1911/71 Rex vs. Mah Hung – procuring
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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VANC
that Ma Hung at the City of Vancouver in the County of Vanc. in the Province of BC in or about the month of June in the year of our _________eleven unlawfully did procure one Katie Stephens, a woman, to leave her usual place of abode in Canada, to wit, at the City of Vancouver aforesaid, such place not being a brothel, with intent that she should for the purpose of prostitution become an inmate of a brothel against etc
2. And the jurors aforesaid do further present that the said Ma Hung afterwards to wit on or about the sixteenth day of June in the year aforesaid at the City of Prince Rupert in the Province aforesaid unlawfully did procure the same Katie Stephens, a woman, to become a prostitute against etc
3. And the jurors aforesaid do further present that the said Ma Hung on diverse days in and between the months of March and June in the year aforesaid at the said cities of Vancouver and Prince Rupert unlawfully did administer to the said Katie Stephens cocaine and other drugs with intent thereby to stupefy her so as to thereby enable a man to have unlawful carnal connection with her the said Katie Stephens against etc
BC Archives GR-0419 British Columbia Attorney General Box 150 File 1911/71 Attorney General documents