Letter: Myth of the century

Sir: Congratulations to Dr David M Williams (letter, 15 December) on piercing the virtual media censorship of the fact that the new millennium does not begin for another year.

The same applies to the new century. One hundred years ago nobody doubted that the twentieth century would begin on 1 January 1901 (for proof, see the newspapers of that date). Little did they think that it would last only 99 years. What I would like to know is: is this adjustment of one year permanent, or will the 21st century last 101 years to compensate?

ALAN PAVELIN

Chislehurst, Kent