Stanley Last to Federal Department of Fisheries, 31 December 1942

Stanley Last to Federal Department of Fisheries, 31 December 1942

Canadian Red Cross Society

Kirkland District Hospital, Kirkland Lake, Ont. December 31, 1942.
British Columbia Sea Fisheries Control Board,
Vancouver, B.C.
Dear Sirs:
Would you kindly let me know if at present you have on hand any fishing boats which could be made available to me for fishing off the Vancouver coast or any section approved by the Board. I am assuming that you may have at your disposal some of the boats which have been idle since the start or hostilities with Japan. I would appreciate receiving information as to the type of boat and what arrangement could be made for the use or purchase of it.
I am 28 years of age, single, Canadian, born in Ontario and have had considerable experience with outdoor water and bush life. To make a living fishing off the B.C. coast appeals to me very much as I have been looking forward to that type or life.
On June 25, 1940, I enlisted for Active Service but was rejected on account of right foot drop from infantile paralysis at the age of three. On June 9, 1942 I was called up with my age group but unfortunately rejected again for the same reason. I have no other disabilities and am in the best of health.
At the present time and for the past 18 months I have been employed by the Kirkland District Hospital as maintenance and repair man. I am well acquainted with mechanical repair work of all kinds.
If successful in securing a boat and permission to fish from your Board my intention would be to start west in the early spring. In the meantime I could save enough money for a start on my own. After starting operations I could pay for the boat from revenue if such an arrangement would be acceptable to the Board.
I am very anxious to see this hops or mine materialize and trust you may be in a position to give my request your fullest consideration. In the meantime I will be waiting for your reply. I will be glad to furnish any additional information and forward employment references and army rejection certificates upon request.
Yours very truly,
Stanley Last

Metadata

Title

Stanley Last to Federal Department of Fisheries, 31 December 1942

Credits

Transcriber: Lindsey Jacobson
Encoder: Gord Lyall
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Terminology

Readers of these historical materials will encounter derogatory references to Japanese Canadians and euphemisms used to obscure the intent and impacts of the internment and dispossession. While these are important realities of the history, the Landscapes of Injustice Research Collective urges users to carefully consider their own terminological choices in writing and speaking about this topic today as we confront past injustice. See our statement on terminology, and related sources here.