14 MAY 1942, Page 13

Ste,—May I tell you a true story which throws an

interesting light on the value attached to " Esq." by the electorate? Some years before the war a vacancy for a rural district councillor occurred in a certain parish. There were two candidates. Both decided to send out an election address and used the register of electors.

Candidate A addressed his envelopes plainly and simply John X, William Y, &c., except for a few who received an "Esq." after their name.

Candidate B addressed every male as Esq., John X, Esq., William Y, Esq., &c.

In the ensuing uproar the .contents of the envelopes appeared to be forgotten. The result was inevitable. Candidate B was elected, with a