AustLit

Artist, journalist, and self-proclaimed Bohemian George A. Taylor (q.v.) explained his reasons for establishing Ha Ha!: 'He thought if one could only own a prosperous newspaper, he would not only have a definite income but also a medium through which he could publish his pictures... [It] was inflicted upon the public for three months, and seemed to sarcastically laugh itself out of existence. There must have been some bits worth while in it ... It was somewhat before its time.' Its motto was 'Advance Australia'. The first issue introduced 'Ourselves' and declared, 'Our first big wrestle ... will be to bust up the depressing pessimism in Australian literature.' Predominantly comprising amusing and provocative notes and pars, it carried articles on 'The Australian Girl' and 'The Australian Small Boy'. The second issue proclaimed 'The Ideal Woman' to be Rose Scott (q.v.).