R G Bell to Mr. John Yoshinori Matsui, 16 December 1946

R G Bell to Mr. John Yoshinori Matsui, 16 December 1946

Copy for Mr. Shears
1700
Cat. No. 709
December 16th, 1946
Mr. John Yoshinori Matsui
Reg. No. 07463
276 Wellesley Street Toronto, Ontario Dear Sir:
Re: Lot 8 of Block 66 of Lot 1, Alberni District, Plan 197-B
We are in receipt of your letter of the 6th instant and note that you are disappointed with the price realised for your Port Alberni property.
While appreciating the fact that the sale of any property is a matter of personal concern to, and may be contrary to the wishes of the owner, we would assure you that in carrying out the Dominion Government's policy of liquidation this office has made every effort to secure fair prices.
Our records show that in this case, in spite of the acute houseing shortage and consequent active demand, both for renting and purchasing of residential properties of all kinds, this property remained on the market without finding a tenant or a purchaser until the 26th February, 1945, when, through the active efforts of real estate agents, a purchaser was found who would pay the price ($650.00) placed on it by a qualified independent appraiser.
You purchased the property for $500.00, of which $300.00 remained unpaid, plus taxes, including arrears amounting to $133.82, and until we received the above offer your equity in the property was in doubt. We were therefore glad to be able to credit you with net proceeds amounting to $291.35.
RGB:P.

Metadata

Title

R G Bell to Mr. John Yoshinori Matsui, 16 December 1946

Credits

Encoder: Josie Gray
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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.