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Download (14Mb) - VUIR - Victoria University

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disease of the liver'"**). Despite many years in Australia, Severino's 'naturally fervent<br />

and active mind' had not permitted him to lose his love and concem for the people of<br />

Ticino, and had given him no peace."** In 1888, his friends in Biasca wrote upon a<br />

memorial plaque placed in the tovm hall: 'signor dottore Guscetti consunto in<br />

Australia da malore nostalgico' .^^<br />

A description of his well attended funeral which appeared in the local press on<br />

25 April 1871 began:<br />

The last tribute of respect was paid on Sunday aftemoon to the remains<br />

of Dr. S. Guscetti, the funeral cortege being one of the largest yet seen<br />

in Daylesford."**<br />

Present were members of the Guildford Brass Band and the Swiss and Italian<br />

Association, carrying the Italian flag draped in mouming."*' Despite heavy rain, up to<br />

600 citizens stood by the grave-site for the Catholic service and a eulogy read by<br />

Severino's long-time fiiend Rotanzi. Severino had won the respect and esteem of not<br />

only his compatriots and the Italians but of the community at large. Recalling his<br />

private as well as public charities, his obituary concluded with the words: 'we are sure<br />

the premature decease of a warm hearted and gemal man will be regretted by all who<br />

knew him'.*"<br />

At the time of Severino's death, the Guscettis had been renting a house from<br />

Dr Rossetti in Raglan Street, Daylesford. (Their son Federico, then managing a wine<br />

shop also owned by Rossetti in the same street, would suggest that the Italian-speaking<br />

professionals had their own support networks.) Giuditta eventually moved to<br />

Newbridge where, on 6 December 1872, her son transferred his hotel licence into her<br />

273

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