Servant Problem
According to many contemporary accounts in the 1870s the diminished supply of domestic help caused a decline in the quality of service. Charles Rawson’s sketches of the slavey (servant girl) are most unflattering, commenting that Katherine turned out to be a rank duffer, and worse than an idiot, whose departure was a cause for relief, and an enormous clean-up.
20 June 1871
Charley cutting up – Harry and Andrew salting. Sent Andrew to Port in the dray for gate timber & the new slavey’s box. “The Nut” returned in aftern – Katherine turns out a rank “duffer”! Worse than an idiot!
Observe the way she lays the table for lunch, after being shown three times how to do it properly!
My gentle Benedict, may ne’er your “Missus” An unkempt slavey keep, one such as this is, On English and Scotch lassies keep your eye And let your motto be No Irish need apply.
& look at her hopelessly idiotic face!
26 June 1871
Ned painting doors, Harry gardening, Charley making chimney on kitchen. TC went down & Long came up in aftern. The new slavey has notice to quit tomorrow being utterly useless & too dirty for anything!
This is the Mrs exceeding stern of countenance.
One more Incapable,
lowest of low,
Dirt unmistakable
slovenly, slow, -
mistress implacable – notice to go -
27 June 1871
Katherine takes herself & all her dirty things off the place on the dray under Andrew’s care. All hands immediately returned thanks! Harry and Long up to Hamilton. The Mrs, Ned and Charley cleaning up and wiping out Katherine’s tracks!
Ned cleaning out her room!
The Mrs with all the crockery in a big washing tub!
Charley taking out the second load of dirt!
Last updated: 10th January 2008
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