Two John Smiths are too much to credit

Glen Atwell
WHEN introducing yourself as John Smith, you could forgive the cheeky grins and second glances from people who think you are pulling their leg.
Every day the many John Smiths of the world face problems opening bank accounts, dealing with the police and even booking airline tickets.
So spare a thought for Dandenong resident John Smith and his father – also named John Smith.
The Mr Smith duo has encountered many humorous moments, but wouldn’t swap their names for any other.
The combination of a senior and junior namesake, along with the name itself, cause many people to pass the story off as joke.
Father, 74yearold John, and son 41yearold John of Dandenong both have their own interesting runins with a name they have learned to live with.
John Senior said he often gets people looking twice when he announces his name.
“Sometimes they put on a bit of a grin and ask if it is true or false,” he said. “But it has never got me into any serious trouble with the police or anything.”
John said the decision to give his son the same name was not for a laugh.
“Back in the olden days, it was common practice to do that sort of thing, so it never really crossed my mind,” he said.
John Junior admits it would have crossed his mind, but said the name has never landed him in much strife.
“Just like Dad, I get a grin every now and again, and occasionally the person who asks twice,” he said.
The father and son combination once worked together doing maintenance works for the Pakenham Shire, which created quite a buzz.
“Not only were there two John Smiths, which isn’t that uncommon, but to be father and son creates a bit of talk,” John Junior said.
Now the call is out for a pair of John Does.