Sideswipe: November 10: The truth is out there

Maurice Williamson lookalike. Photo / Supplied

Johnny reckons the National MP for Pakuranga, Maurice Williamson, who has been in office since 1987, is a dead ringer for The Smoking Man from TV's The X-Files. "Is this a Government conspiracy to stop East Aucklanders from asking too many questions? I want to believe!" he says.

Fitness farce

"I have to laugh," writes Adrian. "Every morning outside the new gym at the Auckland Tennis Centre in Grafton, gym junkies are illegally parking on the broken yellow line. There is plenty of parking two minutes up the road near the bowling club in the Domain. I wonder if the irony ever hits them ... 'MUST get fit; stop being lazy' ... 'MUST park close to gym' ... 'Wait a minute ..."'

Beware Thames fuel trap

A traveller warns unwary Aucklanders against the "Thames spiderweb ... ALL the petrol stations open are charging $2.14 per litre for regular. I scarpered ... to good old Aucklander-friendly Ngatea to totally fill up at Shell/Zen at regular Auckland price of $2.07 a litre for regular."

Keeping up with the play

A reader from Mt Roskill writes: "When updating my contents insurance, my helpful provider gave me a valuation guide with a list of possible household goods and a range of prices. Now I don't know how often these lists get updated, but this one needs to move into the new millennium ... apart from itemising not one but two liquor cabinets, the list includes any VCRs and any tapes you may own."

Rates reasoning

Greg of Manukau says the fact his house has dropped in value but he must still pay rates based on the higher valuation isn't fair. The Auckland Council explains: "Greg's new valuation won't be used for rates until July 1, 2012, which is when the rating year begins for every council in New Zealand, as required by law. Rates are based on the property's value as at July 1, for the entire year. Any changes to the property resulting in a new valuation will be reflected at the start of the next rating year."