2005

Spring Hill Archibald Antics!

Although its bohemian character has diminished over the past few decades, glimmers of enlightenment and creativity are still evident in Spring Hill. At a fabulously decadent cocktail party in January 2005 in one of Spring Hill's charming old cottages, a magnificent portrait of Spring Hill identity, and host, Loz was unveiled to the surprise and delight of all guests. The portrait, painted by Sue Christie, was entered in the 2005 Archibald Prize (I think, or perhaps that didn't happen, and it was entered in 2006 - whatever!).

The first Archibald Prize was awarded in 1921. When Jules François Archibald passed away in 1919, part of his estate was set aside for the endowment of an annual and autonomous portrait prize, to be judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Archibald was the founding editor of the Bulletin and according to Peter Ross in 'Let's Face It - The History of the Archibald Prize', "made a career out of disrespect, shaking a fist at authority and at all who reign over us".

One of the entry criteria for the Archibald Prize is that the artist submitting the work must know the subject and the subject must be aware of the artist's intention. Sue was a patient at St Andrews Hospital about four years ago when she befriended Loz. They hit it off immediately the day Loz provided some theatrical and comic relief while Sue was undergoing a medical procedure. "To relieve the boredom of recovery I stood at one of the full-length hospital windows and 'flashed' Loz, who was outside his house in the street below. He and his friends reciprocated!" she says. The portrait certainly captures Loz's saucy individuality.

The Archibald Prize has had previous connections with Spring Hill. In the 1950s and 1960s, the suburb was a haven for artists because of its affordable accommodation and proximity to the city. After entering a series of near winners, Jon Molvig finally won the Archibald Prize in 1966 with an intimate and imaginative portrait of friend and fellow artist Charles Blackman.

Molvig, one of Australia's best-known expressionist painters, lived and worked in Spring Hill throughout the 1960s. He often enjoyed a beer at the Leichhardt Hotel (now the St Paul's Tavern) or the City View Hotel (now the Grand Chancellor). Olde Brisbanites may have seen Molvig's works at a 1984 exhibition at the Ray Hughes Gallery, then located on Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill or a more recent exhibition, in 2002 at the Brisbane City Gallery.

A relic of the bohemian 1960s stands on Hartley Street - a crumbling and overgrown concrete staircase to nowhere. Beyond the top is a car park that used to have a house standing upon it. Known as 'Corroboree House', another local artist, James Finney, tried to establish a community of artists there in the early 1960s. Molvig painted and conducted classes at 'Corroboree House' for four years. The studio was a large, cemented area under the house - perfect for Molvig to work on his large canvases using an innovative 'blow torching' method.

Plenty of parties and an abundance of mischief were the order of the day. If you're Olde Brisbane, perhaps you remember the James Finney/Custard Pie scandal. After feeling he'd been insulted by fellow artist Roy Churcher at a party in a Leichhardt Street cellar, Finney sought a special kind of revenge. He went down to a cake shop in Brunswick Street and purchased a custard pie. Churcher approached Finney at the opening of the Contemporary Art Society's national exhibition; Finney threw the pie and was escorted out.

The Archibald Prize epitomises the ego and controversy of the Australian art world and it's nice to know Spring Hill's bohemian spirit endures...he he he!

WHO IS THIS BOVINE BEAUTY AND WHAT HAPPENED TO HER HORNS?

It just so happens she waits on Leichhardt Street, greeting Spring Hill locals and workers before they dine on juicy, export quality steaks at the Hollywood Gardens within the Spring Hill Hotel. And her name? According to Mr John Hannay, a successful Spring Hill businessman and entrepreneur:

"I was having difficulties with my long serving and faithful secretary Ruth. Her memory was suffering and resulted in several lunchtime tussles over food she claimed was her order. We all knew she was allergic to super fresh shellfish such as our popular dish 'Esperance Crab'. We locked horns and it was in the terrible battle of wills, which over familiarity breeds, to wrest the possibly fatal morsels from out of her hand that I realised just what a stubborn cow she could be. Name solved and 'RUTH' it would be."

Life hasn't been easy for Ruth who's endured the indignity of being cownapped, as well as having one of her horns ripped off. Her other horn was filed down for cosmetic purposes. Despite being sans horns, Ruth seems relatively peaceful after her ordeal, and for the time being remains a silent sentinel outside the Hollywood Gardens.

"There's just not enough room for Ruth in the large and fully operational function room upstairs at Rosie's Bar and Restaurant. It has a dance floor, DJ booth, huge bar, grand piano, pool tables and fully functioning kitchen," said Mr Hannay.

Lake Manchester

The Brisbane City Council meeting of 6 December, 2005, was an historic council meeting. The chambers became so steamy that following afternoon tea, Chairman Bianchi gave permission for councillors to remove their ties if they so desired. During the course of the meeting, The Lord Mayor spoke about Lake Manchester. Constructed in 1915, he said it currently fails to meet structural conditions and up to 169 houses could be impacted if there was a big flood. A report commissioned by Hydro Tasmania presented a $20.9 million solution of drilling 39 vertical holes into the bedrock and tying the dam down. The Lord Mayor said, "We are not in the Dam ownership business." He recommended transfer of ownership to SEQ Water, who can take possession and fix the problem. The council could then deal with suburban creek flooding and sewerage issues.

Public Forum on Sedition Infiltrated by Possum!
QUT Gardens Theatre, 12 December, 2005

A public forum: 'Sedition! An appraisal of Australia's new sedition laws', was hosted by the National Tertiary Education Union, QUT Oodgeroo Unit, QUT Law Faculty and Just Rights Qld, on 12 December, 2005.

Speakers were: John Pyke, lecturer in constitutional law at QUT, Bob Weatherall, respected Elder of the Brisbane Indigenous community and Andrew Boe, a Brisbane lawyer who represented the Palm Island Aboriginal Council at the inquest in to the death in custody on Palm Island last year.

John Pike argued that the related offences are what we should be worried about rather than the direct offence of 'sedition'. Toward the end of his speech a cheeky possum appeared. He looked at the speaker, then the audience, and although we laughed at him, he picked up on the undercurrent of tense minds, attendent worried vibe and scampered off backstage.

Bob Weatherall spoke about the effect the laws will have on the already marginalised indigenous population and Andrew Boe raised more general concerns relating to the wider sociological ramifications of the laws. He suggested the first world consider questioning our self satisfaction and confidence in the way we live our lives - why we feel it is so right. He said 'anti-terrorism' legislation is an 'oxymoron' and that the real danger lies in those who are organising terror, but are not making their intentions clear.

Issues canvassed included:

1. The laws are open to misinterpretation and random application.
2. Why should democratic dissent be prosecuted?
3. What lies behind the first world fears and what causes political action to reach the violent?
4. If our leaders are telling us the laws are benign, why bring them in? What's the mischief behind the creation of these laws?
5. Individuals who are struggling in a society that is increasingly more exclusive, will be further marginalised - a lethal cocktail for revolution.
6. What has happened to the Australian concept of 'a fair go'?
7. John Pike said that according to a strict interpretation of these laws, The American Declaration of Independence would be illegal.

Well-regarded Brisbane artist Richard Bell was in the audience, and asked everyone to consider the plight of those who have never had the rights and citizenship status of most Australians. He called for white Australians to cast their minds back to 'stolen wages' and how they would feel if the government turned around tomorrow and told them they were no longer entitled to their superannuation. The discussion was cut short because this free speech forum had only paid for two hours use of the venue. Exercising free speech has a price, of course.

You can access John Pyke's points of analysis on the sedition laws and 'anti-terrorism'legislation on the NTEU website.

Barnaby Visits Warwick

My husband and I were at Warwick today [September, 2005] and went to see Barnaby Joyce speak at the CWA. It was a delightful Spring afternoon and as he spoke, a proper country wedding was taking place at St Mark's Anglican church across the road.

Mr Joyce addressed a small group and in regard to the sale of Telstra legislation being put to the senate on Monday said, "I can't vote for it now. I won't vote for it until I can have a chance to look at it...we need more time." He later added, "The Local Presence Plan hasn't even been drafted."

Mr Joyce said, "The government is trying to ram through Telstra so they can get to the Industrial Relations reforms."

Evidently disappointed with the week's proceedings and changes to the deal structure, he said, "We wanted to extract the best deal possible."

Mr Joyce fielded questions from a former Telstra technician (who said some cabling is nearly 100 years old and that Warwick had never paid for itself in terms of expense and revenue) and members of the community whose concerns ranged from the installation of broadband to detention of children asylum seekers.

He concluded by saying, "My philosophy is, I don't want to sell Telstra."

The bells of St Marks rang out as we exited the CWA hall!

CORNER CONVERSION

A landmark Spring Hill building, and one of the rare examples of Art Moderne domestic architecture in Brisbane's inner city, is currently on the market. Most probably built around the late 1940s/early 1950s, the sturdy, ivory painted brick house on the corner of Boundary and Bradley Streets (538 Boundary Street), Spring Hill, was a perfect blank canvas when it sold at auction for $696,000 last March.

An inspection in March, 2005 revealed it would have been home to an affluent, thoroughly-modern family. Decorative door fittings and an original bathtub and washstand reflected changes in design layout and improved living standards following World War Two. It is also likely that at one stage, some of the windows were patterned leadlight.

Bernard Fanning's height mark on the door jam of one of the upstairs bedrooms confirmed the house's claim to fame as an important part of Brisbane's musical history. According to David McCormack, lead singer of Brisbane super group Custard, it was the McCormack family house during the 1990s.

The neighbouring workers' cottage at number 52 Bradley Street was known as the Spring Hill Clubhouse, and saw the emergence of many Brisbane bands throughout the 1990s. This onetime art studio and band practice area is also for sale, and has been extensively refurbished since being sold at auction last October for $317, 000. Its neighbour, 48 Bradley Street was sold for $367,500 in February, 2005.

During the last months of 2005, Crawford and Brett transformed the interior of 538 Boundary Street and added an extra floor. The incorporation of balustrades has opened up the house's living areas and allow for sweeping views to be enjoyed from every room. The once louvered windows have been replaced by large fold-out windows and the spacious kitchen opens out to a secluded courtyard. Other contemporary touches include black stone bench tops, designer bathrooms, built in robes and polished floorboards. The decorative plaster cornices throughout each room have been retained, and echo a past preoccupation with design uniformity.

538 Boundary Street was passed in at auction on 3rd December, 2005 at $1.2 million and is also currently for rent.

End Of An Era?

The recent sale of the iconic Orient Hotel in Petrie Bight Brisbane [November, 2005], will mean there are even less venues for original, live music in inner Brisbane. The Orient will undergo transformation into a 'sports bar' in 2006 and new owner Chris Anderson has decided the hotel will no longer be a venue for original, live music. Fortunately the hotel's heritage interior will be retained, but for Brisbaneites it means the loss of yet another Brisbane institution.

On Saturday, 26 November, 2005, 'The Shrewms' played an historic last gig at the Orient when they launched their latest CD. Playing along with 'The Dangermen', 'Drowning Kittens', 'La Costra Nostra' and 'The Wulvs', it was just like "Star Hotel" but, as Steven Wright said, "depression is just anger without enthusiasm."

A cast of true rebels - striking bohemians, punks and ethereal misfits worked up a thirst as they danced and watched the sweaty musos thrash it out for one last time. The music was raw and thumping - the crowd loved it. The Orient's live music scene has always been an eddy off the mainstream, giving a sense of belonging to punters and cutting edge musicians alike. Where else can you lean back on your barstool and cool your tootsies out the window, or let loose and dance like a maniac without feeling like a freak?

Sold a number of times over the past few years, The Orient was designed by Richard Gailey and built in the mid-1870s. Back then it was known as 'Morse's Excelsior Hotel' after first proprietor, John Morse.

Orient manager for nearly two and a half years Jai said, "It's my last night, it's all a bit sad, but I'm off to Cleveland and will continue to promote live music down there, but it's not the same as the city."

Brisbane musical identity Rollo made an appearance on the evening, getting up with 'The Shrewms' for a version of Rolf Harris's 'Two Little Boys'. Rollo saw plenty of changes in the early 1990s, when he was responsible for The Orient's PA. "The Orient's closed a few times over the years," he said. "When the pub starts to go broke, they'll open it up to live musicians again."

Smart State or Client State: Some Not So Ancient History

1987 Rupert Murdoch purchases the 'Courier-Mail and other newspapers around Australia. (January)

1989 Heiner Inquiry into the abuse at John Oxley Youth Detention Centre established in the final days of the Cooper National Party government

CJC established and reportedly destroys thousands of files amassed by special branch during the Bjelke-Petersen government.

Children's Commissioner and Traveston's "most famous resident" forced to stand aside. (November)

1999 Forde Inquiry into mis-treatment of children in Queensland Institutions. (June - August 2001) Terms of Reference restrict investigation to incidents of abuse rather than the act of destroying the Heiner Inquiry documents.

Former One Nation MP Pauline Hanson jailed for electoral fraud (subsequently released after conviction quashed).

Linda Lavarch resigns as Attorney General over her rejection of a deal that would have brought Dr. Death to Australia to face charges. (October)

DPP Leanne Clare causes an uproar after announcing charges will not be laid against Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley although Coroner's report clearly implicates Hurley in the death of Palm Islander Mulrinji Doomadgee. (December)

2007 Fairfax launches on-line news site: www.brisbanetimes.com.au, while in the same week News Ltd. launches 'mX' (March)

Co-ordinator General Ross Rolfe announces his intention to resign in July. He will take up a position with international investment bank Babcock and Brown. (April)

2007 Eight years after the Forde Inquiry, Communities Minister Warren Pitt announces Government plans to provide up to $100 million in exgratia payments to victims. [People who accept the compensation will not be allowed to make separate claims through the courts]. (May)

Former Minister Merri Rose jailed for blackmailing "somebody" about "something".

An extract from the chapter titled 'The Same Old Suspects' from 'High & Dry: John Howard, climate change and the selling of Australia's future' by Guy Pearse (2007) - p 280 - 81:

'Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room' is a must see. It demonstrates how powerful and enlightening the medium of documentary is in an age of mono-media. Based on the book 'The Smartest Guys in the Room' by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, it tells how the top executives of America's 7th largest company stole over one billion dollars, while investors and employees lost everything. Enron's greed driven corporate culture eventually spiralled out of control, after being supported by unquestioning politicians, banks and stockbrokers. It will either make you angry or want to check your political donations are up to date! But seriously, it's good to be reminded every once in a while that blind obedience is dangerous. 'Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room' is directed by Alex Gibney and is now showing at the Schonell Theatre at The University of Queensland.

KIDS IN THE RIOT: HIGH AND LOW WITH THE LIBERTINES, Pete Welsh, Omnibus Press, London, 2005

Volatile, beautiful romantic heroes such as Pete Doherty and Carl Barat of The Libertines are rare. 'Kids In the Riot: High And Low With The Libertines' is a classic tale of excess and self destructive, uninhibited, individualistic spirit. Musician and friend of the band Pete Welsh, introduces each chapter with his perspective of events and follows up with quotes from Pete Doherty, Carl Barat, managers, other musicians, friends and lovers. It is disappointing the book has no quotes from bass player John Hassall or drummer Gary Powell.

Welsh offers privileged insight into the murky, nihilistic world of the Libertines. The Doherty/Barat partnership produced the hits 'What a Waster', and 'I Get Along'. Barat recounts his impressions of their first meeting: "Straight away we were asking competitive, searching questions of each other. We had the dictionary out, seeing who knew the most words, and arguing for hours." But sometimes the revelations lack candour and intimacy.

Ever the tortured artist, Doherty recounts a recording session, "It was dreamlike, a lot of the songs weren't quite structured so it was a case of playing them again and again and they'd fall into place. But it wasn't a particularly happy time, it was very frustrating. I was completely wrapped up in the songs and particularly the words, how people were going to interpret the words, and how important it was to get it right."

The book includes an excellent black and white photo collection. Through his description of the debauchery and depravity, Welsh neither extols the benefits of substance abuse or preaches against it. He merely illustrates how the creation of the Libertine's unique sound is intrinsically linked to lifestyle.

Insights into Doherty's organisation of guerrilla gigs and his formation of Babyshambles and the recording sessions with Mick Jones (who produced the Libertines' albums) are fascinating reading. On Pete's release from jail, new manager Alan McGee says, "They're the most extreme band I've ever worked with. It's sort of not rock'n'roll. I don't know what it is. Mental Illness probably."

Doherty and Barat's musical output was fraught with competition and addiction. This book poses interesting questions about artistic composition and whether it is only possible through immersion within bohemia. Welsh could have been salacious, but instead he's explored the complicated relationships, feelings and motivations of being in a band.

He's just not that into you: The no-excuses truth to understanding guys, Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo, Simon & Schuster, US, 2004

He's just not that into you is written by both a writer and consultant from the 'Sex in the City' series and gives a refreshingly honest, and rather amusing, male perspective on heterosexual relationships and dating. The book's core premise was distilled from Greg Behrendt's fascination and frustration with the cacophony of relationship philosophizing:

Ladies, if you're unsure where you stand in a relationship, perhaps he's just not that into you.

"A man would rather be trampled by elephants that are on fire than tell you that he's just not that into you," says Behrendt.

Ok, it won't be to everyone's taste and could be considered out of date, but if you have aspirations of the marital kind and want to sort the fakes from the genuine suitors, He's just not that into you offers some valuable, and liberating advice. If a man really likes you, nothing will get in his way, he will make it obvious, he will ask you out, he will call you and he'll never be too busy. And Behrendt never fails to cut to the chase:

"The word 'busy' is the relationship Weapon of Mass Destruction. It seems like a good excuse, but in fact, in every silo you uncover, all you're going to find is a man who didn't care enough to call. Remember: Men are never too busy to get what they want."

Most importantly, a man who genuinely cares for you won't cheat and will eventually want to marry you. And if you're unsure about this, Liz asks:

"Is he making lame transparent excuses about marriage to cover for the fact that he really doesn't ever see a future with you?"

Most women are socialised to overcomplicate, romanticize, and have low expectations. 'He's Just Not That Into You' is an empowering notion that debunks all the prevailing myths and excuses. Once you accept it, you're free to go and find Mr Right.

The authors present a myriad of scenarios and questions and, although these are merely illustrative, the book provides more useful guidance than any girl talk, magazine column or relationship counseling ever could.

Behrendt concludes by suggesting that if you're unhappy in your relationship, you should reset your standards and revaluate what you want out of life. Don't settle for a situation where you are perpetually dissatisfied. Most importantly:

"When it comes to men, deal with us as we are, not how you'd like us to be."

He's just not that into you is an immensely enjoyable read. I ploughed through this lighthearted and illuminating book in an hour. Probably too controversial to keep by the bedside though - perhaps you could take it with you on your next interstate flight!

Words To Walk By: Exploring Literary Brisbane, Todd Barr and Rodney Sullivan, University of Queensland Press, 2005

Is it possible to condense Brisbane's literary history into a pocket sized publication? Probably not the entire history, but 'Words to Walk By' will certainly inspire you to widen your reading repertoire. 'Words to Walk By' is divided into eight sections devoted to different parts of Brisbane and their literary legends - from Brian Penton to Nick Earls. Follow the maps that guide you through the streets as you check out places that inspired some of Brisbane's well known yarns. It was disappointing 'Words to Walk By' didn't contain any information about Spring Hill but if you're into local history, there's a sizeable chunk of information about our past and present social and political life.

French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure, Mireille Guiliano, Chatto & Windus, London, 2005

It's true! French women don't get fat, and they don't 'diet' either, so throw away those scales, diet books and punishing fitness regimes. Balance, preparation and enjoyment are the secret ingredients to a svelte frame. Mireille Guiliano's irresistible philosophy for eating and living includes savouring a variety of seasonal produce, quality chocolate and champagne (she is President and CEO of Clicquot, Inc). Embrace joie de vivre and prepare to really think about the quality (and quantity) of food you are sticking in your gob. Even if you don't have a weight problem, 'French Women Don't Get Fat' is a charming read and full of useful foodie tips. 'French Women Don't Get Fat' also contains an assortment of simple and luscious recipes for elegant dishes such as Chicken Au Champagne, Cooked Pears with Cinnamon and of course - how to bake a perfect batch of croissants (which take three days but are worth it!)

'The Take' is a documentary by Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis about Argentinian factory workers trying to re-open their factory as a co-op.

Until 2000, Argentina was economically very similar to Australia with a large middle class and publicly owned assets. In a rush of privatization the economy collapsed and many industries shut down. The banks were closed to the public and unemployment soared. The factory workers in the film wanted to seize their factory and restart production but had to deal with a trustee and a bankruptcy Court unwilling to help.

The story is not unique in Argentina with many industries already operated by workers, but the film is well made and captivating.

The Equal Heart and Mind: Letters Between Judith Wright and Jack McKinney
Edited by Patricia Clarke and Meredith McKinney
University of Queensland Press, 2004

If you are unfamiliar with the poetry of Judith Wright or the philosophy of Jack McKinney, there is still much pleasure to be derived from The Equal Heart and Mind and its whirlwind of enlightened philosophical insight and analysis. Edited by Patricia Clarke and Judith and Jack's daughter, Meredith McKinney, this collection of letters between the unconventional couple traverses the period between 1944 and 1946 when they were regularly separated, and then from February to May when Judith was in hospital in Brisbane before and after the birth of their daughter Meredith.

The Equal Heart and Mind is introduced by Patricia Clarke, followed by a small but touching memoir of Jack and Judith by Meredith McKinney. The inclusion of The Moving Image, a poem Judith Wright wrote during the exchange of the first series of letters, sets the tone for the intimate exchange of letters that follow. Each series of letters are preceded by some background details along with Judith Wright's romantic poetry. Some charming black and white pictures of the McKinney-Wright family at Quantum, Judith and Jack's 'farmlet' on Mt Tamborine, impart an additional and welcome intimacy to the book. A moving tribute to Jack McKinney, in the form of an epilogue by Judith, concludes The Equal Heart and Mind.

The letters reveal an ever-increasing intimacy and mutual intellectual admiration between Judith and Jack. They allude to wartime difficulties such as rationing and restrictions on travel, the bureaucracy associated with securing adequate accommodation and hint at the couple's contempt for the claustrophobic social mores of the time. Particularly poignant are Judith's reflections on the horror of Hiroshima as revealed in her letter to Jack of 6 August 1945:

Writers will appreciate Judith and Jack's ongoing battles with publishers and some interesting insights into the process of writing pre word-processors and the impact of the war on the publishing industry i.e. problematic paper shortages. An awareness of their own non-conformity is also quite evident. An example of Jack and Judith's unconditional support of each other's endeavours, whilst gently challenging the prevailing attitudes of the day is shown in Jack's letter to Judith around December 1945:

In an era where gratification is instant, correspondence is instantaneous, and of the digital kind, couples could learn a lot about communication from these letters and the pleasures of anticipation. Jack finishes his letter of 27 April 1945 with the following:

When Jack McKinney met Judith Wright there was a collision of intellects and an all-encompassing love. Their relationship was romantic but the logistics were challenging. At times, Jack camped out in a tent at Brookfield. He was a man before his times who heartily supported his wife-to-be - a gentle, hardworking philosopher with grave concern for the future of humanity. The 'Equal Heart and Mind' pays homage to Meredith McKinney's parent's passion - her poetry complementing his philosophy.

Although their poetry and philosophy endures, Judith Wright and Jack McKinney's active and questioning minds are now at peace. On a mid-winter sojourn this year, my husband and I had the opportunity to wander through the quiet cemetery grounds at Mt Tamborine to pay our respects. The Equal Heart and Mind has inspired me to seek out Jack McKinney's war novel Crucible along with more of Judith Wright's poetry to read.

'I am the voice left from drinking - the Models - from the 'burbs to Barbados' and beyond' - James Freud

"I am the voice left from drinking" is a lyric from a well known Models' hit - 'Barbados'. As a teenager in 1985, I would never have guessed that so upbeat and cheery a song was in fact a wretched tale about alcohol dependence. 'I am the voice left from drinking' is also an apt title for James Freud's memoir, which covers the continuous reinventions of his persona from the late 1970s to his time with the Models 1982 to 1988. The story reveals his determination to achieve success and fame as a rock star and his reckless and excessive lifestyle, told through the sobered eyes of an "eighties" rock veteran.

Freud opens in March 2001 after almost dying from a case of alcoholic poisoning on the way to a Models reunion gig at the Avalon RSL. He survives to tell the tale:

"I was standing upon the wreckage of my youth; I probably wouldn't make it through the night and as I lay there, I couldn't help but wonder, "How did I end up like this?' (p. 15)

Woven though Freud's reminiscences of the big hair, jostling egos, glitzy videos, drinking and drug taking is an intelligent and humorous expose of the supposedly glamorous music industry of the eighties. Although admitting a cathartic purpose, Freud's account goes beyond a typical Rock Memoir. It is appealing and original due to his self-deprecating and humorous writing style.

Of course Freud includes the obligatory stereotyped and sordid tour, road trip and recording session anecdotes. But his intimate observations and revelations are more entertaining. Gems such as when a customs official finds the note James wrote and put in his guitar case reminding himself never to take drugs again. He also wittily comments on Kylie Minogue's frugal spending habits and furtive microwaving. Other standout episodes include his decision to have a tattoo on turning 30 as a mid-life present to himself. His description of his time in the UK with Gary Numan and the caravan of farts in the chapter "I'm not Gay" is also darkly amusing.

The self-destructive impulses Freud reveals accompany a strong drive to succeed and achieve fame as a rock star. He makes no apologies for egoism, has no regrets about drinking and doesn't lecture. He does however let us in to his lonely moments which surprisingly occur at the peak of his success. When the Head of Mushroom records Michael Gudinski calls him to tell him "Out of Mind, Out of Sight" had reached number one, he admits he was hungover and alone and felt "totally empty".

"They say success always comes at a cost and I'm sure as you read this book you may be thinking that this guy was so wasted, how did he get anywhere? First, I was living in a world that has no basis in reality surrounded by sycophants, who despite their intentions, always take a little piece of you away with them, leaving you with the task of rebuilding and plugging the holes in your life-force and personal energy." (p. 160)

Freud acknowledges his rampant narcissism and "controlling" nature but reveals almost nothing of his eighteen-year marriage to Sally, his childhood, artistic drive or impulses. He feels the shock of having a used-by date as a star. After a gig on "Countdown Revolution" in 1989, he is critical of the changes to the show and Molly Meldrum tells him "You're nothing but a fucking has-been. Look around you. See the new hosts of the show. They are the future of Australian music. You're on your way out." (p. 230)

Like Michael Hutchence, Bon Scott or Johnny O'Keefe, James Freud had a love of performing and a desire to live the rock and roll lifestyle as well as an unfortunate corollary self-destructive streak and no concept of moderation. He has lived out the façade but unlike Hutchence, Scott or O'Keefe and many others, was lucky enough to survive and tell the tale.

'I am the Voice Left From Drinking - the Models - from the 'burbs to Barbados' and beyond', by James Freud, Harper Collins, 2002

Easing into pre-Christmas festivities with Cachicamo's rhythmic Latin grooves, the anticipation of the artists and their guests became increasingly evident as the champagne flowed and the nibbles nibbled. Mr Chatty and I perched inconspicuously on Yungaba's back verandah overlooking an enormous mango tree and befriended a cheeky butcher bird who was determined to share our delectable hors doeurves.

Speaking from a lecturn (another exceptional execution of signal box art), Master of Ceremonies and Artforce pioneer, David Hinchcliffe reminisced about the early days. He once painted a signal box in Leichhardt Street, Spring Hill by the light of a battery powered lamp only to be chastised by an elderly resident for 'defacing' public property.

The Artforce project beautifies our city and gives Brisbanites of all ages and from all walks of life an opportunity for creative expression. Cath Ovenden from Queensland Urban Ecology said, "public art is the sign of a city's vitality" and later conveyed her thanks to all artists, "you've managed to light up Brisbane." One of the judges, John Massy from the Queensland Art Gallery said, "the signal box project brings art to the people."

Having recently completed our own signal box and negotiated associated commentary from passersby, Mr Chatty and I appreciated artist Simon Degroot's (who has painted a total of 45 signal boxes throughout Brisbane) observation that, 'the painting of signal boxes is an active process between the viewer and the artist'. Another well known artist Anthony Lister, has painted 80 signal boxes, has shows in Melbourne, Sydney and New York and will be having a solo show in Rome in February.

The signal box designs are so imaginative and colourful, the judges acknowledged they had a difficult task deciding on the winners. Prizes were presented for many categories including under 12s and 12 to 18 year olds. The best series was Gordon Bjekovic's interpretation of Brisbane in the springtime complete with abstract jacarandas. The runner up was John Knap's psychedelic 'Green Fairy' and the overall winner was Paul Roberston's depiction of chaotic traffic in "Matrix".

Spring Hill was named after a creek, which ran through the hollow between Leichhardt Street and Gregory Terrace. Until the late 1850s, the area now known as Spring Hill was virgin forest, gums, and wattles with dense scrub growing in abundance. In the first days of Brisbane's development, exploration in search of additional and new supplies uncovered fresh-water springs in an area between the ridges that now carry Gregory Terrace and Leichhardt Street. Licensed water carriers supplied water to the settlement at thirty-six cents per cask. Incidentally Water Street also took its name from the springs in the area. This water was a source for the colony until 1863 when the Enoggera scheme was approved.

Since the 1890s, Albert Park has been a welcome retreat for Brisbanites. Along with colourful garden beds, rustling palms and other exotic plants, the park previously had added attractions such as tennis and basketball courts, a cricket pitch, bandstand and kiosk. In the 1930s, young Spring Hill tearaways would spend rainy afternoons skiing the slopes of Albert Park on cardboard boxes. The eerie midnight wails of the park's family of stone curlews continue to haunt the residents of Spring Hill.

According to Judy Rechner in the 'Spring Hill Heritage Tour', during World War Two, The Lady Bowen Cabaret, a nightclub frequented by servicemen, stood on the terraced slope of Albert Park. After the war, it became the control centre for Brisbane's electricity and following that it was used by the Brisbane City Council.

Although this building was demolished in the mid-1990s, the stairs remain and will be incorporated into a pavilion, which is currently being constructed.

In the 1970s, Louisa Toogood founded the Ecumenical Coffee Brigade in Spring Hill. In the early morning, she would pack her Morris Minor and set off to deliver coffee and sandwiches to the needy. The first stop was at the corner of St Pauls Terrace and Quarry Street. The Ecumenical Coffee Brigade continues to operate from Spring Hill today.

For the better part of the last half of the twentieth century, 'The Blue Angel' - Deaconess May Walker, ministered throughout Spring Hill from a small brick hall, which was located on the corner of Fortescue and Wedd Streets.

In his recently published history of St Andrew's Uniting Church, Noel Adsett says, "Appointed by the congregation, she gave the greater part of her life to working in the Spring Hill area, in a spirit of devotion."

This well loved lady was dubbed 'The Blue Angel', and was a familiar sight, whirling up and down the streets of Spring Hill, caring for those in need. She was known to enter the toughest of drinking establishments, and in her own gentle way, coax men to go home to their families. At the time, Deaconess Walker's father was not too keen on his daughter ministering in such a 'rough' suburb, but his fears were allayed by a resident who told him the Blue Angel was so admired, no-one would dare lay a finger on her.

Deaconess May Walker sadly never received the recognition she deserved for her tireless devotion and dedication to the Spring Hill community.

An extract from "The Queenslander Jubilee Number, August 7, 1909, -(page 20) "BRISBANE IN THE MID FIFTIES [By "Nut Quad"]:

"Looking from the old Windmill towards the Western suburbs - including Petrie terrace, Milton, Paddington, Rosalie, Toowong, &c. - little could be seen but heavy timber, with an occasional patch of cleared land used for cultivation purposes. Coming nearer, one can see the old reservoir, almost in the angle formed by the junction of Roma and George streets, and not, as has been stated, on the site of the proposed Town Hall. There was certainly a waterhole there, but it was used principally for watering livestock. A chain of small waterholes occupied the gully between the two places, and between Turbot and Tank streets a dam had been thrown across the gully to impound the water above. On this dam was erected a small pumphouse, with a Californian pump, and water carriers backed their drays up behind the dam, and, by means of a windlass, pumped water into barrels. These were sold at from 1s. to 2s. each, according to the distance carried. The land along the North Quay, between Ann and Makerston streets, was cut into fairly large blocks, and here or there were groups of two or three houses."

This extract comes from the "Bundaberg Mail & Burnett Advertiser" August 3, 1915, and the "Brisbane Courier" Monday August 10, 1903, respectively:

Mr. W. Lees, editor of the Australian Pastoralist Queensland Country Life is staying at the Royal Hotel on his way north in the interests of the new art publication to be issued by the A.U.S.N. Co. "Round the Coast of Australia and Fiji." This is intended to be a complete guide for the company and to our knowledge is in most competent hands. It will be the art publication of the year. Mr. Wm. Lees has just returned from a trip to Fiji, of which he speaks in highest terms.

When the Miriam Vale Council met yesterday, the Chairman (Cr. J.G. Hales) referred feelingly to the loss sustained by Cr. A.H.G. Macdonald and family by the death of their son Leslie, who was killed in action at the Dardenelles, and moved the following motion: "That this Council desires to place on record the deep regret with which they have heard of the death of Leslie Macdonald, son of Councillor Macdonald and to assure the latter and his family of their heartfelt sympathy with them in their sad bereavement." Mr. S. Hickman seconded the motion, which was carried.

Special services are announced for tomorrow in Christ Church, particulars of which will be found in our advertising columns.

The local registrar of births, marriages and deaths, has courteously supplied us with the figures relating to the vital statistics for the month of July for Bundaberg: They show that the births for that period were 58, comprising 26 males and 32 females; marriages 18. deaths 10, four being males and six females.

They had not been married long, and it was her first pie. He helped himself to a second piece, and smiled sweetly into her anxious face. His health was precious to her, but such heroism stirred her very soul. All doubts of his love vanished for ever. She did not know that deep in his pocket nestled a little tin of Dr. Sheldon's Digestive Tabules, which digest what you eat, and so the peace of one happy home remained unbroken. Pie has no terror when Dr. Sheldon's Digestive Tabules are at hand. Price, 1/6 and 2/6 per tin. Obtainable at F.G. Marshall, chemist, Bundaberg.

The ordinary meeting of Bundaberg and District Ratepayers was held in the Council Chambers last night. The President, Mr. F.P. Brady, presided over a fair attendance. The only business which was not of a routine nature was the suggestion for the formation of a citizen's force, but after discussion no definite motion was proposed, and the matter dropped.

The HELIDON SPA WATER COMPANY beg to bring under notice the fact that they are now bottling Sodawater manufactured from water from STRADBROKE ISLAND, and while taking this opportunity of thanking the public for past favours, trust for a continuance of the patronage so long extended to them.

MENZIES & MENZIES, DENTISTS (over Wylie's Photo rooms), 51 Queen street. Only Dentists doing Porcelain Enamel Fillings. Specialists in Gold Work.

ELLIOTT.- On 19th July, at her residence, Arthur street, Woolloongabba, the wife of J.T. Elliott, a daughter.

ELLIOTT.- On 5th August, at her residence, Arthur street, Woolloongabba, Evelyn, the dearly beloved wife of J.T. Elliott, aged 24 years.
VARDON.- On 22nd July, at Middle street, West End, Brisbane, Mary, the beloved wife of Chas. Vardon, and only surviving daughter of the late Jas. Willoughby Little, of Dublin, Ireland, aged 60 years.

Highlights from Brisbane's "The Telegraph" evening edition, Wednesday September 13, 1905:

BAKU RIOTING WORSE
The situation in Baku is becoming worse every hour. The Tartars and other insurgents have barricaded themselves, and are being bombarded by a corps of artillery. Eight different parts of the city have been reduced to ruins. The rioters stubbornly continue their attacks, and the Tartars and Kurds are plundering the industrial section of the city.

RUSSIAN WORKMEN SHOT BY TROOPS
The soldiers fired a volley on a crowd of Russian workmen, 17 of whom were killed.

BOMB THROWING IN FINLAND
A bomb recently was thrown under the carriage of the Governor of Tavastchus, in Finland, but it failed to explode.

PROTEST FROM TURKEY
The Constantinople correspondent of the "Vossische Zeituag," a German newspaper, reports that the Porte is about to present a note to Russia, protesting against the massacres of Armenians and Mahometans in the vicinity of the Turkish frontier.

PRINCE TSITSIANOFF ASSASINATED
Prince Tsitsianoff, a landed proprietor in the Caucasus, has been assassinated at Gori.

ARMENIAN ORGANISATION FORBIDDEN
The Viceroy of the Caucasus has refused to allow the Armenian communities to organize a militia for self-defence under the command of Russian officers.

HOLY WAR AGAINST ARMENIANS
A holy war has been proclaimed against the Armenians. The latter are being massacred regardless of age or of sex, and children are being mutilated and thrown to the dogs. The survivors are being forced to embrace Islamism.

TARTARS CROSSING THE FRONTIER
It is reported that thousands of Tartar horsemen are crossing the Perso-Russian frontier, and are joining the insurgents in the Caucasus.

TARTARS DESECRATING CHURCHES
The Tartars recently desecrated the churches at Baku, stole the sacred vessels, and riddled with bullets the ikon of the Virgin.

QUILBONE MURDER - ASSAILANT STILL AT LARGE
It has transpired that the Quilbone murderer did not shoot Mr. Veech, but that he killed him with the butt end of his rifle, which had misfired. He also made an unsuccessful attempt to shoot Mr. Veech's son. The murderer still is at large, and it is supposed is hiding in the bush. Great excitement prevails in the district.

PACIFIC CABLE AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS
According to the report of the Pacific Cable Conference, which was laid on the table in the House of Representatives yesterday, the cable traffic between Australia and the United Kingdom in 1904 totalled 2,784,220 words, the Eastern Extension Company getting the lion's share of the business, with 1,889,359 words. During the previous year, 2,637,357 words were transmitted, of which the Eastern Company sent 1,824,397. In view of the large loss at present made on the Pacific cable, the conference recommends steps to be taken by all legitimate means in business competition to secure a larger share of Australian business for the Pacific cable, and a suggestion was made that the board should be at liberty to negotiate by "amicable arrangement" with the Eastern Company, subject to the approval of the Governments in partnership. The conference objects to the agreement made between the Commonwealth and the Eastern Company (not yet ratified by parliament) being for a period of more than 10 years.