Chapter 216: Chapter 203: Kingdom of Australasia_3
Australia is the main focus of the new kingdom, the current Australian cabinet government will also become the first cabinet government of the kingdom.
The issue now is the reassignment of officials from the New Zealand Duchy government. Some of them will be transferred to the state governments of the two states of New Zealand, while others will join the kingdom government.
It just so happens that cabinet ministers often complain about the lack of staff in various departments, and this is a good opportunity to expand the numbers in the departments, thus increasing the efficiency of the government.
As the government officials discussed the future of the kingdom government, time swiftly moved forward to the year 1906.
January 10, 1906, Australia and New Zealand Federation, Capital Territory, Sydney, in front of Sydney Palace.
Although the main structure of Sydney Palace behind them was not yet completed, the garden and square in front were already operational.
As the largest square in Australia, Arthur immediately decided to hold the new year’s National Day activities in the square.
The square in front of the administrative building could only accommodate less than 20,000 people, while the current Sydney Palace Square has more than tripled its capacity.
As early as a few weeks ago, there were rumors that something big was going to happen on this National Day, which is why many people from outside the Capital Territory were determined to attend this National Day event.
Despite the much larger venue, people were still packed in, some of them finding it difficult to move around.
The newly built square hosted its first significant national-level event well beyond its estimated maximum capacity.
Fortunately, the construction of Sydney Palace is a top priority for Australia, and strict supervision is in place to ensure that no substandard projects are produced.
Even the construction materials for Sydney Palace have been carefully selected and are purchased from various countries and regions around the world, ensuring a high degree of trust in their durability.
Around 8 o’clock in the morning, Arthur’s motorcade slowly arrived under the protection of the royal guards and stopped in front of the reviewing stand.
Arthur stepped out of the car, followed by important government officials from the Cabinet Government and the two Duchy governments.
He walked smoothly onto the reviewing stand, but the normal National Day flag-raising and speech had not yet begun.
Arthur approached the loudspeaker and, after surveying all the people below the stage, spoke slowly, “My fellow Australian and New Zealand citizens, I am delighted to meet you at such a solemn time.”
“The union of Australians and New Zealanders has continued for over a year, and our federation has achieved good progress. I believe that all Australians and New Zealanders can see this, and everyone’s lives have become better.”
Cheers and applause erupted from the audience, confirming Arthur’s words.
After waiting for a bit, Arthur continued, “Now, I have decided that it is time for our union to become even closer! Australians and New Zealanders will be indistinguishable, and we will live together in a new country.”
With that, Arthur looked at the reaction of the crowd below and continued, “I have decided to merge Australia and New Zealand to form a new kingdom called Australasia! From now on, we will all be citizens of Australasia, all great Australasians. Long live Australasia!”
“Long live Australasia!”
“Long live the Duke!”
The crowd chanted for a while before gradually realizing the implications of Arthur’s words.
If a kingdom had already been established, Arthur would no longer be a Duke, but a King, would he not?
<>Thus, the cheers and shouts in the field gradually changed to “Long live Australasia!” and “Long live the King!”
Although people were initially surprised at the establishment of the kingdom, it quickly turned into joy and excitement.
The cheers lasted for a long time, even affecting the progress of the following activities.
However, no one cared, not even Arthur and the government officials.
When the sky above the square gradually became quiet, Arthur continued, “As your King, I will continue to uphold my original intentions to protect all my citizens, that is, the Australasians composed of Australians and New Zealanders. Leading the country towards prosperity is the dream of the nation, the government, the royal family, and all Australasians. I hope that all Australians and New Zealanders can unite together, strive for our new kingdom and our new nation, and achieve our great dream of common prosperity. Long live Australasia!”
In order to make the newly-established kingdom more stable and incorporate all Australians and New Zealanders into the scope of the new Australasians, it is essential to do so.
That is why Arthur has repeatedly mentioned the concept of Australasians at this time, making it easier for Australians and New Zealanders to accept the concept of Australasians through Arthur’s mouth.
In the midst of the cheers and shouts of the crowd, the National Day activities proceeded successfully.
Since the kingdom’s flag has not yet been finalized, the flags of Australia and New Zealand federation, as well as the royal flag, are flying above the square now.
It is believed that the design for the Kingdom of Australasia’s national flag will be available soon after the government launches a public collection activity for the flag.
The Victoria Newspaper and Australia Daily acted quickly, and shortly after the National Day activities ended, both newspapers published Arthur’s entire National Day speech, along with an announcement of the establishment of the Kingdom of Australasia.
Of course, Arthur’s actions go far beyond that. At the international level, Arthur has officially notified all countries and invited the major Powers and important countries to mutually send envoys.