Truc ou traité ?

David Morrison of Springwood marks October 31 as Martin Luther Day, honoring the historical events of 1517. For the upcoming Halloween, he plans to wear an academic hat and distribute chocolate to young visitors. He notes that he receives repeat customers annually who appreciate either his printed summaries of Luther’s deeds, the confectionery, or both items. This tradition coincides with rising costs for the sweet treat. Coral Button of North Epping expressed relief upon learning that adverse weather conditions in cocoa-producing nations, including Ivory Coast, drive the astronomical increase in chocolate prices. She previously attributed the price hikes to supermarket cartel practices rather than agricultural factors. Nick Walker of Suffolk Park suggested that Moses might have invented the protein shake, following up on a previous submission by Meri Will. In a separate domestic observation, Don Leayr of Albury described purchasing a packet containing two tap washers. The product listing highlighted benefits such as specific diameter measurements, copper composition for durability, and suitability for hot and cold water systems. Leayr found it amusing that the packaging claimed these replacement parts were ideal for families of all ages, questioning the potential enjoyment such an item would bring to households. Warren Howlett of Blackheath commented on the online coverage of Australia’s recent cricket defeat in South Africa. He argued that the vibrant reporting style used by a cricket journalist would suit former Prime Minister John Howard’s proposed citizenship test for migrants. Howlett quoted a passage describing a player named Boland ending his watch, noting that Wiaan Mulder produced a jagging peach to bowl the nightwatchman through the gate for a score of 40, which set a new Test record. Howlett posed two questions regarding this text: identifying the sport and translating the highlighted passage. Lynne Haylock of East Killara stated she retains her father’s pocket-sized Concise Circular Slide Rule along with its instruction manual. The device measures approximately eight centimeters in diameter, was manufactured in Japan, and was likely acquired during the 1950s or 1960s. The accompanying literature described the tool as an ideal gift for friends and business associates. John Swanton of Coogee asked why a bull shark does not possess horns. Dorset Sutton of Neutral Bay shared an experience related to accounting studies. Struggling with debits and credits in Accounting 1, Sutton developed a mnemonic placing credits near the window and debits near the door. However, the examination room lacked windows, resulting in Sutton failing the course. Submissions for the column should be sent via email to Column8@smh.com.au. Contributors are requested to include their name, suburb, and daytime telephone number. Attachments are not accepted. The column appears under the heading Trick or treatise? in publications dated October 25, 2026.