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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
In the Supreme Court of British Columbia [?] Tai Chong Plaintiff and John Maguire Defendant
[?] Perry [?] Clark to Robert Edwin Jackson of [?] street Victoria attorney for the Plaintiff make oath and say 1. That as such Clerk? [?] aforesaid I did on the 23rd day of September [instant?] about half past one of the clock in the afternoon personally serve the above named defendant with a notice a true copy [?] "A" 2. That the time of serving such notice [?] the said John Maguire he was selling by auction [?] Street aforesaid sundry goods that had need determined and [?] by him belonging to the Plaintiff and other Chinese [?] for the non payment of taxes under the Chinese Tax Act 1878 3. [?] aloud at the place of sale a copy of such notice the defendant then said "Oh you have some too late" he then laughed and said " That's only a notice where is the order" and proceeded with the sale, the defendant sold 1 separate chest of tea and some flannel, damask and other goods after I had served such notice, ne of the chests of tea was purchased by [name] of [?]