INITIALS OR CHRISTIAN NAMES?
Sir-I think the Broadcasting Services might well ‘cry "touché" to "Touchy’s" complaint on the above topic. I am inclined to believe that he is right, not merely from the point of view of euphony but also from that of style, since I have a vague recollection of being taught that the full Christian mame and not merely the initials should follow the
use of any title. But, in any case, the use of initials is a most irritating practice, and to me a most tantalising form of semi-anonymity. It is almost as bad as using an alias. Imagine what feeling would be aroused in countless breasts if it were learned that the name H. G. Wells concealed the adumbrated persona of, say, Hannibal G. Wells, or H. Gulliver Wells. Of course it doesn’t, but the thought is surely an appalling one. Of course there is an obverse side to the business. If the Fuhrer had had the sense to stick to A. Hitler, the Fifth Column might have done a big build-up with whispers about Attila, or even Agamemnon, which are slightly more warlike to us than Adolphus, in spite of all that Gustavus of that ilk did in the brave days of yore. However, I suppose people will go using initials, no matter what
I ‘think.
S. P. Q.
R.
( Auckland).
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19401004.2.8.3
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 67, 4 October 1940, Page 4
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226INITIALS OR CHRISTIAN NAMES? New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 67, 4 October 1940, Page 4
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Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
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