17 MARCH 2001, Page 63

Q. In response to a recent correspondent's query on how

to avoid eye-contact in foreign public conveniences equipped with half-doors, you recommended mounting the lavatory side-saddle._May I suggest that this advice is over-ingenious, not to mention fraught with danger? On trips to mainland China, where the cubicles have no doors at all, I always equip myself with a large golf umbrella which, when opened, provides complete privacy. Simple and effective — and it keeps off the rain!

A.S., Sai Kung, Hong Kong A. Thank you for your consideration in sub mitting this tip. Mary Killen If you have a problem, write to Dear Mary, clo The Spectator, 56 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LL.