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1884/29 Tai Chong – nuisance pigs, near Songhees reserve

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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the day of the taking this inquisition at a certain building and in a certain yard thereto adjoining situate and being in the Songish Indian Reserve and near the dwelling houses of divers liege subjects of our said Lady the Queen and also near divers public streets of the City of Victoria and common highways there and yet doth a great number of hogs and unlawfully and injuriously did but place and leave and caused and procured to be put placed and left and did [pervail?] and suffer to be left divers large quantities of dung and filth whereby divers noscious and unwholesome smells from the said dung and filth- did then and there arise and thereby the air there became and was greatly corrupted and infected to the great damage and common nuisance not only of all the liege subjects of our said Lady the Queen inhabiting and residing near the said place where the said dung and filth was so put placed and left as as aforesaid but also of all other liege subjects of our said Lady the Queen on by and through the said public streets and highways going returning passing and repassing and against the peace of our Lady the Queen her Crown and Dignity

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 26 File 1884/29 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

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