John Joseph Woods
John Joseph Woods ( * 1849 in Tasmania, Australia, † 1934 in Lawrence, New Zealand), New Zealand was a teacher and composer of the national anthem of New Zealand "God Defend New Zealand".
Life and work
Born and raised in Tasmania, the son of a soldier John Woods received a good education of the former middle class. He was quite talented, creative and above all very musical. Of the twelve musical instruments that he could play the violin was his favorite instrument. When he came to New Zealand, is not known.
He was 27 years old and worked at the time as a composer competition for a New Zealand national anthem was advertised in The Advertiser, in the gold mining town of Lawrence in the Catholic school as a teacher. The text of the anthem, which had been printed in the newspaper, came from Thomas Bracken ( 1843-1898 ). The winner should get a prize for the best melody ten guineas.
John Woods won the competition and found himself so that when the anthem was first sung on Christmas Day 1876, when the composer of the New Zealand national anthem in the history books.
Woods was a public spirited man, quite sporty and a member of numerous clubs and societies. He was choirmaster in the Catholic church in the village and with his retirement in October 1931, the longest-serving employee of the former county government. For his integrity and his sense of duty, he was appreciated. At the age of 83 years his honor Freeman of the County to British tradition was given as the first man in New Zealand.
In addition, Woods still an expert in Daffodils ( daffodil ) was known. His collection of daffodils is said to have over 300 copies. It is surprising that no longer can be found in the history of New Zealand about this man.
John Joseph Woods died at the age of 85 years in his hometown of Lawrence.
Swell
- Lawrence.co.nz New Zealand National Anthem
- Ministry for Culture & Heritage History of New Zealand 's National Anthems
- New Zealand composer
- Born in 1849
- Died in 1934
- Man