29 OCTOBER 1943, Page 13

SIR,—Having read Mr. Fyfe's article on public school education and

also Mr.• Rainsford's letter in answer to it, I feel I must bring to light one point which I consider both of them to have omitted ; that is that a public school training, though admirable in so many ways, is totally deficient in providing that spirit of independence which is so vital in modern life. A public school boy is kept far too much under guidance and control until the day when he is sent out into the world to Send for himself. Therefore he is almost bound to be a " bad mixer " and awkward in so-called " lower " company, a trait which is fatal in a democratic country such as ours. Except for this important point, how- ever, I agree entirely with Mr. Rainsford in his appreciation of this Trinity College, Glenalmond, Perthshire.