Philip Eden wrote:

....

You'll find a discussion of the subject from alt.usage.english he

http://www.englishforums.com/English...hwwcg/Post.htm

It certainly dates back to at least 1930, and may well be several decades
older even than that.

If it was in The Times, you'd think Claud Cockburn ("I Claud" et al)
would have mentioned it. I've just had a quick look, but can't see it there.

Hugh

--

Hugh Newbury

www.evershot-weather.org