Mildred Snowden was born at Abbotsford, Vic. in 1860. The family property on which she grew up was called "St. Helliers". She married Robert Alfred Demaine on 23 November 1882. Her father, Sir Arthur Snowden began practising law in 1867 and developed a strong interest in local public health and sanitation, including raising awareness of the pollution of the Yarra and its effects on nearby residents. In 1891 he was elected to Melbourne City Council and was elected mayor of Melbourne in 1892, 1893 and 1894. He was knighted in 1895. He was a keen gardener, keeping many rare plants in the garden of St. Helliers, and occasionally donated specimens to Melbourne parks. He died at his home on 18 June 1918 and was buried in Melbourne general cemetery, survived by his two daughters.
From the description of Reminiscences and family papers. 1829-1938. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 223327827
