ON May 27, you printed a letter from L J Clarke about corporal punishment.

Among other things, he/she states: "They (children) learn by example and will discover right from wrong by being treated with respect, encouragement and fairness, not by humiliation through the use of beatings"!

Now, hold on a minute! I suggest "beatings" is far too strong and too emotive a word. Not every child that is reprimanded has to have "seven bells" knocked out of them. But this is implied.

Try telling an 18-month-old, crawling at speed across the carpet, not to put their tiny fingers in the 13-amp socket. You can reason, respect and discuss logically all you like, but that socket is "magnetic"!

Usually, a small light tap on the back of their hand is sufficient to deter them from trying again. Remember, at that age, they learn easily and cry easily.

But don't be deterred, they very soon stop crying and trying the sockets! It's a "no go" area to them, after that. Mission accomplished.

A quick look at how our unruly society has developed since the 1960s confirms beyond doubt, to me, anyway, that although very well intentioned, the do-gooders' policy has not done us any favours at all.

I still believe that out of love and kindness children should be "corrected, instructed and guided" in the ways of the adult world they will shortly join.

STANLEY D PARR,

Pershore.