14 MAY 1948, Page 17

" THE BRIGHT YEARS "

SIR,—Sir Osbert Sitwell and his sister criticise the way they were brought up in caustic terms and at the same time exploit it for their and our benefit. Their father, who seems to have been chiefly responsible, is not here to give his account, but it is possible he found that to guide such a highly individual pair in the way they should go was no easy matter. However this may be, he could at least point to the result. If it had not been for his austere treatment, they might not now rank in public estima- tion as they do today. The success they have attained would hardly have followed from the usual indulgent upbringing given to spoilt children.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, R. DYMOND. Burntwood Hall, near Barnsley.