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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Tai Chong vs. Maguire
Let the [Chi?] [Ha?] [?] his Attorney or Agent attend me at my Chambers, at the Court House, James' Bay, on the fourth day of November 1878 at 12 o'clock, noon to shew cause why he should not forthwith pay into Court the order of 4950 being the amount which by the [?] made herein [?] the 25-th day of October 1878 he was directed to pay into Court in accordance with the [?] of [fair?] undertaking herein[?] [?] the 24th day of September 1878 [he?] be [dealt?] with by the further order of this Court
Dated 1st day of November 1878.
J. H. [Gray?]
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 17 File 1878/26 Attorney General documents.