Morris the Bull returns home

Morris was taken back home by Hotel Queanbeyan licensee Mathew Griffin who rescued the bull after receiving a tip-off from a staff member. 

"I contacted the person that we thought was a guilty party…he said he was intending on bringing Morris back shortly but was waiting for an opportune time."

Lindbeck's Butchery proprietor Peter Lindbeck said it's a "great relief" to have the local icon back on Cooma Street. 

Mr Lindbeck was surprised to learn Morris was just hanging out around the corner, because the bull is well-known as an intrepid explorer.

"He is a well-travelled bull. I'm certain he's seen more of Australia than I have," Mr Lindbeck said.

"We're hoping to get some photos from his latest adventure. Previously he's been snapped on the high board of Civic Swimming Pool, in a boat on the Googong Dam, a pub in the Rocks, part of the crowd at the PM XI's at Manuka Oval and at a school formal as a girl's partner."

Morris the Bull first appeared on the roof of the butcher's shop about 40 years ago. 

It was Mr Lindbeck's father, Bill, who thought having a novel prop would help the business stand out.

"I'm fairly sure when he told me about it I just laughed and thought it was a stupid idea. My father wanted an icon for the people and now it's a bit of landmark so it's definitely worked," he said.

And as for the name, it comes from another Morris the Bull, one that Bill grew up as a little boy at Rose Cottage on the Monaro Highway.

Over the years, Mr Lindbeck said Morris has been the victim of many a muck up day prank and alcohol-fuelled bull-nappings. 

The butcher said he has it on good authority that Morris features highly on the "hit-lists" of local high schools.

"He is like a prize, apparently you can get certain amount of points if you can get him," he said. "He is secured up on the roof but we don't make it impossible, we don't want anyone to break him."

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