FOR ANZAC DAY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 20 July 1929, Page 2

FOR ANZAC DAY

AN ANTHEM RESPONSE TO APPEAL BY THE PRIMATE A long-felt want on the part of returned men, their relatives and friends, lias been an anthem suitable for singing ut Anzae Day services throughout the Dominion. Last Anzac Day the Archbishop of New Zealand, Dr. A. \\. Averill, in tlie course of his address ill the Town Hall, Auckland, uttered a plea for a work which should fill the need so badly felt. Dr. Averill asked if there was not some New Zealand poet and some New Zealand composer who would collaborate in the writing of an Anzac Anthem. He said something was wanted which should breathe the spirit of Anzac," perpetuate the sacrifices made in the Great War by New' Zealand's brave boys, and instil in everyone determination to see to it that the ideals for which so many of them died should be fulfilled.

Among those who listened to the Archbishop’s appeal were several who quickly responded. Upwards of 50 sets of verses wore submitted to Dr. Averill and after careful consideration of them all and consultation with experts he selected as the most suitable the Anzae Anthem sent in by Mr John Youlin Birch,-a well-known Auckland journalist, now a member of the subeditorial staff of the “New Zealand Herald.” The music for Mr Birch’s lines has been written by Mr .T. Maughnn Barnett, Auckland city organist. The complete number was offered to the Returned Soldiers’ Association by the Archbishop on behalf of the author and composer and has been gratefully accepted by the president of the Auckland branch of the R.S.A. (Mr A. C. A. Sexton) on behalf of the members of that branch. _ It is the earnest hope of Dr. Averill and Messrs Barnett and Birch that the anthem will he adopted as the official Anzac Day one by all branches' of the R.S.A. throughout New Zealand. The words are: ANZAC ANTHEM (Words bv John Youlin Birch, music by j. Maughaii Barnett.) Oli, Lord of Love, with whom in Heaven now dwell, In rest eternal, from all burden free, New Zealand’s sons who noblv fought and fell, Teach us to honour their ideals and Thee. 1 Name of Anzac, s, rf- - Fame of Anzac, Live for evermore !

Almighty God, inspire us all to strive For love and for the brotherhood of man ; And grant the Anzac spirit may survive, On evil strife, oh Lord, place Thou * Thy ban. Name of Anzac, Fame, of Anzae, Live for evermore!

Oil, Lord of Hosts, whose banner is unfurled Throughout our Empire, humbly do we plead I hat Thou wilt help us make a wariess ’ world, And banish hatred, jealousies and greed. Name of Anzac, Fame of Anzac, Live for evermore ! Instil, in us, oil Lord, the will for peace, The zeal to fight for it- with might and main. Our gallant sons who died that war should cease Must not have made their sacrifice fin vain. Name of Anzac, Fame of Anzac, Live for evermore!