Download (14Mb) - VUIR - Victoria University

children completed only minimal schooling (Emest to age twelve), others were later
sent to coUeges in South Melboume and Hamihon.
Serafino's public role in the Daylesford district came to an end in 1878 when
the Righettis decided to leave Stony Creek and move to Heywood, a small town near
the busy port of Portland (ref figure 6). SeUing their property on 20 May 1878,
Serafino retired from the Mount Franklin Shire Council two months later. Prior to his
departure, a fareweU dirmer was held at Foletti's Jockey Club Hotel on the Ballan
Road near Daylesford. Toasts were dmnk 'To the Mining Interest' and 'The
Commercial Interest' of Serafino, all of which were replied to in a short speech by
another ItaUan-speaking counciUor, Mchael Bedolla. Serafino was also honoured with
the following Uluminated address by the chairman, Francesco Rotanzi, which
highlighted many of the services both he and Lucy had performed for the community:
Dear Sir, We the residents of the district in which you have lived for 13
years, can not permit your departure from amongst us without
expressing to you our sentiments of the high esteem and respect you
have eamed from us aU, both in your public and in your private
capacity. As a member, correspondent, Chairman of the Board of
Advice, No. 208, no one could have done more to promote the
mterests, and progress of education than you have, and the successful
working of the Act and school accommodation we have secured, are
mainly due to your untiring zeal and exertions. As councillor to the
Shire of Mount Franklin, the general and local interests of ratepayers
could not have had a readier, prompter and more energetic advocate.
As a private citizen, quite as much as in all movements for the public
weal, your good offices and disposition have always been alike
foremost. And as we are proud of the opportunity to bear witness to
the constant endeavours in, and happy results of, the many acts of
Philanthropy and Benevolence performed by your worthy helpmate,
Mrs Righetti, which have endeared her to, and secured the respect of
everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing her. We exceedingly
regret losing you, but we heartily rejoice in the hope of better and
brighter prospects to you and your family, and our most sincere wishes
216