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and was happy in her new home. She was able to speak in her own language ~ though
she made attempts to leam EngHsh ~ and was more financially secure that she had
been in Ticino. The Pozzis would have been well respected in the community ~
Stefano, through his involvement in the wine shop and Long Turmel mine, and her
brother-in-law, Giuseppe, as a miller with over 32 hectares of grape-vines. Stefano
had also been able to extend his business contacts through a new association with the
Freemasons who met in Bridport Street. He and his mining partner. Albino Paganetti,
who had emigrated from San Nazzaro in Ticino in 1858, had been initiated into the
Mount Franklin Lodge of Hiram on 3 November 1870.*^ Citing his occupation as
watchmaker, the title perhaps being more prestigious than that of hotelier or miner,
Stefano became a lifelong member, in 1872 holding the office of Junior Deacon. His
appearance at the meetings of the Masonic Lodge, along with that of a small number of
his compatriots, reflected the degree to which he had won acceptance within the
English-speaking community." (It also suggested that he had grown more sympathetic
towards the political views which Guscetti represented.)
As the Long Tunnel Mine became more profitable, an application to have it
registered as a limited company under the provisions of the Mining Companies Act of
1871 appeared in the Daylesford Mercury and Express in January 1875. The
registered office of the company was located at Pozzi's rooms in Vincent Street, and
the manager of the company was Mr Francis Rotanzi, a native of Peccia in Ticino and
also a member of the Freemasons Lodge (serving for a time in the highest office of
Worshipful Master). Among the major shareholders were Stefano Pozzi with 130
shares, Battista Paganetti with 250 shares and Albino Paganetti with 260 shares. Other
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