2 AUGUST 1997, Page 23

Sir: It so happened that while reading Digby Anderson's article

my dustman was whistling away as he carried out his nasty job. While whistling may not any more fig- ure largely among their activities, the work- ing classes have changed few of their tradi- tional beliefs, showing how much closer they remain to the true toffs than to the middle classes.

Both hate change, detest the middle classes, have contempt for education, are promiscuous, cruel, feckless, spendthrift, and damn fine company.

The attitude of both to wealth is remark- ably similar. They will forgive you for being rich provided the money was inherited, stolen or won gambling. You will not be forgiven if you achieved it by cleverness and hard work.

Arthur Woods

Copper Beech Vineyard, Black Hill, Lindfield, West Sussex