Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Maryborough & Dunolly Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 - 1918)
Monday 9 December 1918

MORE ANZACS RETURN
ENTHUSIASTIC - WELCOMES PRIVATE W. J. COSSTICK.

Maryborough had the honor of welcoming its first "furlough" Anzac on Saturday night. In American phrasing. it was some welcome. As the time drew near for the arrival of the 9.20 train from Melbourne the objective of half the people of Mayborough appeared to be the railway station and long before the train put in an appearance the approaches of the station were crowded. As the engine slowly steamed down the length of the platform the Anzac - Private W.J. Cosstick- was seen standing with his father at the doorway of one of the carriages. An immediate rush was made down the platform and before the train had come to a stop the "veteran' 'was lifted from the train, and was in the midst of a group of relatives and friends all striving eagerly to grasp his hand. Many, debarred from a handshake brought their lips into osculatory contact with the hero's face. When he had received due greeting from his relatives, he was rescued from the affectionate attack of his girl friends by a couple of returned soldiers and carried shoulder high to the car which awaited at the station entrance. Push ing their way through a cheering and applauding crowd, the band meantime playing "Home Sweet Home" with great expression, his supporters finallly set him down in the car, where he was again besieged by people anxious to give a personal touch to his reception. With torches flaring, the band then led the procession down Nolan street. At the corner of High and Nolan streets a strong post of strong voices added its quota of cheers, while a huge double poled banner, bearing the words "Welcome Home, Boys," was held up as a kind of triumphal arch, under which the car had to pass. The town Hall was packed to the doors at 9.20, and many of those who had visited the station were unable to gain admission. As Private Cosstick entered, the applause and cheers which broke out were deafening. He was escorted up the centre by his two little sisters, proud in their possession of a big Anzac brother. Mr. and Mrs. Cosstick were accommodated with seats alongside their son. The Anzac had hardly got seated when he was presented with a handsome bouquet by little Coonar Hornsby, who has eleven Anzac uncles, nine of whom have returned. A bouquet was also presented from the Maryborough "Magpies." and another from Miss A. Whitney. The Mayor said that Private Cosstick was the son of their worthy townsman. Mr. George Cosstick, who had done so much for the town while his boy had been fighting. Private Cosstick had enlisted very early in December 1914 and had taken part in the landing at Gallipoli where he had been wounded. After the evacuation he went to France, where he had been fighting continuously up to the time he left. They all remembered the memorable time when the Australian leader had said, "Come on, Australia." and the Australian boys had gone on if not to victory to a glorious recognition. Private Cosstick was one of those boys and he had the utmost pleasure in extending him a hearty welcome back to Maryborough. He (the Mayor) was especially pleased to see his parents on the platform with him and also his sisters and he could tell them that the people of the town were proud to greet the first "rosette" Anzac to return to Maryborough. Their guest was one of those who had been granted leave, and if the war had not finished he would have had to go back. But now the world was at peace and there would be no need for him to again cross the sea on active service. The Mayor concluded his remarks by calling on the audience to give three cheers for Private Cosstick, the cheers being given with a hearty goodwill. Hon. A. R. Outtrim. M.L.A., in paying a tribute to the Anzac said Private Cosstick had proved himself a brave young lad. He was a big hearted young fellow and deserved every credit and reward for the splendid service he had rendered the Empire. He (Mr. Outtrim) could well imagine the feelings of the parents who were able once again to clasp their son in loving arms. It was Private Cosstick and his comrades who had made a name for Australia that would never be forgotten. Before the war a lot of funny ideas prevailed in other countries in regard to Australia, but the boys who went out to battle for their country and King demonstrated that they came of one of the whitest and bravest races the world had ever seen. Captain Ornstien as president of the Returned Soldiers' Association, said he and his confreres were glad to welcome home a soldier who had been one of the first to go away. He stressed the advisability of Private Cosstick joining the local branch of the association, and said they were banded together to ensure that returned men received their rights and that the widows and dependents of fallen soldiers secured just treatment. On behalf of the Girls' Welcome Home Club, he had been asked to present to Private Cosstick a package containing cigarettes and lollies, and had much pleasure in carrying out the wishes of the ladies in question. Canon Davies said he was pleased to come back to the town from which he had gone two years ago on the occasion of an incident such as this. On behalf of the men of his perusasion he welcomed Private Cosstick from the bottom of his heart. Looking at the assemblage that evening reminded him of another meeting which had been held in the month of August, 1914, when the same enthusiastic sentiment they were witnessing that evening held sway. On that occasion an appeal was made for men to offer themselves in the service of their King, and pick up the gauntlet which had been flung in the face of civilisation. He well remembered the lads, ten or eleven in number, who were the first to offer their health and strength and service on be- half of the country they loved. It was a great thing now to see the hall crowded with loving men and women who took the returning men to their hearts and said, "Thank God we have you back again!" Some wondrous power had brought the lads safely through their indescribable trials, had brought them safe in body, and sound in mind and limb back to their parents and home. They should not allow such sentiment to evaporate in mere cheers and words, and in this connection, he was sorry to hear the representative of the returned soldiers remark that they were banding together to secure their rights. There should be no hesi tation in rendering the soldiers not only their rights but their debt. There should be no reason for the soldiers to band together, but the nation as natlon should be banded together to assist the men who had done so much and see that, they received everything in the shape of honor and reward. The men had proved their courage, the public should prove their gratitude. Australia would never see the soldiers, or the widows of soldiers, deprived of their rights. On behalf of the ministers of Maryborough he esteemed it an honor to welcome Private Cosstick back to his home and friends. The response of the Anzac was typical of the man. Briefly he said he was grateful for getting such a splendid reception for doing so little. He thanked them one and all for the enthusiasm they had displayed on the occasion of his homecoming. Mr. G. Cosstick, father of the Anzac, said he had never experienced a home coming such as this. They had been welcomed in Melbourne by cheering throngs but it was nothing to what they received in Maryborough. The evident sincerity of it all touched his heart, and he felt prouder than any man or woman in the hall, more especially as his son had come home well and healthy and practically just as fit as when he left. The cordiality of the reception was enhanced by the rendition of a short musical programme, to which the following contributed:- Song, "When You Come Home." Miss M. Harris; song "Anzacs." Mr. A. Whay: song, "Coming Home." Miss Long. Miss Harris and Mr. W. Green played the accompaniments. The rousing strains of "Over There" were rendered by the band, after which "beers" were given for the returned soldiers and those at the front, and the gathering dissembled.