In the late 1800's and early 1900's, Victoria was the first port of call for books coming across the Pacific, and up from the United States such as from San Francisco. I am sure that my great-grandfather Ernest Lee would have had to stay here, as well as my grandfather Sonny Mar, as they waited for the head tax papers and immigration papers had to be signed. Sometimes... hopeful immigrants would have to wait not just days... but weeks before they were allowed to enter Canada. This is an interesting story in the Victoria Times Colonist. - Todd   more »