The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, September 28, 1909. NO NATIONAL ANTHEM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 486, 28 September 1909, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, September 28, 1909. NO NATIONAL ANTHEM.

‘‘Talking about National Anthems” (writes the Wellington Post’s London correspondent. “I remarked a tew weeks ago upon the absence of any national tune for New Zealand at the great press dinner at the White City. Modest New Zealanders could scarcely suppress a. feeling of chagrin as the band of the King’s Colonials played, and the audience loudly cheered, the national music of Canada, Australia, and other parts of the Empire, New Zealand was absent then, and will probably be absent again from the series of national songs of the Oversea Dominions, which Britannia has commenced to publish. Or, possibly, acting on some advice, it may publish one or other of the colourless dirges which have from time to time been designated the National Anthem of New Zealand. The Government at present is exercised over the selection of a coat of arms for New Zealand, aud the designs are now passing under the cold criticism of the College of Heralds. Would it not be a wise precaution against the jibes of posterity to bend our attention at once to the regular selection of a National Anthem ? We have lyrists of our own. W r e have a composer of outstanding merit. Why not call for tenders and set up a qualified committee to decide upon a National Anthem which will be tuneful, poetic, and inspiring ?” To all of which we say “ amen.”