot knock at door— MR TAYLOR I object to that — MR. MORESBY: On what ground— MR. TAYLOR: I have already explained that ground. COURT:All right-- MR MORESBY: Still we might induce you some-time to tell — Q Now what happened after that— Wong On came back and knocked at the door ? A He say lot of people come there and knock at the door and Lee Sam he got frightened and he post the door by something-- put box against the door— Q Supported the door by something? A Put box against the door. Q What else ? A He say Fat told him- On it is late now, you had better go home now and go to bed. Q Told who ? A Told On. He say it is late now; you had better go home ,and go to bed; you make much noise, you better go home. On said to Fat- "You helping him- you, his teacher, you look out and take care of yourself or else we cut you in four pieces-— BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

Current Page Discussion [edit] [history]

Image 95 of 111