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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

The Jurors for our Lady the Queen upon their oath present that Tai Chong on the twenty fourth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-four and on divers other days between that day and the day of the taking of this inquisition on the Indian Reserve 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 did and yet doth keep thirty-one hogs and the said hogs here and there to wit at the place and times aforesaid unlawfully and in injurously did feed and yet doth feed with offal and other filth by reason whereof divers noisome and unwholesome smells and stenches during the true aforesaid did from the thence there arise and the air there was and yet is thereby greatly corrupted and infected to the great damage and common nuisance not only of all the liege subjects of our said Lady the Queen there resident and dwelling but also to all the liege subjects of our said Lady the Queen passing and repassing in by and through

the said streets and common highways there to the evil example of all others in like case offending 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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