Song of Australia

"The Song of Australia" was written by English-born poet Caroline Carleton in 1859 for a competition sponsored by the Gawler Institute. The music for the song was composed by the German-born Carl Linger (1810-1862), a prominent member of the Australian Forty-Eighters.

On 1 October 1859, the South Australian Register announced:

A PRIZE of TEN GUINEAS open to South Australia is offered by the Gawler Institute for the WORDS of a PATRIOTIC SONG, to be entitled "The Song of Australia". Copyright of words to which the Prize may be awarded to become the property of the Gawler Institute.

Judges: John H. Barrow, Esq., M.P.; John Brown, Esq.; John Howard Clark, Esq.; Hon. A. Forster, M.L.C.; W. C. Wearing, Esq.; E. J. Peake, Esq., M.P.

Competitors are free to adopt any treatment of subject or rhythmical measure, so long as the composition is in accordance with the title and suitable for musical expression. Each competitor to write on the outside of the envelope covering the composition (which must not bear the name of the author, but a motto) the words "Poem for Prize"; and in a second envelope to enclose his name, written outside the motto corresponding with that attached to the composition. Of those letters containing the names of the competitors, that alone will be opened which bears the motto of the successful composition.

All communications must be made by October 14, and addressed to George Isaacs, Gawler.

Announcing the winner and the second stage of the competition:

THE GAWLER PRIZE SONG.- AWARD OF THE JUDGES.

Gawler Institute, October 20, 1859.

The Prize of Ten Guineas for the best words for a Patriotic Song has been awarded by the Judges to Mrs. C. J. Carleton. Adelaide.

The Committee regret that their funds will not permit their distributing other prizes to various meritorious productions contributed, but in order to encourage native talent they intend publishing a careful selection from amongst them. Any of the competitors objecting to their contribution being so published will please to signify the same, by letter, to Mr. George Isaacs, Gawler (subscribed with the motto previously used), on or before the 31st inst., otherwise their sanction will be inferred. Any competitors desiring their names to be attached to their contributions will please give permission to the Committee to open the envelopes inscribed with their mottoes.

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