Chapter 113: Union or Annexation
"Oh?" Arthur's interest was piqued. He looked toward Grant Wilson and asked, "Why?"
Why? Grant Wilson was momentarily stunned, but quickly responded, "Fundamentally, New Zealand once belonged to Australia. Both regions share the same immigrant roots and culture, and they aren't far apart geographically."
"More importantly, whether it's Australia or New Zealand, each is too vulnerable when facing the world alone. Though New Zealanders currently possess strong independent sentiments, I believe that even if New Zealand succeeds in becoming independent, it cannot stand on its own. If we truly wish to build a strong nation, only a union between New Zealand and Australia can make that possible," Grant Wilson said solemnly.
Grant Wilson wasn't opposed to New Zealand's independence—in fact, he supported it.
Only through independence would native forces and officials like himself gain opportunities for promotion, rather than remaining under the thumb of the British.
But an independent New Zealand would lack both a strong military and the financial means to develop itself.
Given those limitations, Grant believed that uniting with a country as similar as Australia was the wisest path forward.
New Zealand was not far from Australia, and together they could dominate Oceania and perhaps even expand further.
Grant Wilson's thinking wasn't far off from Arthur's. But Arthur couldn't accept a mere union between New Zealand and Australia.
New Zealand, with its proximity to Australia, nearly identical population makeup and cultural roots, was not something Arthur intended to simply share—it had to become his.
Though "Australians" and "New Zealanders" sounded like two different peoples, they were, in truth, the same—British immigrants who had adopted new names based on their current homeland.
In both culture and bloodline, the vast majority of Australians and New Zealanders were pure British.
"A union between Australia and New Zealand is indeed a good option. Australia is willing to work with the people of New Zealand to form a federation and build both nations together," Arthur said calmly.
Grant Wilson's heart skipped a beat, though outwardly he nodded without reaction.
A federation with Australia was, in Grant Wilson's view, the least ideal but most realistic option for New Zealand.
Given the disparity in size and power, Australia would undoubtedly dominate such a federation.
That would not be favorable to Grant's political ambitions, and Australia certainly wouldn't allow New Zealand's influence to grow to a level that might threaten its dominance.
"How many members does the Unionist Party currently have? What results do you expect in the next election?" Arthur asked.
Though individuals could also run in New Zealand elections, political parties held a significant advantage.
If the Unionist Party could leverage its position as the largest party to win more seats in the next election—or secure more mayoral positions—it would greatly help in shaping public opinion and pave the way for New Zealand's future integration into Australia.
"At present, the Unionist Party has over sixty members, Your Grace. The next election will be held in May of next year. We are actively campaigning for more positions," Grant Wilson answered candidly.
Arthur nodded, then said, "I will establish a Political Council in New Zealand in my capacity as Governor. Members of the Council will be elected by the people. I hope the Unionist Party will secure a majority of the seats. I will offer you discreet support."
A Political Council? Grant Wilson was caught off guard. The name alone suggested a powerful institution—especially if it was personally founded by Arthur, the Governor.
Now that he understood Arthur's true intention—to annex New Zealand—Grant realized that nothing could stop it anymore unless the British government directly intervened.
But would the British government really do that? After all, Arthur's position as Governor was personally appointed by Queen Victoria before her death, with strict instructions that no one could remove him under any circumstances.
Unless Arthur openly declared war on the British Empire, not even Edward VII could strip him of his authority.
"Your Grace, what would you like us to do?" Grant Wilson asked cautiously.
He knew full well that Arthur wouldn't offer him benefits for nothing. The cost of the Unionist Party gaining control of the Political Council was, quite clearly, New Zealand itself.
"Mayor Grant, I believe you're a smart man. Starting now, the Unionist Party should widely promote the benefits of unification and annexation with Australia. I will have the Relief Committee support your efforts to win over more New Zealanders," Arthur said meaningfully, looking directly at him.
Grant Wilson was silent for a long moment, then finally nodded with difficulty.
He knew in his heart that even if he said no, he couldn't stop New Zealand from being annexed by Australia.
Rather than resist now and earn the disfavor of a future ruler, it was better to go with the tide and gain that ruler's approval, advancing his own political career.
Of course, Arthur's promise—that the Unionist Party would gain a majority in the Political Council—was also a major incentive.
"Excellent." Arthur smiled in satisfaction. "Mayor Grant, you truly are a clever man. I like clever men like you. If the plan for New Zealand to join Australia succeeds, I can recommend you as the governor of the new province of New Zealand. Of course, if you prefer to continue leading the Unionist Party and engage in Australia's political scene, that's a fine choice too."
For politically astute figures like Grant Wilson, Arthur had no issue granting greater power.
Whether as governor of the future New Zealand province or as leader of a major political party, participating in Australian politics would be a major opportunity for Grant Wilson.
Arthur was willing to make such promises because he knew he could always keep Grant Wilson under control.
Whether as a provincial governor or a party leader, neither role could threaten Arthur's royal authority in Australia.
(End of Chapter)
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