I too remember the use of 'Esquire'....my late Dad, a grazier, in South Gippsland, also received letters from his Stock & Station Agents addressed as Linda described. He also insisted he was a Grazier and not a Farmer and I was duly instructed to fill in any forms requiring Fathers Occupation as such. I personally couldn't see the difference, but it was important to Dad. He said it showed respect for him!!! BTW, my grandfather described his father as a Gentleman on his wedding certificate....I think in that case it meant he was unemployed!!!! Helene Helene J Hayes Pakenham Vic helenh@nex.net.au