Re Fukuichi Aho

County Chief Justice Grant discusses the naturalization process and the naturalization applications of Fukuichi Aho and “a number of other foreigners.” (652) Grant’s musings were prompted by Robertson’s response to the Justice’s request for “evidence” of the applicants’ oaths of allegiance and residence and good character. (652) Robertson asserted that “the Court” - the County Court of Vancouver - “was powerless to make any such inquiry” and should “as a matter of course” administer the issuing of the requested naturalization certificates. (652) Grant points out that section 15 of the Naturalization Act indicates that aliens must supply the “evidence” he requested, and notes the “laxity” commonly displayed regarding this requirement. (653) He recommends that it be observed, in the form of applicants acquiring two “credible natural-born Canadian subjects” to testify to their character and intentions. (655) In future, Grant stated, he would “require” these witnesses in “all cases.” (655)) The applicants presently in his court were instructed to produce these witnesses within 2 months.