Chapter 112: Meeting the Unionist Party
On April 11, 1902, after gaining a thorough understanding of New Zealand's current situation, Arthur finally made his next move—to meet with the Unionist Party, now the most influential political force in New Zealand.
Among New Zealand's two major political parties, the Unionist Party was actually the newer of the two.
However, since its founding, it had quickly grown to become the most powerful and influential political party in the country.
Thanks to New Zealand's status as a self-governing colony, the Unionist Party had obtained a few official positions. Its current leader, Grant Wilson, was a prime example.
Grant Wilson, born in Wellington in 1853, was one of New Zealand's native officials.
His early political career had not been very successful—the highest position he ever held was as a minor commissioner in the Wellington municipal government, mainly tasked with surveying public sentiment in the city.
Although the title "commissioner" sounded grand, in New Zealand it was a very common role—essentially just another low-ranking official.
But Grant Wilson was not one to settle for mediocrity. After exposure to the Labour Party, he developed an interest in party politics but looked down on the worker-based movement.
Seizing the opportunity presented by Australia's establishment as a principality, he joined with several friends to found the Unionist Party, promoting the slogan: "Unite with Australia, Build a New New Zealand." The message quickly gained support from minor officials and retired soldiers.
As Australia continued to develop, New Zealanders began changing their views and attitudes toward their neighbor. The idea of unification or joining Australia no longer drew strong opposition.
What propelled the Unionist Party to dominance in New Zealand was Queen Victoria's appointment of Arthur as Governor of New Zealand.
From that moment on, the people of New Zealand saw a real possibility of uniting with Australia. Grant Wilson recognized the moment as well, launching a wide-reaching campaign to rally support for the party. He succeeded in recruiting more members and eventually won the mayoral election in Wellington.
Indeed, as a self-governing colony, New Zealand had not yet fully developed its electoral system, but it did have an established framework.
While appointments to colonial government posts still required the governor's approval and political parties had no influence over them, other roles—like those in municipal government—were filled through elections.
After becoming Mayor of Wellington, Grant Wilson no longer hid his political ambitions. He began fervently advocating for New Zealand's independence and became one of the leading figures of the independence movement.
Arthur chose the former Governor's Mansion as the venue to meet Grant Wilson. Since the previous governor had left, the mansion had remained vacant.
However, it was still regularly cleaned. Though not spotless, it was tidy enough to host a formal meeting.
Inside the mansion's council chamber, Arthur met Grant Wilson, leader of the Unionist Party and Mayor of Wellington.
At this point, Grant Wilson was over fifty years old. In an era where the average life expectancy was just forty—and even in Western Europe only forty-six—he was indeed a senior figure.
It was evident that Grant had carefully prepared for the meeting. He wore a very formal suit, had groomed himself meticulously, and entered the room with utmost respect.
"Honorable Governor of New Zealand, Your Grace the Duke of Australia, on behalf of all members of the Unionist Party, I offer you our sincere greetings," Grant Wilson said respectfully.
Arthur nodded and smiled slightly. "Please sit, Mayor Grant."
At Arthur's invitation, Grant Wilson cautiously took a seat, quietly observing Arthur's expression for any clues.
Several minutes passed, but Arthur remained silent. Growing increasingly uneasy, Grant finally asked, a bit nervously, "Your Grace, may I ask what purpose you had in summoning me here?"
Arthur, hearing this, finally stopped reviewing the documents in his hands, raised his head, and looked at Grant Wilson with a slight smile.
Feeling uneasy under Arthur's gaze, Grant shifted in his seat, adjusted his posture, and lowered his head, no longer daring to meet his eyes.
"The Unionist Party is now the largest party in New Zealand, yes? You've done well, Mayor Grant. It seems New Zealand's electoral system is even more advanced than Australia's," Arthur said, finally breaking the silence—but with words Grant found somewhat ambiguous.
"That's thanks to the support of the people of New Zealand and the historically good relationship between New Zealand and Australia," Grant replied cautiously.
Unsure of Arthur's true intentions, answering honestly was the safest path Grant could think of.
After all, Arthur wasn't just the Duke of Australia; he was also the Governor of New Zealand.
If Arthur wanted to know something, there was little Grant could do to hide it. Deception was out of the question.
"What is your opinion of Australia, Mayor Grant?" Arthur asked with a faint smile.
Grant straightened his back again, his gaze still fixed on the floor. After a moment of thought, he replied solemnly, "Australia has vast land, and now that immigration has opened up, its population will grow quickly. Coupled with its abundant mineral resources, it can establish a strong industrial foundation."
"More importantly, under your leadership, Your Grace, Australia has shown tremendous potential. Given time, I believe its development and achievements will rival, if not match, those of the European powers," he added, glancing briefly at Arthur as he said this last part.
Though it was obvious flattery, Arthur's expression remained unchanged. He simply nodded calmly.
Just as Grant was nervously wondering whether he had said something wrong, Arthur asked again, "And how do you see the future of relations between Australia and New Zealand?"
This was not an easy question. Grant knew this was the real heart of the meeting and dared not answer hastily. After carefully organizing his thoughts, he finally spoke.
"I believe the best outcome for Australia and New Zealand is union. Whether from a historical perspective or based on our shared ethnic makeup, I believe that unification is the best path forward for both countries."
(End of Chapter)
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