f To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I have read
with interest your article on life membership of the Spectator- The plan of granting life membership at all ages on payment of ten years' subscription whatever the
age of the member is generally adopted, •but it is very unfair. In 1920 the Society of Antiquaries adopted the following
rule (I think I may say at my suggestion) :- " It shall be open to every Fellow at any time .. to compound for all future payments of subscription [of 4 guineas a year] by paying to the Society the sum of one hundred guineas less one guinea for every completed year of his age at the date of such composition."
This scale agrees closely with the actuarial value of the four guineas for life. I am -told that some nonagenarian members have taken advantage of it, but I see no harm in that. The corresponding rates for an annual subscription of £1 6s. would be £32 10s., less 6s. 6d. for each completed year of age, and I commend that or some similar scale to
your consideration.—I am, Sir, &c., E. W. Baamtoox. Wallington.
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