1914-215 Rex vs. Gin Yuen alias John Young – procuring, Vancouver
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
JICK GOM, called as a witness, being first sworn, testified as follows: (through interpreter)
Questions by Mr Grant:
33 Q Where do you live? A 612 Pender Street East, in the City of Vancouver.
4 Q Who do you live with? A I live with Hop Tou.
5 Q What do you mean ...
Mr. Read: No my friend cannot cross examine his own witness.
Court: Is that her father? A No he is simply a room mate with us.
Court: Do you work for Hop Tou? A No, the man is right there.
6 Q Who else lives in the house? A And one of my cousins.
7 Q male or female? A Male.
8 Q What is his name? A Gin Sing.
9 Q Who else lives in the house? A No, no one else.
40 Q Who cooks for Hop Tou?
Mr. Read: I don't know if this is material.
1 Q (to interpreter) Now just try to get the answers in full Mr Sung. Hop Tou and his wife live there , she and her father her cousin and who else? A My father , mother and and brothers and sisters.
2 Q Do you know the accused? A Yes I do
3 Q How long have you known him? A About five or six years.
4 Q He used to live at your house? A Yes, when we lived in the house at the rear of 426 Pender street east he lived with us.
5 Q Now did anything happen between you and the accused at
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 194 File 1914/211 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.