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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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 Was there any other bruise about the body ? A Below the right shoulder, on the front aspect of the arm there was another small bruise. Two bruises in fact, separated about an inch apart. Q Was there anything else the matter with him? A He also had a contracted left rib, and on his right hand, the right middle-— the right ring finder was swollen and discolored. Q Now, the direct cause as I understand you, was from this ruptured kidney ? A From the hemorrhage. Q Caused by the rupturing of this kidney; was there anything to indicate to you, or can you tell us what those bruises might have been caused by -- of course if you cannot tell us----A The bruises, where do you mean, on the left side ? Q Over the kidney, A It was produced by contact with something, Q Have you any way of ascertaining by what manner of substance that was ? A No, I could not tell you what the substance was. I might tell you something about the shape of it. Q That is what I mean. A That is from the shape of the wound. Q You might tell us shape of the wound. A This bruise- the skin was not broken, and in all it was three or four inches long- extending antere-posterially, situated over the left kidney, which was about an inch wide, and in front it had a right angle sharp corners. Q You don't know when this man died ? A No, I was simply told he died about 6 o'clock. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.