diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/automation_time_axis.h b/gtk2_ardour/automation_time_axis.h
index d122255375..5e0e2ea045 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/automation_time_axis.h
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/automation_time_axis.h
@@ -121,8 +121,8 @@ public:
 		return _parameter;
 	}
 
-	ArdourCanvas::Item* base_item () const {
-		return _base_rect;
+	ArdourCanvas::Rectangle& base_item () const {
+		return *_base_rect;
 	}
 
 	bool has_automation () const;
diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/editor_drag.cc b/gtk2_ardour/editor_drag.cc
index 4bc28d2557..00dc82c4c5 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/editor_drag.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/editor_drag.cc
@@ -6343,7 +6343,7 @@ NoteDrag::aborted (bool)
 
 /** Make an AutomationRangeDrag for lines in an AutomationTimeAxisView */
 AutomationRangeDrag::AutomationRangeDrag (Editor* editor, AutomationTimeAxisView* atv, float initial_value, list<TimelineRange> const& r)
-	: Drag (editor, atv->base_item (), editor->default_time_domain ()) /* XXX NUTEMPO FIX TIME DOMAIN */
+	: Drag (editor, &atv->base_item (), editor->default_time_domain ()) /* XXX NUTEMPO FIX TIME DOMAIN */
 	, _ranges (r)
 	, _y_origin (atv->y_position ())
 	, _y_height (atv->effective_height ()) // or atv->lines()->front()->height() ?!