Transcription Page

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

BC Archives G-0419

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STATEMENT OF THE ACCUSED. CANADA. Province of British Columbia, -f County of Atlin City of Prince Rupert. Ma Hong stands charged before the undersigned, Alfred Carss, one of His Majesty`s Police Magistrates in and for the City aforesaid, this twenty fourth day of June, in the year of our lord One thousand nine hundred and eleven, for that the said Ma Hung, on the 16th day of June, Instant, at Prince Rupert, did procure Katie Stevens, a woman, to become within Canada a common prostitute and the said charge being bead to the said Ma Hung and the witness for the prosecution, being severally examined in his presence, the said Ma Hung is now addressed by me as follows:-The usual warning being duly read over to the Accused.


Whereupon the said saith as follows: I have nothing to say.

(sgd) Ma Hung. before me at Prince Rupert, the day and year first above mentioned. (sgd) Alfred Carss.


BC Archives GR-0419 Box 150 File 1911/71 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL Attorney General documents.

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