18 OCTOBER 1957, Page 18

A PENNY FOR THE GUY

Sta,—During a brief visit to London, I was disturbed, by grubby urchins soliciting 'A penny for the gl'Y', 1 wonder why November 5 should always be precedo by organised cadging and celebrated with loud explosions. This custom should surely be allowed t° die out since it dates from a time when attempts lc; blow up our legislators seem to have been consideree as blameworthy. I do not think they would be con' sidered so today.—Yours faithfully,

GERALD HAMILTO