THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 110, 11 May 1926, Page 16

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.

(To the Editor.) Sir. —A correspondent recently admonished a lady for giving a concert from which the National Anthem was omitted. In Friday's "Star" he expresses his satisfaction that he has brought the lady to book. Then he informs his readers he does not know the custom in London, but he does know the custom in the West of England. I think I can say a little about both places. Except in exclusive circles in London, when the band strikes up "God Save the King" the audience rise and the great majority leave the hall, so that by the time the anthem is finished there is no one in the hall except those on the platform. This can be seen any Sunday evening through the winter at the National Sunday League's concerts held all over London. Now, for the West of England. In the early fifties of the last century, the Fox Brothers, the manufacturers of tho noted serges, built a school for boys, and carried it on, for anything I know, to this time at their own expense. From the first, the National Anthem was not taught or sung, but a parody. If I give the first and last verses, that will be sufficient to show the nature of the other two: First. Ciod Mess our native land, May-Heavens-protecting hand, Still guard her shore: May peace her sway extend, Foe be transformed to friend, On war no more. Fourth. And not this land alone. But be Thy mercies known. From shore to shore. Lord, make the nations see That men should brothers be, And form one family. The wide world o'er. The school is at Wellington, Somerset, and I think is a fair indication of West of England feeling. I feel sure the beautiful thoughts contained in this song have influenced mc all my lifetime, and it is always in a spirit of reverence I bring them to mind. I think if I give one verse from the National Anthem that will be sufficient for readers to say which would be the best for the school-children to sing in the schools: Scatter his enemies. And rem lie them fall: Confound their politics, Frustrate their knavish tricks—• Concerning the origin of the National Anthem, it is ascribed to Dr. John Bull, organist to James 1., and it has served all the monarchs -since. Is what I have stated in this letter an indication that it is passing out? —I am. etc., THOS. STUBBS.