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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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2.

14 Q How old is she.?

   A  In three or four months more she will be seventeen years of age.

5 Q Where was she born.?

  A  victoria.

MR READ: I object to the English – having a document put to him.

COURT: Where did you get this paper.?

  A  Victoria.?

6 Q Who from.?

  A  From a lawyer. I forget what his name is.

Mr READ: I object to it going in as evidence until you identify the girl with that paper.

7 Q What is your wife’s name and mother of Jick Gom.

MR READ: The witness swore that her chinese name was Gom.

MR GRANT: I will prove that the girl’s name is Jick Gom.

8 Q What is your daughter’s full name.?

  A  Jick Gom.

9 Q What is her mother’s name.?

  A  The name is on the paper.

10 Q What is her name.?

  A  I never asked her what her name was. Her name was something like Chun.
1 Q  Where was this girl born, what street in Victoria.,?
  A  Victoria, in Chinatown, I don’t know the name od the street,
2 Q  Who was the doctor who attended the Mother when the girl was born.?
  A  I forget what his name was. His name is on the paper.

MR GRANT: How if My Friend wants any further corss-examination as to whether he is the father of the girl or not. I am going to tender it anyway.

MR READ: I simply object to it.

MR GRANT: It is under the seal of the Registrar General of Births Deaths and Marriages.

COURT: Don’t you think before you put that in you had better identify the girl.?

23 Q Is that your daughter.? A. Yes, Jick Gom.


BC Archives GR-0419 Box 194 File 1914/211 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

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