Reference:

FAREWELL TEA MEETING. — On Monday evening last, the friends of Mr G. Blewett, of Penzance, assembled at Matthew’s Temperance Hotel, on the eve of his leaving this town for Australia. Mr I. May occupied the chair. About fifty of Mr Blewett’s friends sat down to the cheering cup, and, after the removal of the trays, many beautiful pieces were sung in good style by his musical acquaintances and some next and appropriate speeches were also delivered. In the course of the evening the chairman was requested to present Mr Blewett with a handsome copy of the Immortal Handel’s “Messiah”, on the fly-leaf of which was (exquisitely illuminated) the following inscription:— “At a Public Tea Meeting, held at Matthew’s Hotel, Penzance, July 25, 1853, presented to Mr Gabriel Blewett, previous to his leaving for Australia, by I. C. Kevern, Esq.: with feelings of admiration for his indefatigable and gratuitous labors as a singer and musician at St Mary’s and other chapels, and for his strenuous exertions during a period of fifty years in the advancement of sacred concerts in this town.” The evening was one of a highly pleasing and interesting character, and will long be remembered by all present.— [Musical acquirements have been turned to good account even in Australia. We have heard of a fiddler who earned his £3 a night by amusing fortunate diggers and their female companions. But we presume Mr Blewett visits that far-off country with other designs. Should he be as persevering in his business there as he has been professionally industrious here, and be blessed with health and strength, his friends may be able to look back on this pleasant evening as being no longer a “farewell” one.]