Cornelius Charles Collins 1922-2009

		I was born in Glenferrie, Melbourne. Dad was transferred to Beechworth mid 1920’s. My first recollection of country life was lying on a table having my arms and legs manipulated by mum and dad in front of a huge open fire. I had contracted mild polio. We resided in Melish Street and my first set back in life was losing, firstly my marbles, then my cherry bobs, to the “proddo” boys around the corner. This must have stirred my competitive nature, as it wasn’t long before I became the “Tyre Belting” champion of the neighbourhood. (To this generation “Tyre Belting” was to get old tyres from the garage and have races around the block, belting a tyre along while running.)
In 1934 dad was transferred back to Royal Park. For a while we boarded in Carlton. I went to St George’s School and represented them in the High Jump. I deadheated for 1^st in the combined schools under 13. I later attended St. Joseph’s Christian Brothers College in North Melbourne. My only claim to fame was winning the “Potato” race. I also won the mile bike race at North Melbourne football ground. I only had an old Roadster and defeated a chap with a racing bike and trainer. This race started the seed of thoughts of bike riding; however the prize bike I had in mind was beyond my pockets. I drooled over a semi racer in Hartleys. It had hub brakes, lights run by dynamo off the front wheel tyre and, wait for it, 3 gears. I had to have it, but the 13 pounds, 14 shillings and sixpence was beyond my reach. I borrowed four pounds deposit from mum, put it on lay-by and paid it off at one shilling a week for three years. Boy, what a day it was when I rode this machine for the first time.
	I did not like to study therefore I only passed sub intermediate year. However, I was always very good at arithmetic and algebra. I loved both these subjects. I applied for position in the government. In the 1930s, people who had lived through the depression saw a government job to be a secure and worthy position. I had to sit for a statewide examination. I was lucky enough to come fifth in Victoria and soon obtained a position in the P.M.G. (Post Office) as a telegraph messenger. I was promoted to the circulation section of the telegraph branch. It was not long before I was made officer-in-charge of over 100 young men. I spent five years in the army and served time on the Toll Peninsula (on island of New Britain) during World War 2*. When I returned to civilian life, I become a counter officer in the Elizabeth Street Post Office. After seven years, I obtained a position as a clerk in the Navy Department in St. Kilda Road. In the early 1960s I was promoted to a position as officer-in-charge of Registry with the Australian National Line. I remained at ANL until my retirement in 1978.
My greatest sporting love was cricket. I always felt that I could have gone to greater heights if I had not spent five years in the army. I was a left hand opening batsman. I opened for the Battalion Hibernians Y.M.C.A. midweek Wednesday competition A.N.L. I also did a bit of offbreak bowling. I discovered I was no McEnroe at tennis so took to golf. What a wonderful game! At 35, it was a bit late to take lessons. At my peak, I played to about 18 handicap. However, the first time I failed to break 100, I gave up golf and took up lawn bowls. I have enjoyed this game for over 35 years.
			During World War 2, I met Bridget Lennon while I was on leave. We started to write to each other and the letters became increasingly more romantic. I proposed to her in the Silver Grill, Hotel Australia, in 1946. We married in St. John the Baptist Church in Clifton Hill in 1948. We settled in West Brunswick and had five children – Barbara, Graham, Judith, Mary and Cathy. To support my growing family, I implemented my income by working as a cleaner, an S.P. Bookie, a truck driver and odd jobs man. Because of the longer hours working, I have always carried a feeling of guilt as my wife and her mother spent the majority of time raising our children.
As a release from the stress of earning a crust, I would often give the drink a bit of a nudge, especially on Friday nights. My family have many interesting and amusing in (retrospect) stories to tell of my Friday nights. I now have fond memories of my family and our holidays on the cheap. Three trips to Tasmania, across the Nullarbor, up to Darwin, Sydney three times, Adelaide three times, Queensland three times, most of the scenic towns of Victoria and, in particular, back to Beechworth three times. Bridget and I had great times at the dances at St. Ambrose Hall, a country wedding at Colac, a second honeymoon at Port Fairy. My world came crashing down some years back, when I found my wife to be suffering from Dementia. I would have liked to make up for the failings in my early life during our older years. But that is no longer possible. Tears well up when I think that Bridget does not remember any of the good times. I hope my almost daily visits to Bridget’s nursing home brings some comfort to her. Sometimes she recognises me and I am rewarded with a big smile and kiss. I only hope she is happy in her state.
				My children are my life now. They make life bearable (plus my bowls). I am fortunate to have my daughter, Judith and her husband, Renato, living at home with me and assisting me in many ways. My other children, Barbara, Graham, Mary and Cathy all pop in for visits or call for a chat on the phone or are just there when I need them. I am also very proud of our 10 grandchildren and look forward to watching their young lives develop. I have always had a dog as a companion. Timmy, Jackie Googan, Lassie, Blackie, Mr Dog and Sooty have all been wonderful dogs - giving love and loyalty without complaint. Bear now fills the gap left by the loss of my old canine friends.
Although I feel fine and am not too bad in the head and body for someone in his eighties, I feel I have started on the last part of my journey. I can look back on my life and see where I’ve been and what I’ve done and know that, by and large, it is a good journey! Added by Barbara Collins Con passed away at John Falkner Hospital, Moreland, on Wednesday 22^nd October.

Last updated by Barbara Collins 4 November 2009

*Click here for an overview of Con’s World War 2 medals.

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