A PROLIFIC LETTER-WRITER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23649, 5 November 1938, Page 11

A PROLIFIC LETTER-WRITER

The letter to the editor is a timehonoured institution. It was a feature of English journalism before the leading article was born, and in modern times ft provides an interesting commentary on current events, and personal observation and experience. The world's champion letterwriter to the press was the Rev. J. B Bacon-Phillips, who died recently at the age of 81 at his home at Burgess Hill, Sussex. He wrote letters to English newspapers for a period of nearly 60 years, and sent out about 60,000 lettters, of which 9000 were published. "He wrote briefly and brightly on all subjects, from the exposure of social injustices to quaint customs and littleknown facts." states the London News Chronicle, to which he sent many letters. His advice to letter-writers to the press was: "Remember to hit the subject while it is hot and topical; cut out all padding: strike an original note; collect little-known facts; keep your memory alert, and be observant and accurate." Frequently Mr BaconPhillips sent out as many as twelve letters to the newspapers in a day