Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

NURSE HOME FROM THE WAR.
Welcome to Sister Cantwell.

A social and reception were given to Sister G. M. Cantwell, of Tintinhull, in Kootingal Hall, by the Tintinhull R.S.R. Committee. The hall was tastefully decorated forthe occasion, the Red Cross being lavishly displayed and on the front of the stage the words "She's a Rose of Woman's Land" worked in red on a white round; 'Welcome Home': and greenery and many flags etc, completed the decorations. Sister Cantwell was enthusiastically received on entering the Hall accompanied by Returned Soldier Driver Hyman, and the chairman, Mr. E. Moore. The orchestra played the choruses of 'A Rose of Woman's Land' and 'Back Home' in which the assemblage joined in heartily. The chairman said that Sister Cantwell had lately returned after serving 2 a/2 years on Active Service in Egypt, Salonika, and England, and all were pleased on her safe return on which he congratulated her, and her people. Of 75 Australian nurses entering Salonika Sister Cantwell was one of the five who escaped the dreaded malaria, though she was not so fortunate with regard to the"flu" from which she suffered in England. Sister Cantwell had, during furlough, travelled. in Ireland, France, Scotland and Italy, and, had been impressed with the great beauty of many scenes. Mesrs. W. Carmichael, Jas. Carr, and M. Maher spoke in praise of Sister Catwell's fine work, and of her devotion and sacrifice on behalf of the sick and wounded, while, on active service. Private E. Manuel on behalf of the Returned Soldiers, spoke of the good work done by the Red Cross Association, abroad.
On behalf of the citizens of Tintinhull and neighbourhood, the chairman presented Sister Cantwell with a gold armlet suitably inscribed. The investment was made by her mother.
Sister Cantwell in responding thanked her friends, for the splendid reception and gift, and said she felt it her duty to go forward and do what she could. She felt more pleasure in going than staying at home. The nurses recognised the fine work done for the Red Cross by Australian women at home. They had seen many scenes and strange people but were pleased to be home in Sunny Australia, again, in the course of their duty they had come into contact with soldiers of many nationalities, both friends and enemies. They liked the Tommies' very well, but above all in their estimation were their own Australian boys the 'Dinkum' soldiers. Mr. M. P. Cantwell thanked the gathering for the fine reception they had given his daughter. The singing of 'For She's a Jolly Good Fellow,' brought this portion of the function to a close. The chairman on behalf of the assemblage, took the opportunity to say farewell to Miss M. Cantwell, who in a few days would be leaving for Bourke, to which town she had been transferred from the staff of the Balmain S.P. School. Miss Cantwell suitably responded. ' Word has been received that Driver E. Cantwell is expected to arrive in Melbourne about 18th February. His reception will 'wind up' a series of socials successfully carried out in Kootingal Hall by Tintinhull R.S.R. Committee.

Daily Observer 03 February 1920 page 1