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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Q What did he do with then ? A I took it up to Quann's room. Q What did he do with them-- put them in Quann's room — COURT: Better have them marked as Exhibits— Cold Steel bar marked as Exhibit 2 Iron bar marked as Exhibit 3 for identification. INTERPRETER: He says he give them to the Constable. He say also he found shoe and cap you know He say he did not hand it to the constable; he say he found one shoe and a cap. Q One shoe and a cap ? A Yes. He say that the door Nam Yuen opened, that entrance for the female he say he opened it and saw a cap and one shoe and be brought them back to Quann's room. Q Does he know whose cap or shoe that is ? A No. Q Now, did he see Mann Quann after that ? A He did not see him until he was over at the Morgue. Q He saw him over there; what was the matter with him then ? A He say he was dead. (Examination here concluded) MR TAYLOR: I ask the same reservation for this witness as the others. (Witness aside)- DR. HERMAN M ROBERTSON; having been duly called and sworn on behalf of the prosecution, testifies as follows- Direct examination by Mr moresby: Q Your name ? A Herman M Robertson. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.