Third world Sir: I have always admired Nigel Nicolson's rare
blend of sensitivity and common sense. His description of the Balliol 'handshaking' ceremony (Long life, 19 February) remind- ed me of a similar ritual that took place at the end of the final year at Christ Church. After a garden party we all queued to shake the hand of Dean Henry Chadwick, whose habit it was to send each of his graduates into the 'real world' with a phrase of warm encouragement. When confronted by my good friend Nicholas Rankin, who had always been considered the academic 'wild boy' of his year, the very eminent and rev- erend gentleman appeared to hesitate for a moment. When at last he spoke it was with a strange, strangulated but cordial shout. 'Smite the Amalachites, Mr Rankin,' he said, 'Smite the Amalachites.'
I was not surprised to read that Nigel Nicolson had achieved that most elusive of grades — the Third. Undoubtedly this helped to foster his delightful self-efface- ment, preserved his sound, uncomplicated prose style and contributed to the develop- ment of his warm humanity. Long live the Thirds!
Roger Pemberton
Weston House, -Weston Lullingfields, Shrewsbury
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