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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Pollard Grant Esq., Counsel for Prosecution:
Hamilton Read Esq., Counsel for Defence:
Sing Wing, called as a witness, being first sworn, testified as follows: (through interpreter)
Questions by Mr. Read:
1 Q Where do you live.? A Pender Street.
2 Q What number? A 612.
3 Q How long have you lived at this number on Pender street.? A About two years; more than one year, about two years.
4 Q Before you lived at 612 where did you live? A In the back part of 426 Pender Street East.
5 Q Who lived with you? A At the present I am living with Mr HokTou.
6 Q I asked you when you were living at 426 Pender street who lived with you? A Myself alone.
7 Q Now, do you know the accused? A Yes, I do.
8 Q How long have you known him? A Since I moved from Victoria into this town, about six years ago.
9 Q Where did Gin Yuen, that is the accused, live when you were living at 426 Pender Street? A He lived with me.
10 Q Who else lived in the house? A I and my family and the accused.
1 Q What did your family consist of? A My children and my wife.
2 Q Who are your children? A The one that just left the Court room a moment ago.
3 Q What is her name? A Her Chinese name is Gom, her English name is Annie.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 194 File 1914/211 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.