The Editor, Sir:

Melville Cooke on 'Daddy' and 'Mummy Dearest' sent me down memory lane. Of course, before some of us were called mummy we used to be 'gal' - I was swept with the horror of it! When mummy came into play there was a jolt to the system.

Can you imagine the pain on entering a bank sometime ago I heard, "Morning granny." Me? No one else in sight except the guard, there was no visible reaction on my part and I didn't miss a beat!

On noting this, a group of about eight young men called out in louder tones, "Granny, yu naa answer, we tell you good morning." I was mortified - there was the guard at the door restraining a smile and great laughter from the idle young men.

That was too much. I spun around and walked briskly in their direction and in a loud and I hope threatening tone hollered, "Which one of you is my grandson! You ugly young men! Which one? and which one of you has the gall to believe you could be my grandson - come, come, answer! Tell me!" Then I turned and walked gracefully into the bank.

On my return, I noted triumphantly and gratefully that they had disappeared.

Alas, I think back to those years with the hope that one day soon, ringing out at me will be one beautiful little word. Yes! Gal (and yes maybe even granny - think of the next progression - and I can still dance the ska)!

I am, etc.,

CORDELL WHYTE

7 Kingsway

Kingston 10