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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

BC Archives G-0419

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So then on account of the day light or the electric light all through the night I could see the time on my watch. It was not so dark that I could not tell the time.

15- Q. Was it a moon-light night? A. No, but it was not dark. I do not know whether there was any moon light or not.

16- Court:- What time was this? A. Avout 5:00 o'clock in the morning.

17- Q. And after catching him, -- this chinaman, -- what did you do then? A. I snapped the hand-cuff on his left hand. And I took hold of the right cuff with my right hand, and I picked up the one sack of chickens.

18- Q. You took him back to where the chickens were? A. Yes, it is only a short distance, three or four yards.

19- Q. Oh. I see, he had no opportunity to run further? A. No, Sir. And I told him to carry that sack of chieckens. And I took hold of the other sack and I led him along about 800 yards. And he came along without any trouble. And he was carrying one sack.

20- Q. You were leading him along, -- was that leading him along the track? A. No leading along the road, -- there is a road there. It comes out on Canton Street I think it is. And he had gone probably 200 yards when the, -- and he was carrying them this way, --- and in his right hand, and the sack fell off his shoulder. And I told him to pick them up. And he tunred and picked them up.

21- Q. Turned around and picked the bag up? A. Yes sir. And he went three or four yards further and he fired a shot, striking me, and knocking me to my knees.

22- Q. Now, he picked up the sack again, Mr. McLeod and fired the shot, --- what with? A. A revolver.

23- Q. He must have dropped his sack to do it? A. I did not notice whether he dropped the sack or not.

4.

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 124 File 1908/7 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

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