MOVING ON CAPTAIN COOK IS NO EASY FEAT

REMOVING the towering presence of Captain James Cook in Cairns is proving more difficult than first imagined, and the irony hasn’t been lost on those with a sense of humour.

New owner Martin Anton, who purchased the giant figure from James Cook University for just $1, has taken the cancellation of a scheduled procedure to bring it down in his stride.

The operation was meant to take place on Sheridan St this week, heavy rain put paid to that.

“Is he trying to tell me something?” Mr Anton joked during a conversation with me on the phone.

But Far North residents can be assured it is coming down to make way for the new university hospital.

Mr Anton has big plans for it. What, exactly, remains shrouded in mystery.

One thing that is certain is nothing is being left to chance in order to remove it safely and to preserve it.

It is the second time the removal, which needs to be done with great care and skill in order to prevent potential damage has been postponed.

The procedure is anything but simple. The statue, which has stood next to the Cock and Bull pub for 50 years, will be laid flat in one giant piece on the back of an oversized truck.

Think of the ones you see transporting portable homes or oversized machinery with big orange flags sticking out the sides.

It will then be transported under full police guard to a holding facility in Mt Molloy where it will be restored to its former glory and re-erected at a yet-to-be announced Far North location.

While its previous owner might be eager and a little restless to see the back of Captain Cook, sending him on his way safely appears the most important thing.

They’ll give it another crack on May 24. Mark Murray Reporter