PRIZE-WINNING SONG

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20990, 18 December 1939, Page 12

PRIZE-WINNING SONG

CENTENNIAL CONTEST AWARD TO AUCKLANDERS (Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Friday A unison song for massed voices, entitled “In the Blue Pacific Sea,” was awarded the prize in the competition for an Auckland Centennial song. The words are by Mrs Isabel M. Cluett and the music by Mr E. Rupert Morton, both of Auckland. Altogether, 109 entries, were received from all parts of New Zealand. The judges were Professor H. Hoilinrake, Dr. S. Kenneth Phillips and Mr Colin Muston. There was only one prize,. £25 donated anonymously by an Auckland lady. The words of the winning song are: — In the blue Pacific sea, sun-kissed, beautiful and free, Rise tliv stately islands three, 1 and \ve love—NEW ZEALAND. Record or a hundred years, since the valiant pioneers, Laboured here midst hopes and fears, For their land—NEW ZEALAND. On thy history’s honoured page, Written deeply age by age. Shines thy glorious heritage. 1 and we love —NEW ZEALAND. Savage warriors once withstood, Men or England’s alien blood, Now thev meet in brotherhood, Clasping bands—NEW ZEALAND. Where the Torests darkling aisles, Shadowed all the land Tor miles, Many a happy homestead smiles, Homes or men—NEW ZEALAND. Cities stand where stood the trees, Vessels from the Seven Seas, Cluster at the crowded quays, Round thy shores—NEW ZEALAND. Britons or the South are we, To that Britain o’er the sea, Bound by love and loyalty, As we love NEW ZEALAND. By thy starry cross on high, By our faith in God we cry, We will serve thee, live and die, For our land—NEW ZEALAND. In commenting on the entries the judges said that only 12 were placed in the final selection. Referring to the winning song, they said the words were of high merit and the music was dignified and of good quality.