“These pots have an extra good look about them, but don’t be hopeful. The picture shows a new beer servicing device known as “Pluto” in use in a Melbourne hotel [National Hotel]. It consists of six feet of transparent plastic hose and a release valve. The device is claimed to be fast, hygienic, and economical.”
– Brisbane Telegraph Wednesday 10 August 1949
* Robyn Slater provided the clearer picture above. She writes: “My great Uncle Dave Smith is the barman, at the National Hotel, opposite the Victoria Market. Note the first chap is wearing a market apron. Great debate in the papers at the time, as to who was the original inventor. The mystery is that the photo was published a year after Uncle Dave left the pub. Uncle Dave (originally an orchardist) fought in WW1 in the 59th battalion, and in his post-war years gave a lot of money (and probably beer) to his old soldier mates who were down on their luck and would frequent the area looking for work.”
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Categories: beer glasses, Melbourne Hotels
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