non-fictionA Girl at Government House These reminiscences of an English girl 'in service' present a remarkably lively portrait of Australia in the eighteen eighties and nineties. The story is delightfully different, an evocation of a little-documented side of life in nineteenth century Australia. Brisbane during the Jubilee, Sydney Centennial celebrations, and the Melbourne Exhibition provide the background to the colourful, continuous whirl of dinners, balls and garden parties of colonial society. Juxtaposed with the social roundabout are the lives and loves of the ordinary people who were 'a free and easy lot, and homely too'. The charmingly naive Agnes has come from England 'knowing no more than a babe unborn how it came into the world'; her rustic vision quaintly interpreted Australia as 'beautiful flowers without any scent' and fostered the belief that snakes will never die till sunset, however early they are killed'. An adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity lead Agnes from one great house to another. Governors and grooms, ladies and laundry-maids — all are described with enchanting directness and compelling humour. Great care has been take to illustrate Agnes's story with authentic photographs depicting the people and places mentioned in her narrative. Captivating in its freshness, this delightful story is faithfully recorded with sparkling spontaneity. (inside cover)agnes stokes, servant

These two badges came from the estate of Dorothy and Agnes Ardlie of Warrnambool. Dorothy Ardlie (1910-1993) and Agnes Ardlie (1915-1993) were the daughters of Arthur and Ethel Ardlie of Warrnambool, the granddaughters of the prominent Warrnambool lawyer, William Ardlie and his wife Mary and the great granddaughters of John and Mary Ardlie, pioneer settlers in Warrnambool. The badges appear to have belonged to Agnes Ardlie who was known to have been a keen sportswoman. The Warrnambool Racing Club was founded in the 1870s and annually produced badges for members, both men and women. Female membership of the Warrnambool Golf Club was well established by 1890 and the course then was in Albert Park. These two badges are of interest as having local provenance, belonging to a member or members of a prominent family in Warrnambool in the mid 20th century..1 This is a metal badge in an elliptical shape with gold edging. The image on the badge shows a horse and jockey clearing a hurdle with wording around the image. The colours used are blue, red, gold and green. The badge has a metal clip at the top with a blue cord attached. The back of the badge has wording imprinted on it. .2 This is an oval-shaped metal badge with an image of two golf clubs in blue and gold and the word ‘Associates’ in gold and green. On the back is a metal clip and some hand writing scratched on. The maker’s name cannot be deciphered. .1 Warrnambool Racing Club Not Transferable Season 1965-66 9 Stokes .2 Warrnambool G.C. Associates Ardlie A.A. ardlie family, history of warrnambool