Jorgen Alexander Christensen was a native of Denmark and came to Queensland around 1891, a highly qualified engineer; he spent his early years in Queensland erecting machinery in the central west. He was a highly qualified engineer. Around 1901 he obtained employment at the Railway Workshops at North Ipswich as a fitter. He rose to be leading hand fitter in the locomotive shop, retiring in 1930. He possessed an inventive mind and several of his patents were accepted.
This article appeared in Queensland Railway Express July 1922:* J.A Christensen Fitter. Ipswich Workshops. Design of Patent. Buffer. Lock. £50 Bonus.* He was also an enthusiastic fisherman. In an article in the Queensland times dated 8th of March 1913, it states “An ingenious reel. Recently we have had the privilege of inspecting a very an ingenious brake attachment to a reel which should prove to be a boom to rod fisherman. It is the invention of Mr Alex Christensen of North Ipswich, who does not wish to make anything out of it, but will be only too pleased to explain its mechanism to any amateur fisherman. By the action of a little nut, on the outside; the angler is able to break on just as hard or as easy as required. The break consists of a small spring and lever held in position by a bracket and is worked from the outside by turning a milled-head. It can be adjusted to practically any strength desired. The turn-table connected to the reel is very simple and effective, in fact, the reel complete is one which any rod fisherman would greatly desire.” His first patent was in 1910, unfortunately no details have survived regarding this patent. His second patent was in conjunction with Alfred Edward Jackson and Beresford Yeates Foote.
An article that appeared in The Telegrath(Brisbane) 9th July 1926: Some seven or eight years ago when “Squire” was running snapper trips for the Carlton Club. An engineer from the Ipswich Workshops (Mr. Allen Christenson) produced a reel of his own invention. It was fastened to the ships gunwale and as above stated, worked automatically. It was a great success but then there were some little faults that needed attention. With the War and other obstacles, snapper ships were abandoned and the inventor had no opportunity of finishing his patent. Perhaps he sent his idea abroad. If so, I would like to know.