Letters: In Brief

Sir: I am delighted that Anthony Wood (Letter, 26 November) thinks that the "unelected monarch ... speaks for the entire population". I don't. Seeing as we disagree, can we have a vote on it?

The Rev DAVID E FLAVELL

Liverpool

Sir: Philip Hensher's article about highly able children ("Leave those brainy kids alone", 27 November) would have been applauded by none other than Bernard Shaw. In 1892 he wrote a review of Dame Clara Butt, then a student at the Royal College of Music. "If Miss Butt has sufficient strength of mind to keep her eyes, ears and mind open in the artistic atmosphere of the Royal College, without for a moment allowing herself to be taught (a process which instantly stops the alternative process of learning), she may make a considerable career for herself."

ROGER VIGNOLES

London NW5

Sir: Ben James (letter, 26 November) asks for a "review of the decision to open subsidiary branches [of Parliament] in Wales and Scotland". The shareholders in both areas called for such branches themselves, having been heartily sick and tired of the poor service Head Office has been providing for centuries. And indeed, both countries had thriving businesses of their own before the aggressive takeover strategies of England plc put paid to them.

ADAM RYKALA

Plaid Cymru

Blaenau Gwent

Sir: On page two of the Weekend Review (28 November) a letter from Michael O'Hare gives examples of the Americanisation of the UK. On page one, the feature "I have seen the future" contains these pearls: "Christmas is slated to bring yet more goodies." (Why should Christmas be criticised for that?); and "The Rugrats Movie has snuck up from behind" (Is this some arcane irregular form of the verb "to snack"?)

PHILIP D DELNON

Swanscombe, Kent