[AJames]

Originally Posted by edwardsdj

... but I don't think the reference to the Southern Cross appeared until the early 20th century.

This was first sung by 10 000 choir at the time of Federation, when the 3rd verse was changed. It was done so that as the then adopted Australian Flag displayed the Southern Cross. It has remained as the 2nd verse of 1984.
My information I have says the verse was created in July 1899.

If ISS members are interested, the story of the Australian Flag, and icons associated with the Southern Cross appear on my Webpage at ;
http://au.geocities.com/ariane2au/PageSCross003.htm

This is the trial version before official, and thanks to Russ, with now be complete by the end of this weekend at "Southern Astronomical Delights." - including now a page on Australia.

Note: History and Legends of the Cross appear on the page before at;
http://au.geocities.com/ariane2au/PageSCross002.htm

Note: The stars on the flag were formally ratified on the current Australian Flag the by the Australian Federal Government as the first legislation passed [Act 1] in 1954. This was the same year as the Queen was coronation.