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1878/26 Tai Chong et al. vs. Maguire – non-payment of head tax due under Chinese Tax Act of 1878

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Brought forward. 318 00 Congressing Same 1.50 Copy Notice to amex[?] . 50 Attending Swearing Same 1.25 Paid Oath & exhibit 50 Attending Court with Counsel when case adjourned until Friday at request of defendant 3.25 Attending Court on hearing when case adjourned the Judge expressing a desire for further affidavits 3.25 Attending several purchasers of goods requesting them to make affidavits 2.50 Instructions for Affidavits of Mr. Nicholson 1.45 Drawing and engrossing Same 1.50 Attending him on his Swearing thereto 1.45 Paid Commission for Attending at Johnson Street administering Oath 1.45 Paid filing affidavit 25 Instructions for Affidavit of Gong Bow 1.45 Drawing Same 10 folios 2.50 Engrossing Same 1.25 Attending defendants on his Swearing thereto 1.45 Paid oath 25 Filing 25 Instructions for affidavits of Chien Yook 1.45 Drawing Same 8 fols 2. . Engrossing 1 . Attending defendant on his Swearing 1.45 Paid Oath 25 Filing 25 Oct 24 On receipt of letter from Mr. Harrison attending Plaintiff as to the terms on which he & the other Chinaman would settle these Cases 1.45 Forward $354 25

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