Sideswipe: Matariki mystery?

If anyone knows anything about this carving contact Sideswipe. Photo / Supplied

Charlotte, the manager of King's Plant Barn in Silverdale, found this carving (pictured) in their garden by the carpark last Saturday. They were wondering why someone would leave it there, and whether it has a cultural meaning or something to do with Matariki. If anyone knows, contact Sideswipe.

Diners donations

Tony Smith, marketing services manager of Diners Club New Zealand in response to an item in last Thursday's Sideswipe from James: "We apologise to the caller [James] for not giving them the donation values for the cards. Diners Club donates $25 for each new SPCA Diners Club Companion account and then $5.25 every year the account is held. We also donate 0.25 per cent of all purchases made on the card and offer our reward programme members the option of donating their points to the SPCA as well. Where the confusion may have been is that we do not disclose the total amount that goes to the SPCA each year, as this is confidential company information. If the animal-lover is still interested, we would appreciate their support with this great cause."

Road salt remedy

Stuart writes from the US in response to Marion: "From someone in Reno, Nevada, where it snows a lot, a bit about road salt. It is applied to ice to melt it. It is often spread on the road before the storm to keep rain from freezing. It is not used to enhance friction. Sand is spread on ice for friction. After the storm season the sand is carefully swept up because it is like ball bearings on the pavement as well as a dust hazard."

Warm fuzzy wake-up

Emma writes: "To the young boy from Rutherford College who asked me for a hug in Foodtown last Thursday morning, thank you for making my morning! I went to work with warm fuzzies, rather than my normal 'don't want to go to work today' attitude. I don't remember many of the kids being as polite as you when I was a student at Rutherford!"