YOUR PROBLEMS SOLVED
Dear Mary.
Q. Fifty-five years ago, when learning their language as an embryo cryptanalyst, I came across a passage in an old textbook explain- ing that the Japanese had similar problems t9 us in pronouncing names. The English list included `Marjoribanks (Marshbanks); Cholmondely (Chumley); and Derby (Enroughty)'. I have never laid this prob- lem to rest. It is fairly clear that two half- names have gone missing. 'Darby is obvi- ous. But how on earth is 'Enroughty' spelt or pronounced? Can any of your readers help me, please.
0.K, London W2 A. I invite readers to submit their solutions.
Q. You ask for some 'pre-vulgarity' pro- nunciations. Here are a few: clandestin, consummat, cinemer, centeenary, dillem- in a, Grenidge, kilowmetre, Noridge, respit, risearch, trawma, trespuss. Let me know if You would like some more!
M.P., Bann, Banffshire Thank you for your stimulating contribu- tion. No more p.v.s are required for the time being as there is still a backlog to pro- cess.
Q. My family recently gave me a wonderful birthday party to celebrate another mile- stone and also gave me some lovely pre- sents. However, on opening one parcel I found it contained a card from my niece, who was not present, attached to a well- thumbed copy of one of last year's best- sellers with her name written therein. How can I thank her without straining family ties?
S. H., Glynde, Sussex A. Write to your niece thanking her and saying how delighted you were that she had Q. There is nothing I find more soothing or satisfying than to be able to sit around at home working on a jigsaw puzzle, while chatting to friends on the telephone or lis- tening to something on the radio. I do feel guilty, however, that my hobby is so unpro- ductive (particularly when daily women or nannies are about). How can I justify my hobby to myself and to disapproving friends and onlookers, Mary?
S.M., Beechingstoke, Wiltshire A. Why not assuage your conscience by volun- teering to sort the puzzles and donate them to your local charity shop? Then you can wear a pious expression on your face as you go about tackling the sequence of challenges. gone to the trouble of 'test-reading' a book for you and that she had correctly identi- fied it as being right up your street. Explain that you have deduced this from the name inside the copy which you received — her own — which she clearly wrapped up by mistake. Even if you do not genuinely believe such a muddle took place, it would be best if you could pretend to.
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