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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Chong Chung 426 Pender Street East called as a witness being first sworn, testified as follows: (through interpreter)
Questions by Mr. Grant:
2 Q What is your occupation? A Cook.
3 Q Do you know Annie Wing the last witness? A Yes, I do.
4 Q Did she ever prostitute herself with you? A Yes, I had sexual intercourse with her.
5 Q Under what circumstances? A Gin Yuen told me to go.
6 Q When was this? A last August, about three o'clock in the day.
7 Q What year and what month? A Last August.
8 Q What room and what the number of the street? A 420 Hastings Street East, room number three.
9 Q Where did the accused tell you you could have this girl prostitute herself there; where did you meet him.
Court: Where was the accused when he told you you could go to that room? A In Chinatown.
10 Q How did you find this room? A He took me down there to the room
1 Q What did it cost you? A Five dollars.
2 Q Who did you pay the money to? A I paid it to Gin Yuen.
3 Q Did the girl prostitute herself to you at that time at that place? A He told the girl to do so and then I had sexual intercourse with her.
4 Q Now were you there again? A Yes again.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 194 File 1914/211 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.