KEO.PLUS

On April 11,1902, after fully understanding the situation in New Zealand, Arthur finally made the decision for his next step: to meet the Alliance Party, currently the largest party in New Zealand.

Among the current two major political parties in New Zealand, the Alliance Party has actually been established for a relatively short time.

However, since its establishment up to now, it is the most influential party with the most say in New Zealand.

Fortunately, thanks to New Zealand’s background as an autonomous colony, the Alliance Party has obtained certain positions, such as the current Alliance Party leader Grant Wilson, a typical representative.

Grant Wilson was born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1853 and is one of the representatives of New Zealand’s local officials.

Grant’s early political career was not successful, and the highest-ranking official he had been was a small commissioner in the Wellington City Council, responsible for surveying the people’s conditions in Wellington.

Although the commissioner sounds glamorous, it is actually a very common position in New Zealand, which is, to put it bluntly, just an ordinary small official.

However, Grant Wilson was not a man who was content with mediocrity. After coming into contact with the Labour Party, he became interested in political parties but looked down on the Labour Party composed of workers.

So, under the opportunity of Australia becoming a Duke’s Territory, Grant Wilson joined forces with his friends to establish the Alliance Party, advocating the purpose of “uniting Australia and building a new New Zealand,” quickly gaining the support of some small officials and retired soldiers.

As Australia gradually developed, New Zealanders began to change their opinions and impressions of Australia, and the ideas of joining or uniting with Australia were no longer refuted.

The turning point for the Alliance Party to become the largest party in New Zealand was the appointment of Arthur as the Governor of New Zealand by Queen Victoria.

From that moment on, the people of New Zealand saw the hope of uniting with Australia, and Grant Wilson saw the hope of the Alliance Party’s rise; he launched a large-scale propaganda campaign, successfully attracting some people to join the Alliance Party, winning the election and gaining the position of Mayor of Wellington.

Yes, because New Zealand is an autonomous colony, its electoral system, although not fully developed, has its own system.

Apart from the officials of the colonial government needing the appointment of the Governor and the political parties not being able to interfere temporarily, all other positions, including the City Council, were appointed by election.

After becoming the Mayor of Wellington, Grant Wilson could no longer conceal his political intentions, and began to vigorously instigate the independence of New Zealand, becoming one of the advocates and leaders of the New Zealand independence movement.

Arthur chose to meet Grant Wilson at the former Governor’s Mansion of New Zealand, which had been vacant and uninhabited since the previous Governor left.

However, the hygiene of the Governor’s Mansion was still maintained by someone regularly, although it couldn’t be guaranteed to be dust-free, it could still be used after a simple cleanup.

In the conference hall of the Governor’s Mansion, Arthur met the Alliance Party leader and Mayor of Wellington City, Grant Wilson.

At this time, Grant Wilson was already over 50 years old, and in this world where the average life expectancy was only 40 years and Western Europe’s average life expectancy was only 46 years, he was indeed considered elderly.

It is evident that Grant Wilson made full preparations before meeting Arthur.

Not only did he wear a very formal-looking suit, but his whole body also went through meticulous preparations, and he walked in with great respect.

“On behalf of all members of the Alliance Party, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Your Highness, the Governor of New Zealand and the Duke of Australia,” said Grant Wilson reverently.

Arthur nodded, smiling slightly, “Please sit down, Mayor Grant.”

Grant Wilson hesitated, then carefully sat down, while tentatively observing Arthur’s expression.

Greg waited for several minutes, but Arthur didn’t say anything. Growing increasingly restless, Grant Wilson asked cautiously, “Is there something that Your Highness has summoned me for?”

Upon hearing this, Arthur finally stopped leafing through the information in his hands, looked up with a hint of a smile, and gazed at Grant Wilson.

Feeling flustered by Arthur’s stare, Grant Wilson squirmed, adjusted his position, lowered his head, and dared not look at Arthur.

“The Alliance Party is now the largest party in New Zealand, right? Mayor Grant is doing a good job. It seems that the electoral system in New Zealand is even more advanced than Australia,” Arthur finally said, mentioning content that Grant Wilson could not understand.

“This is thanks to the support of the people of New Zealand and the good relationship between New Zealand and Australia since their establishment,” Grant Wilson replied.

Before figuring out Arthur’s true intentions, honestly answering questions was the only approach Mayor Grant could think of.

After all, Arthur is not only the Duke of Australia, but also the Governor of New Zealand.

It is very easy for Arthur to find out about something, and it is absolutely not something Grant Wilson has the qualifications to deceive.

“How does Mayor Grant view Australia?” Arthur asked with a smile.

Grant Wilson sat up straight again, his gaze fixed on the floor. After a moment of thought, he spoke solemnly: “Australia is vast in land area and will see rapid population growth after implementing the immigration policy. Moreover, Australia itself has rich mineral resources, which allows it to successfully establish numerous factories and industrial systems.”

“More importantly, under Your Highness’ leadership, Australia has demonstrated tremendous potential. I believe that given time, Australia’s development speed and achievements will not be weaker than European nations and may even rival the Powers,” Grant said, glancing at Arthur’s expression while speaking the last sentence.

Although flattered, Arthur showed no change in expression and simply nodded.

Just as Grant Wilson was pondering whether he had said anything wrong, Arthur continued to ask, “Mayor Grant, how do you think the relationship between Australia and New Zealand will develop?”

This question was not easy, and Grant Wilson knew that this question was what Arthur really wanted to ask. So, he didn’t dare to answer right away. Instead, he carefully organized his language and then slowly began to speak.

“I think the best outcome for Australia and New Zealand is to move towards unity. Whether it is from the historical perspective of the two regions or the ethnic makeup, I believe that unity is the best outcome for both New Zealand and Australia..”