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Good old NEW ZEALAND

Composer Louis Alexander Benzoni (1879 - 1965)

Publisher G H Wood

Date1914-1918

Object number00018496

NameSheet music

MediumInk, lithograph on paper

DimensionsOverall: 250 x 340 mm, 0.05 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

Description'Good Old New Zealand' was composed as a patriotic piece during New Zealand's involvement in World War I. It features a photo-lithographic print of the naval vessel HMS NEW ZEALAND from its portside. A photograph of the singer Nellie Kolle is also printed on the top left hand side. This song was dedicated to all New Zealanders, with a percentage of the sales going towards the War Relief Fund. It was sung by Nellie Kolle with great success.HistoryDuring World War I many patriotic songs were written to celebrate a country's landscape, character and military personnel. The composer of 'Good old New Zealand', Louis Benzoni also wrote a similar work focused on Australian patriotism during the conflict. HMS NEW ZEALAND was given as a gift by the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward to the Royal Navy in 1909, during a time of growing political crisis in Europe. The battle-cruiser was built by the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company at Govan on the River Clyde, Scotland. During World War I, HMS NEW ZEALAND was involved in the action at Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland. The song's chorus reads as follows: "Good old New Zealand, Neath skies so blue, Just tell old England We'll see her through; Tho foes oppress you On every hand, England, we'll help you, Our dear home land." Nellie Kolle was a hugely popular vaudeville singer originally from England who toured New Zealand and Australia in 1916 and received such a positive reception that she subsequently moved to Australia. While highly praised for her natural singling and piano playing ability, Kolle was also a male impersonator and established herself as not only one of pantomime's principal boys, but also as one of the most popular female performers working on the Australian variety stage during the 1920s.SignificanceThis sheet music is typical of patriotic songs produced during World War I to generate national pride and support for the war effort. The lyrics highlight New Zealand's alleigience and support for Great Britain.