“Fly Soup.”

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5244, 9 April 1908, Page 4

“Fly Soup.”

Melbourne Mission Restaurant. Shocking Condition of Affairs. Further particulars were given at a meeting of the Melbourne Board of Health as to the seizure at the Metro politan Mission in Boutke-stroot of a quantity of impure meat, which disclosed a worse state of affairs than was at first supposed to exist. In addition to the meat, which Dr Norris affirmed “simply stank,” there was a large cauldron of water and old bones covered with a layer of dead flies. This also smelt abominably. When asked by un inspector of the board if this “fly soup” wore served out to customers, the cook replied, “Oh, yes, they’re not particular; but wo keep back the flies. Most of the bones are good.”

The meat was sent round to the cool stores at once, but the manager could not take it in as it was so bad as to be likely to contaminate the food already there. Dr Norris explained that when any meat was seized it was always frozen, so that it could bo produced as evidence if required Archdeacon Bindley was interviewed by Dr Norris, who was informed that the mission was inspected by ladies every week ; but it was not known whether the kitchen was over entered. It was decided to refer the whole question to the board’s solicitor with a view to ascertain whether the circumstances would warrant proceedings being taken.