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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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SAM TOI COOK C/O GIM LEE YUEN Pender St.
I have known Annie Wing about 3 years.
I have known accused about 7 or 8 years.
About October 1913 the accused told me he could get me a nice young Chinese girl with whom I could have intercourse for the sum of $5.00. I asked him whom it was when he informed me it was Gom Wing daughter Annie.
I gave him the ($5.00) and he took me to a room at 420 Hastings Street East Vancouver BC took a key out of his pocket and opened the door. This was in the afternoon. On going into the room I saw Annie. The accused told her I had paid $ 5.00 and for he to stay with me. He then went out and I had intercourse with Annie. I stayed about 20 minutes or so and then went out, the accused was waiting for me. I was back under similar circumstances 5 or 6 times.
I have also seen him taking other China boys there.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 194 File 1914/211 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.