1908/7 Rex vs. Ung Wing – shooting with intent to murder
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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the railroad track, --- and I seen two chinamen going towards Cook & Taits Mill, following the railroad track, and I was bout 10 yards above that when they were passing. And there was a train passing, and through the light I could see them. And they were close to some cars there. And it looked suspicious and I went down and I got between the cars and I waited.
7- Q. Did you see if they had anything in their hands? A. No sir I could not see anything in their hands, and probably an hour I heard somebody walking, and I looked out and seen two chinamen, and they dropped their sacks.
8- Q. And they had sacks? A. Yes sir, like they were taking a rest. And one man had a hen in one hand and a sack in the other. And one had a sack.
9- Court:- Had a hen you say? A. Yes sir
10- A. And it seemed there was something in the sack? A. Yes, they were full, just about full. And they picked up their sacks again and walked about three steps and I jumped out and they both started to run.
11- Q. And what bout their sacks and hen? A. And I ran and caught one by the back of the collar of the coat and turned him around. And I said where did you get the chickens, and he said "across the creek". And I could understand what he said. And the other chinaman ran and got ahead. And I could not see whether he went between the cars.
12- Q. And the chinaman you had had nothing in his hand in the way pf sacks? A. No sir, not when I got him.
13- Q. And this would be about what time in the morning? A. About 5:00 o'clock.
14- Q. What have you got to say as to the lightness or the darkness of the place? A. No, I could not see the time on my watch through the night, taking it out like that.
3.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 124 File 1908/7 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.