The Editor, Sir:

Please give me a small space in your newspaper to suggest to those persons who are making bonus payments to their employees at Christmas time, to work out an agreement to make these payments on a two-part basis; half in August and the other half at the usual time.

My idea came out of the reality that many parents face during the back-to-school period each year. I also suggest the first payment be made after August 10, each year.

I am quite aware that not all the recepients have back-to-school expenses. But those who get bonuses and receive some benefit outside the back-to-school period could have theirs at that time also.

Last-minute shopping is not beneficial to the true value of our children's education. Our children cannot learn well without the proper tools, books and other things that learning depends on.

Let us also think about the many facilities provided by schools.

The parents have to shoulder some of these expenses on time so the institution can be ready for each academic year.

So parents, take positive steps and pay your child's back-to-school expenses and let your children, and teachers, have a pleasant school year and beyond. I thank you.

I am, etc.,

J. A. BAILEY

Dally P.O.

St Thomas