COLONIAL DINNER AT HOME

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2274, 5 February 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

COLONIAL DINNER AT HOME

The Dunedin Star's London correspondent, writing on November sth, says:— "A lot of stories are afloat about the 'colonial' dinner given by 'Tinnedmeat' Tallerman to the working men delegates of London. From all sides I 1) ai , that the colonial dishes proved the reverse of tempting. Of the eight kinds of Canadian fish only one sort could by any stretch of imagination be considered eatable. The Queensland beef was like leather —no nutriment in it. 'My missus wouldn't put such stuff afore me if we got it for now't,' said one working man to my informant, and similar views were expressed with regard to the ' tatters' of New Zealand rabbit and the sodden-looking Victorian mutton. Eventually the visitors, disappointed of the substantial meal they had expected and excited by loaded beverages loosely described as colonial wine, grew derisive. Mr Tallerman's glowing eulogy on colonial provisions was received with sarcastic laughter, and the speeches proceeded with difficulty. At last one man, merrier than the rest, commenced a fusillade of apples, oranges, and nuts at friends opposite. They returned the compliment, and 'ructions' prevailed till ' Tinned-meat' Tallerman himself bustled round to the noisy ones, and, ordering the original disturber off home, partially restored quiet. Most of the workmen, however, followed their friend, vowing they must get 'some'at to eat before the publics closed.' It has again and again been demonstrated that a most excellent dinner of colonial produce can be given in London if a little pains are takeu. Tallerman has simply to thank himself for his failure. He tried to do the entertainment on the cheap, and with the usual fatal results."