R Takenaka to The Custodian's Office, 08 January 1945

R Takenaka to The Custodian's Office, 08 January 1945

Hulton P. O., St. Vital, Man. Jan. 8/45.
The Custodian's Office, Royal Bank Bldg., Vancouver, B. C. Dear Sir:
I am writing this in regards to my property as it is becoming increasingly clear that the Government policy is to be one of dispersal throughout Canada. I have been waiting for the results of the property owner's action against the Custodian but that does not seem to be forthcoming.
In your letter to me you stated that the farm was sold at the appraised value. No doubt you referred to the valuation on the land tax paper. If you, you were gravely mistaken as the Tax Department hold no knowledge of the two large poultry houses that were built in 1941 at a cost of over $800.00, or almost as much as the farm was sold for. The Tax Dept. has never sent anyone to valuate improvements for many years and as we were not required to take out building permits they did not have any way of knowing.
Under these circumstances do you not think that in this particular case there is very much to be desired, and is very much out of line of the Government's promise of British justice, which I have always had faith in, and need re-assurance of in order to be able to co-operate with the Government in its dispersal policy.
What I would like to do if possible is to disperse of the farm on my own through a real estate agent, but to prove to you that I have a very reasonable basis for complaint, I would like to have a real estate Co. valuate the property in order to compare it with your valuation of it. If there is a very great difference I am sure I will be able to get a permit to go out to Vancouver to make a settlement with you or a private purchaser, as I have had many offers before, which prompts me to make this appeal for a square deal. I would appreciate it very much if you will give this matter some thought and if possible take it up with the propert authorities.
Yours truly,

Metadata

Title

R Takenaka to The Custodian's Office, 08 January 1945

Credits

Encoder: Ariel Merriam
Publication Information: See Terms of Use for publication and licensing information.

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.