A group of islands, loved and lovely, first a colony - <br /> Strung out like a necklace flung across the southern seas - <br />Now a beautiful Dominion, God's own gift to us - <br /> A jewel in the Israel crown, a pearl most marvellous <br />Rich in churches, farms and cities; pastures, cattle, sheep - <br /> where this people British-bred their ancient laws may keep. <br /> <br /> <br />First of Britain's family to come to Britain's aid - <br /> In two great world-wide wars - the memory shall not fade - <br />From the Mother heart that beats in London's sanctuary. <br /> Across the world we hail New Zealand - one of our company.<br /><br />Winifred Emma May<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-company-of-nations/
