Sir, – We used to fear the mildly corrupting influence of whistling cornerboys and other idle ne’er-do-wells. I am sure there is some link between the sad decline of both. – Yours, etc,
BENEDICT BLUNNIE,
Brussels.
Sir, – Patricia O'Riordan (April 8th) must be very young! God be with the days when the Dublin Grand Opera Society season was in full swing, the messenger boys, on their bicycles whistling the arias from the latest production, the little "Palm Court" group played in Robert Roberts in Grafton Street and, at any moment, Mr and Mrs Elliott might come down the street, wheeling their harps and sit down to "busk" some most delightful music.
Nowadays, we see the solitary auditors perambulating with plugs in their ears, missing the sounds of the world. I do hope, for her own sake, that Ms O’Riordan is not one of those but building her own memory bank. – Yours, etc,
CAL HYLAND,
Rosscarbery, Cork.
Sir, – Paul Delaney (April 7th) would have enjoyed the Sting/Paul Simon concert in the 3 Arena on Tuesday night. Paul Simon whistled a tune, which can't have been easy but was wonderful! It was a fantastic evening of music. – Yours, etc,
LAURA O’MARA,
Stillorgan, Co Dublin.