Chiropractors busy as eyes hunt for hope in sky

Image: A typical vegetation mix creating a fire risk around homes in the peri-urban zone.

A STRANGE affliction has taken hold of a big chunk of the Queensland population. Many need a trip to the chiropractor or the physiotherapist for some serious postural adjustment. Upper back and neck problems can be very painful. You can easily spot the sufferers. They look like they have their noses in the air but actually they have their eyes on the sky.

NATURE has been failing to deliver on the weather bureau's promises, at least until yesterday. Well, we did have a few drops of rain but only enough to dampen the socks that were left on the line to dry overnight. Yes, we can certainly "do with some rain", a phrase that seems to suit the Aussie accent. Which reminds of that great Australian poem from the federation era, Said Hanrahan.

A LOVELY copy of the poem is available at the National Library of Australia website, Trove . The insight of Father Patrick Joseph Hartigan, who used the pen name 'John O'Brien' made a delightful addition to the front page of The Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser in Victoria on November 14, 1919. His character, Hanrahan, has been giving Australian society a smile for many decades as he voices his fears that "we'll all be rooned", by drought, fires or floods.
THE message seems to be that nature will never perform to the total satisfaction of humankind, and in that regard the 2012 dry spell is probably just a curtain raiser for another wet season. But don't buy umbrellas and raincoats on my predictions because if the bureau can't get it right I don't have a chance. The comparatively dry of winter and spring always gives Queenslanders a final shot at making sure their roofs are ready for the summer rain.
THE roofing specialists who advertise in The Redland Times' Trade Services pages seem to be having a busy spring. Four of them rejected my offer to feature them in this column, saying they had as much work as they could handle. If any others wish to take up the offer I'll still be happy to give some space to the subject.
The Trade Services section is a lively and colourful directory, showing how far publishing has . evolved since the image of that tattered century-old Advertiser where a poem could sit comfortably on page one. It was pleasing to see evidence of the section's success in generating work for the advertisers and providing a handy resource for the readership.

Thanks for joining me in the marvellous community of classified advertising. This column has appeared in The Redland Times.