As part of its extensive contribution to Townsville's 150th anniversary of local government , the admirable Special Collections section at the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library at James Cook University is displaying related books, brochures, reports and early paintings. Subjects covered include crocodiles , cyclones, birdlife , early tourist brochures and the above 1974 book of animated cartoons highlighting the competing attractions of Townsville and Magnetic Island.
While Townsville has long been called Queen City of the North , in song as well , Magnetic Island is flatteringly, justifiably described as"the jewel in the crown "- a description used by visiting politicians .
The cover illustration suggests a tug-o'-war for tourists between Townsville and the island. Townsville's limited attractions are depicted as Castle Hill , suspiciously shaped like mammaries , popular with early morning joggers , walkers and billygoats , from which there are wonderful views of the city , Magnetic Island , the Coral Sea. Also shown are three people who seem to be holding each other up on the mainland .
In the case of Magnetic Island, its many attractions include koalas, palm trees , Mini Mokes , a thirsty canine hotel bellboy , boats hired out by a bloke in gumboots and a curvaceous , bikini clad girl ,with pearly white teeth and painted lips .
A point of particular interest in the text is mention of a proposal to join Magnetic Island to Townsville via a causeway, an idea raised several times recently. It claims, surely in jest, the idea was first proposed during WWll by a high ranking American who became seasick each time he sailed to the island courting a nursing sister, the causeway to be constructed by quarrying Castle Hill with a workforce of 2000 Red Indians brought out from the USA !
All aboard the ferry for Magnetic Island .
A point of particular interest in the text is mention of a proposal to join Magnetic Island to Townsville via a causeway, an idea raised several times recently. It claims, surely in jest, the idea was first proposed during WWll by a high ranking American who became seasick each time he sailed to the island courting a nursing sister, the causeway to be constructed by quarrying Castle Hill with a workforce of 2000 Red Indians brought out from the USA !
All aboard the ferry for Magnetic Island .
The president of the Magnetic Island History and Craft Centre , Zanita Davies , kindly made available for perusal a copy of Townsville versus Maggy Island, published in the mining town of Mount Isa , found on the desk of a Townsville doctor and photocopied. The author named on the cover is "Jerrymade" . Hmmm.
Turns out the author was none other than Hans (Jerry) Becker, black and white artist, illustrator, cartoonist and writer . Under the name Hans Becker , he had earlier, circa 1970 , produced Mount Isa with its Pants Down , the town's roads made from empty beer cans .
The Mount Isa publisher of the Townsville versus Maggy Island book , Albert Hakfoort , ran a novel explanation for the recommended price of the publication , saying it had been set due to the printer's incompetence at playing poker , as well as the author's desperate need for a new car and colour TV .
The artist , with a fine sense of humour and keen observations, had produced another publication like the earlier one ; if some people did not like laughing , it was advised the paper it was printed on was of fish and chips wrapping quality, could be used in a little house or even stop draughts from whistling through your miserable little huts.