16 MARCH 1929, Page 18

[To the Editor of-the-SPEcTAToul

'SIR,—Using " idear of " instead of "idea of" may be common, but more common is the abuse of such words as " what," `‘ When," • " *hielf," " Wheel;" ancl• others. Dictionaries in vain lay down the law that the " h " should be heard in such words.- If heard at -all it will probably conie frOm the lips of Scotsmen, as they do give full value to the " h." In this way the difference of nationality can, as a rule, be detected.

Long ago I -had to be present at King's College when the prizes were given away. A Mr. Wheeler, was a winner of the Elocution prize ; but he was called out as Mr. Weeler by, save the 'mark, the Professor of Elocution himself.—I am,