This song was the subject of failed high court actions in both New Zealand and Australia. It is now generally understood that ‘Clement Scott’ was publisher Palings pseudonym for Albert Saunders. Whilst he was working as a theater accompanist on a tour of New Zealand he ‘collected’ the Maori folk tune by first publication. A maori lyricist, a claimant on the original melody and the composer’s widow ere all unsuccessful in suing Palings for royalties on millions of gramophone recordings, Pianola rolls and printed arrangements.
Now Is The Hour/Haere Rae/Po Atarau/Swiss Cradle Song
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