Welfare

These are sentences taken from actual letters, received by the Toronto Welfare Department, from applications for aid and assistance.

I am forwarding my marriage certificate and six children. I have seven but one died and was baptised on a half sheet of paper.

I am writing to the Welfare Department to say that my baby was born two years old. When do I get my money?

I cannot get sick pay. I have six children. Can you tell me why?

This is my eighth child. What are you going to do about it?

Please find out for certain if my husband is dead. The man I am living with cannot eat or do anything until he finds out.

In answer to your letter, I have given birth to a boy weighing 10 pounds. I hope this is satisfactory.

My husband had his project cut off two weeks ago, and I haven't had any relief since.

I haven't had any children as yet, as my husband is a bus driver and works night and day.