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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]

6.

happened in your Father’s house. Now what was the next conversation you had with him regarding leading an immoral life.?

A After we had been living in the house 426 Pender Street East for six months then we moved away and then the accused rented out the house himself and he persuaded me to go to the house several times to prostitute myself.

52 Q Where was this house that the accused go you to go to.?

  A 426.
3 Q Well what is 426.?
   A Pender Street east.
4 Q Did you prostitute yourself?

MR READ: That is a leading question.

5 Q Where then did you prostitute yourself.?
  MR READ: Has she ever prostituted herself otherwise than at 426 Pender Street east.?
  A No I never prostituted myself until the accused persuaded me.

COURT: She never prostituted herself until her persuaded here.

  A Yes, I did prostitute myself.
6 Q Where.?
  A At 426 Hastings Street East in the back room.
7 Q Is that 426 or 420.?
  A Hastings Street 420.
8 Q What room.?
  A At the back room.
9 Q What number.? 
  A Number three.

60 Q Whose room was that.?

  A That is his room. He paid the rent.
1 Q Now when would you go to this room, what time in the day?
  A About two o’clock, 2:30?
2 Q And how long would you stay.?
  A Till five.
3 Q And how would the men come there.?

MR READ: She said she was prostituting herself. You have no

Current Page Discussion [edit] [history]

Image 29 of 46