Transcription Page

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

BC Archives G-0419

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LEONG KUNG called as a witness, being first sworn, testified as follows: (through interpreter)

QUESTIONS BY MR GRAnt:

128 Q Where do you live? A Canton Alley, 24 Canton Alley.

9 Q Do you know the accused? A Yes I do.

30 Q Do you Annie Wing? A Yes I do.

1 Q Did she ever prostitute herself to you? A Yes

2 Q Where? A 420 Hastings Street.

3 Q Vancouver? A Yes.

4 Q How did she come to this? A Because some one told me to go.

Q Who was this some one? A Yuen.

6 Q The accused? A Yes.

7 Q Where did he tell you?

Court: Where were you when the accused told you? A On Pender Street.

8 Q What time of the day was it? A About between two or three o'clock in the afternoon.

9 Q How did you come to go to this 420 Hastings Street East? How did you know the place? A Because I was accompanied by a man.

40 Q Which man, Gin Yuen? A The accused.

1 Q Did you say the accused? A Yes I did.

2 Q How much? A Five dollars.

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