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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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            But suppose such a notice was
            sufficient service of the order there
            is nothing in the affidavit of the
            Plaintiff to show that after the
            service of the notice any of the 
            Plaintiffs food were sold or the
             proceeds thereof parted.
        [?]  that the Defendant [?] after receiving
             the notice or being served with
             the order willfully & intentionally
             violates the [?] of the order  [?]
             the contrary the [Debt?] affidavit
            shows that the Oppressed a desire [?]
            [Kach?] [ni?] obedience to
            legal authority


BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERALS. Box 17 File 1878/26 Attorney General documents

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