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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

IN THE SUPREME COURT OP BRITISH COLUMBIA. OYER AND TERMINER AND GENERAL GAOL DELIVERY. CANADA PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLOMBIA Vancouver Fall Assizes COUNTY OF VANCOUVER

CITY OF VANCOUVER

1914.

1. The Jurors for our Lord the King present that Sin Yuen alias John Young on or about the Fifteenth day of August in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirteen at the City of Vancouver in the County of Vancouver unlawfully did procure one Gom, alias Annie Wing, a girl then being under the age of twenty-one years and not a common prostitute or of known immoral character, to have carnal knowledge within Canada with another person to wit one Chong Chung, against the form of the Statute in such case made and provided and against the peace of our Lord the King his Crown and dignity.

2. And the Jurors aforesaid do further present that the said Sin Yuen, alias John Young, afterwards to wit on divers days in and between the months of August and December in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirteen unlawfully did procure the said Gom, alias Annie Wing, to become within Canada a common prostitute, against the form of the Statute in such case made and provided and against the peace of Our Lord the King his Crown and Dignity.

I prefer the above Bill of Indictment to the Grand Jury.

Crown Counsel.

Current Page Discussion [edit] [history]

Image 44 of 46