I am unaccustomed to responding to scurrilous remarks and vilification from a person whose command of the English language is exemplified by his description of a New Zealand Christian gentleman as a "Kiwi geezer" and "religious nut" (Opinion, May 4).

Although his church would not lower itself to take issue over this abhorrence, I have no such misgivings.

Firstly, I view, with considerable disdain, this correspondent's discreditable attempt to criticise The Argus's lady columnist by saying she is lacking in perspicacity.

Quite apart from being completely incorrect, this is an act of rather ungentlemanly manners, is it not?

Secondly, I have received information to the effect that the New Zealander's oratory has been examined and found to be authentic, which is almost certainly why the Argus's editor permitted his lady colleague to interview the second "religious nut" (Weekend, April 28).

I cannot, somehow, imagine his sanctioning an interview with a mentally unbalanced gentleman - can you, Mr R A Braden of Pevensey Road, West Worthing?

Finally, I am reminded of an instruction we received upon "touching down" amid the sands of Normandy in June 1944.

It went something like this: "It is better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven."

I experienced five months of the former and, presuming there is an all-powerful gentleman "upstairs" looking after his flock, I suggest you don sackcloth and ashes before you have a similar experience, Mr Braden. I would strongly advise you to refrain from any further obnoxious rhetoric.

-L James Cumper, Caburn Road, Hove