4 AUGUST 1984, Page 16

Box wallahs

rr he underwriters of Lloyd's of London insure the world from their boxes which are something between schoolroom benches and tall squirearchical pews. The inmates add their distinctive touches. One box on the main line route of visitors to Lloyd's bears a demure brass plate: PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE UNDER- WRITERS. Another has now acquired a more sinister notice. AGE AND TREACHERY, this asserts, WILL TRIUMPH OVER YOUTH AND SKILL. All, of course, in the utmost good faith.

Christopher Fildes