BANQUET OF AUSTRALIAN MEAT.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 498, 1 May 1869, Page 2

BANQUET OF AUSTRALIAN MEAT.

On Monday night, Feb. 8, a banquet was given at the City Terminus Hotel, Cannon-street, by the Messrs M'Call, importers of Ausralian meat. The object of the dinner was to test the quality of these novel viands in the various forms in which they reach England. About 200 gentlemen partook of the fare. The menu, though not entirely composed of Antipodean dishes, included kangaroo soup, spiced and corned beef, and also preserved boiled mutton from Melbourne, as well as preserved boiled beef from Eamornie. The kangaroo soup was very good, and the hot and cold preserved meats which followed also appeared to meet with pretty general approval. Although somewhat over-cooked and rather deficient in flavour, as compared with ordinary fresh beef and mutton, they were nevertheless eaten with heartiness and relish even by the fastidious. The company were also regaled with Australian puddings, creams, cakes, and " raffles," together with Australian wines and liquors—all of which were pronounced very admirable in their way. Ample justice having been done to this experimental repast, and the usual loyal and patriotic toasts duly honoured, the chairman proposed " Success to the Importation of Meat from our Colonies," remarking on the vital importance of a reduction of the price of butcher meat in the country, especially to the working-classes, and expressing his high approval of the entertainment that they had enjoyed. Mr A. Einnaird, M.P., proposed "The Mercantile Marine and Commerce of this Country," pointing out the bearing of the Australian meat trade upon the question of economy in public expenditure, and expressing the hope that the royal navy would be supplied with Australian beef and mutton, whereby the health and comfort of the sailors would greatly be promoted and a large saving at the same time effected in the estimates.