ESQUIRE
Sir-I was surprised by "Suns downer’s" violent objection to the use of "esquire" when addressing letters, on the ground that it is snobbish. I thought it was used instead of Mr. because Mr. and Mrs. so often look alike (especially to an inquisitive spouse). This view seems to be supported by the fact that a letter intended for both is always addressed to "Mr. and Mrs, X," not to "Mrs. X and Esq." I believe "esquire" is derived from the name for a knight’s servant in old times, and "mister" from "master," which should put it in a higher social grade and should cause "Sundowner" to consider it more, not less, snobbish.
A. DE
VILLIERS
(Kumeu).
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19570308.2.19.10
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 36, Issue 917, 8 March 1957, Page 11
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117ESQUIRE New Zealand Listener, Volume 36, Issue 917, 8 March 1957, Page 11
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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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