Rugby League and National Anthems

International Rugby League – Australia v New Zealand! Last night’s game was the first I have ever been to and what a difference it was to the usual League games, not that they aren’t exciting games too, the atmosphere at the game last night was different. Adam Harvey, a well known Australian country singer entertained the crowd for a while singing some old Aussie favourites, he also sang our National Anthem, not that I would wish to be disloyal but for powerful music and rhythm it is a pale comparison to ‘ God Defend New Zealand”.

This is a stunning poem/turned hymn: Trivia: written in the 1870’s as a poem by Thomas Bracken who offered a prize of 10 guineas for the best musical setting. John Joseph Woods, schoolteacher of Otago won the prize. The hymn was officially recognised as the National Anthem in 1940. In 1977, after consent from Queen Elizabeth, ‘God Defend New Zealand’ was then given equal status with ‘God Save the Queen’ as one of New Zealand's national anthems.

I sing ‘Advance Australia Fair ‘ whenever the opportunity presents itself and though I am not Australian born I am very proud and emotional when doing so. However, last night along with thousands of other proud Australian I sang with gusto and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The price paid for this 'poem', in 1907 was much higher than that of ‘God Defend New Zealand’, £100 in fact. Written by Scotsman, Peter Dodds McCormick; he died in 1916 and the year written has not been verified.

It became our Anthem after a poll of the population, organised by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam during 1974. But it was not until 19th April, 1984 (in time for the 1984 Olympics) that Advance Australia Fair finally became Australia's national anthem.

Following mixed reactions since the inception on 19th April 1984 ‘Advance Australia Fair’ continues to be sung out loud around our country. For myself I would like to hear it with a more stirring tune so, by the last verse everybody is singing with lungs ready to burst!

But after all that is said and done, it’s was a great game and Kudo’s to the people who organised everything, the fireworks, artists, trainers and of course the players themselves. Nearly forgot! If you blinked you may not have seen me on the TV – how do I know that – well the chap sitting next to me received a phone call from his Mother to tell him!

Von :)