These should always be addressed to “The Editor,” and they usually end with Yours faithfully. The form of Salutation is Sir/Dear Sir. If the writer gives his address for publication, it is often placed below the letter and to the left of the signature. If the writer does not wish his name to be published, he can sign his letter with a non-de-plume (such as “Interested”, “Anxious”, “One who knows”, etc.) ; but in any case he must give his name and address (in a
covering letter) to the Editor, for no respectable newspaper will publish anonymous letters.
[To a newspaper, about a bad piece of road that is in need of repair]
To
The Editor
The Hindu
Sir,
Our Municipality wants waking up ; and, as private appeals to their office have had no effect, perhaps a little publicity will do no harm. For the last month Chetty Road has been almost impassable. The surface is badly broken up by the heavy rains, and on a dark night it is positively dangerous for motors or carriages to pass that way. Moreover, there are heaps of roadmetal on both sides of the road, which leave very little room in the middle. It is scandalous that we should be inconvenienced in this way for weeks, and I hope the public will bring pressure to bear on those responsible so that the road may be put in thorough repair without further delay.
Yours faithfully,
Anirudh Kumar
More Letters
[To a very near neighbour about quiet for the benefit of a person who is seriously ill]
21 Osborne Street
7th May, 2001
Dear Shri Naik,
I am sorry to have to worry you with my troubles, but when I have explained I am sure you will understand. I regret to say that Mrs. Pradhan is seriously ill. The doctor, who has just been, says she is in a critical condition, and that absolute quiet is essential for her recovery. She has had several bad nights, and cannot get sufficient sleep. I am sure you will not be offended if, in the circumstances, I ask you to tell your servant and your children to make as little noise as they can during the next few days. Our houses are so close together that we cannot help hearing shouting, and even talking ; and the slightest noise disturbs my wife, who is in a very low, nervous state. If she can only have a few days and nights of quiet, I think it will work wonders.
Apologizing for putting you to this inconvenience.
Yours sincerely
Satish Pradhan
[A father reports to the police that his son has not returned home from school,
giving particulars of the boy, his dress, etc.]
35 Patel Street
Ahmednagar
4 Jan. 2001
The Inspector of Police
Police Station II
Ahmednagar
Dear Sir,
My son, Abdur Rashid, a lad twelve years old, is missing, and I am very anxious about him. As all my efforts to trace him have failed, I must appeal to you for help. He went to school this morning as usual, but although it is eight o’clock, he has not returned. He generally comes home before 4-30 p.m., everyday. I have made inquiries at the school (the Government High School), but the headmaster cannot throw any light on the matter. He says Abdur Rashid left school as usual at about 4-15 p.m., and he was quite well. The only clue I can find is from one of his school friends (a boy called Mhd. Hussain) who says he saw my son going along the canal bank at about 4-30 p.m., with a man whom he did not know. He cannot describe this man, but says he was wearing a white pagri and a brown jacket.
Abdur Rashid was wearing a red fez, a white coat and trousers. He is rather tall for his age, and walks with a slight limp.
I cannot think he has got into mischief, as he has always been a good boy and most regular in his habits. In view of the kidnapping case a few weeks ago, I am naturally very anxious lest he may have suffered from some foul play. Please do your best to trace him, and let me know as soon as you have anything to report.
Yours faithfully,
Abdur Rahim
[Certificate to a pupil]
Ideal College
Varanasi
12 May 2001
Ahmad Hasan has studied in this college for two years, and has just appeared in the Intermediate
Examination. As he has worked well and is intelligent, he stands a good chance of passing. His conduct has been most satisfactory and he bears a good character. Physically he is robust and active,
and was a member of the college football team. I am sure he will do any work entrusted to him
conscientiously and efficiently.
N. Solomon
Principal
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