A NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR N.Z.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19612, 7 May 1929, Page 15

A NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR N.Z.

BRACKEN'S POEM SUGGESTED.

The contribution made in a letter to THE Pbess on Monday that Thos. Bracken's "Ood Defend New Zealand" would satisfy Archbishop Averill's requirements for a New Zealand National Anthem, was shown to a well-known musical critic in Christchurch yesterday who agreed that the poem was quite appropriate. He doubted, however, wnether the setting of Mr John J Woods was suitable for the purpose as it was really a song with a chorus, the audience joining in the retrain. An anthem required that the body ot singers should all sing together throughout. The same words, however had been set to music in the form of an anthem by Mr R. A. Home and published by the Bristol Piano Co. This setting had been used several times on recent Anzac Day celebrations m Christchurch and had also appeared throughout New Zealand in the School Journal, The words of the song which it is suggested should be used as our National Anthem are: — God of nations! at Thy feet In the bonds of love we meet; Hear our voices we entreat, God defend our Free land. Guard Pacific's triple star. From the shafts of strife and war. Make her praises heard afar, God defend • New Zealand. Men of every creed and race Gather here before Thy face Asking Thee to bless this place God defend our Free land. From dissension, envy, hate. And corruption guard our State. Make our- country good and great, God defend New Zealand. Peace, not war, shall be our boast. But should foes assail our coast Make us then a mighty host, God defend our Free land! Lord of battles in Thy-might, Put our enemies to flight, Let our cause be just and right— God defend New Zealand. May our mountains ever be Freedom's ramparts on the sea ; Make us faithful unto Thee— God defend our Free laud! Guide her in the nation's van, Preaching love and truth to man, Working out Thy glorious plan. * God defend Ne-w Zealand.