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The Capricornian (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1875 - 1929)  Sat 1 Mar 1919  Page 15 

WELCOME TO GUNNER G.C.L. ACHESON.

The Committee of the Rockhampton School of Arts assembled in the Committee room Tuesday afternoon to attend a welcome to Gunner G. C. L Acheson, who returned from the front by the mail train on Tuesday last. There were present - Mr. W. Thomson (president) – Rev. J. Walker, and Messers. J. W. Jones. J. B. Ward, F. H. Swanwick, T. W. Evans, P. T. Rees Jones,  A. King, T. B. Marie, E. J. Pearson, and R.G. Tucker.  Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Messers. J. G. Keith and G.H Tidbury.

After the loyal toast had been honoured - The President proposed to the health of' Gunner Acheson. He said it had been little over two years since they had said goodbye to their guest, who had been Chairman for some months and a member of the Committee for three years. They rejoiced that he had returned safely to again take up his place in the community. They all appreciated the sacrifice he had made in leaving a fulltime position to do ''his bit.'

He (the Chairman) had had his attention drawn to a meeting held last week in connection with an appeal for funds for the Young Men's Christian Association.

Captain Simcock was reported to have said that everything was being done for the men at the front, but nothing for the men who had returned. So far as the public bodies at Rockhampton were concerned, that was not the case. The principal of the Rockhampton Technical College was a returned Soldier. The caretaker of that institution was also a returned soldier. The billiard-marker of the School of Arts Recreation Rooms too was a returned soldier. The Rockhampton Harbour  Board had appointed a returned soldier as wharfinger at Port Alma. The Rockhampton General Hospital has kept open the position of medical superintendent pending the return of Dr. F.C Wooster and that institution had recently appointed dispenser a lady who had just returned from the front. All these appointments had been made in recognition of war service.

The Railway Department had also put on returned men where it was possible to do so and he could safely say that, so far as the private firms in Rockhampton were concerned, the same consideration had been shown by them.

Mr. Evans also extended a welcome to Gunner Acheson - He stated that, he admired the spirit which had prompted Mr. Acheson to volunteer and he was very pleased indeed to see him back.

Mr. Ward said that the whole of the members of the Committee sympathized with Gunner Acheson in the loss he had sustained by the death of his mother.

Messers. Walker and Swanwick also extended a hearty welcome to Gunner Acheson. The Secretary Mr. W. K. Cleeve welcomed Gunner Acheson on behalf of the staff.

Gunner Acheson in reply, stated that he deeply felt the honour they had paid him in meeting him that afternoon. He did not regret having gone to the front. His views with regard to mankind had been considerably broadened.  He had met men who would be considered of not much standing in a community - but they were men. He thanked the President and other members for stating they would be pleased to see him fill the first vacancy on the committee.