24 JULY 2004, Page 55

Q. I have recently been fortunate enough to receive a

great many letters of condolence, many of them from strangers. I would like to pass on a tip to readers who, like me, may occasionally have been at a loss as to how to reply to a kind letter sent by someone whose address is handwritten and whose handwriting is illegible. Simply cut out the handwritten address and tape it on to the envelope containing your reply, and let the postman make what he can of it. At least you have tried.

Name and address withheld A. Thank you for your considerate tip.