John Taylor Remembers,
The Old Government Dairy was in the Parramatta Park. At the time this picture was taken it was occupied by the park ranger, Mr. Giles. Formerly it was occupied by the dairymaid of Governor Bourke, and she supplied the Governor’s household with milk and butter.
The late Sir James Martin had many a good drink of buttermilk from the hands of Betty Hackells, the dairymaid. Betty died in this house at the sweet old age of 107. Sir James Martin often spoke of Betty, and told Mr. John Taylor that he had taken the trouble to have her age verified by communication with relatives in the old country. “And many a time (says Mr Taylor) have I and dear old brother Hughie seen old Betty as we strolled round the Park.” 1901
Compiled by Chrissie Crispin, Volunteer, Parramatta City Council Heritage Centre, 2015
References
John Taylor Remembers, The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, Saturday 14 December 1901