Green’s Dictionary of Slang

Deacon Skinner n.

(Aus.) dinner.

1894		Truth (Sydney) 19 Feb. 2/8: If you’re asked have you had your Deacon Skinner they [mean] your dinner .
[1911		Sun (Kalgoorlie, WA) 26 Mar. 4/8: He s a great man with a frying1 pan, / A fair old Deacon Skinner, / He’s a member of a patter team, / And cooks his mother-in-law’s dinner].
1924		Mail (Adelaide) 16 Feb. 1/4: I’m goin’ to the Sydney Harbour (barber) and I’ll be back in soda and lime (time) for Deacon Skinner (dinner).
1935		Mirror (Perth) 14 Sept. 17/4: Dinner became Deacon Skinner.