If the predictions made by some newspapers about New Zealand's economy in the coming years caused unease and fear among New Zealanders, then Arthur and Australia behind him were considered the last straw for them.
The officer who delivered the speech seized on this point, boldly comparing the British Empire and Australia, and finally drew a disturbing conclusion: that it would be more promising, or more suitable, for New Zealand to join Australia rather than continue under the rule of the British Empire.
What's disturbing is not the conclusion itself, but the impact it could have on the situation in New Zealand.
After all, New Zealand is still under the rule of the British Empire. Although the governor is Arthur, the Duke of Australia, it only fuels the imagination of New Zealanders.
Not many rational New Zealanders have seriously considered breaking away from the rule of the British Empire and embracing Australia.
