2 FEBRUARY 1991, Page 24

Manners makyth . . .

Sir: Last month I donated to the library of the local grammar school in Rye some 40-50 books (not a paperback to be seen), the residue of my late brother's collection. I still await any acknowledg- ment of receipt.

One hears many lamentations about modern schoolchildren lacking in courtesy and the social graces; it occurs to me that it may well be that the schools have no one to instil or instruct the children in these virtues.

James Menhinick

69 North Salts, Rye, East Sussex