Flora Matheson to Mr. Shears, 29 July 1946
This man wrote us on July 22, 1946, complaining of the price obtained for his vessel "Pacific Crown", and stating,
“I claim for the charter fees and the damage”.
Isamu Tamai was interned on April 21, 1942. He was released from internment on July 6, 1943. On May 8, 1942, his vessel was sold, through the Japanese Fishing Vessels Disposal Committee, by his Attorney, Hideo Fukuyama.
The vessel was sold for $3,050.00. The Committee's supervision charge was $35.50. The sum of $545.27 was paid to satisfy a Mortgage. The sum of $100.00 was paid to one Y Ode to settle a debt. The remainder of the proceeds $2,369.23 were paid by the Committee to Isamu Tamai's Attorney, Hideo Fukuyama, on May 22, 1942. Fukuyama has stated that, acting on istructions from Isamu Tamai, he turned this
money over to Tokumatsu Tamai, Isamu's father. There appears to be no doubt that the money was turned over to Tokumatsu
Tamai, who seems to have used it to settle various debts owing by Isamu Tamai.
Around February 22, 1942, this vessel was requisitioned by the RCAF. Isamu Tamai states that he holds a wire requisitioning the vessel. He claims that
the vessel was used by the RCAF and that she must have been damaged by the RCAF, hence
the low sale price. He has stated that the boat was launched in June, 1941, used for three months only, and that she had cost $4000.00 to build.
Actually there appears to be some evidence that the vessel was used as a ferry by
Naval Service prior to requisitioning by the RCAF. The RCAF, however, judging from our records,
examined her only and found her unsuitable, and then released her for sale.
In regard to damage, the sum of $30.62 was paid to Star Shipyard for some repairs, and the sum of $47.50 was paid to the purchaser, B.C. Packers Ltd., to cover the cost of replacing missing inventory. At the time of sale, Hideo Fukuyama,
the owner's Attorney, signed the papers reading:
“If the Dominion Government will allow me $47.50 to make good that damage, I agree that I shall not make further claims of any nature whatsoever against the Dominion Government, and hereby authorize the Japanese Fishing Vessels Disposal Committee to pay any claims for damages or missing inventory to B.C. Packers.”
In letter of July 22, 1946, Isamu Tamai indicates that a sale being negotiated with the Canadian Fishing Company Ltd. was spoiled by the requisitioning order.
Isamu Tamai being interned at the time of the sale of his vessel, it would seem that
his vessel vested in the Custodian. However, the sale was completed and the proceeds
disbursed before the Custodian had knowledge of the sale.
I do not know whether Tamai has any claim for damages because the requisitioning order
spoiled an earlier chance to sell the boat; or for any damage or loss the boat may
have suffered, especially in view of the release signed by his attorney. I was replied
to Tamai as shown by the attached copy.
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Title
Flora Matheson to Mr. Shears, 29 July 1946
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Encoder: Josie Gray
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Terminology
Readers of these historical materials will encounter derogatory references to Japanese
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