Our Returned Soldiers
Gazette January 11 1901 (This is an abridged version of the article published on 11th January 1901)
Privates Nadenbousche and Cook
There was hardly any standing room on the Morwell station platform on Tuesday, where the people congregated by the hundred on the off chance that Privates Nadenbousche and Cook and Trooper Macmillan would arrive by the midday train. Had it been known for a certainty the station platform would have been far too small to accommodate the crowd that would have met there to greet them. The same train also brought back Lieutenant Hall, Private Bolding, Rangers Watson and Gordon, who were returning from taking part in the Commonwealth celebrations in Sydney.
As soon as the train drew up to the station the returned soldiers were greeted with hearty cheers, and received a kind and affectionate welcome from their relations and their intimate friends. As the reception committee were not aware that they would arrive by that train no arrangements had been prepared to give them a fitting reception. However, Mr. J. B. Hoyle, with the assistance of Lieutenant Hall, rose to the occasion, and in less time than it takes to write it, an impromptu reception was arranged which perhaps proved more enjoyable and gratifying than any preconcerted plan.
A band of singers speedily got together in the Mechanics’ as well as the other necessary ingredients. Prior to entering the hall Privates Nadenbousche and Cook were accorded a military reception, a number of the local Rangers and Mounted Rifles, under the command of Lieut. Hall fired several rounds of blank cartridges in their honour. As they entered the hall they were welcomed by the children and others singing “ Home Sweet Home.” Lieutenant Hall, who was in charge of the proceedings, said the first toast on an occasion like the present, was that of the Queen, which was received with enthusiasm.
Mr R. Tulloch sang splendidly, “ Soldiers of the Queen”.
Both Privates Nadenbousche and Cook are in the best of health, and look very much better than when they embarked for South Africa, which must be gratifying to their friends and relations.