Chapter 174: Losses in the Livestock Industry
Both Australia and New Zealand had previously held the British Empire in high regard. This is why, after gaining independence, both countries chose to join the British Commonwealth, maintaining a close relationship with the Empire.
However, things were different now. During the recent disaster in New Zealand, the British Empire's support for the country was not as high as expected. In fact, it was on par with other European powers. This left some New Zealanders, who still viewed the British Empire as their suzerain, feeling disappointed and disillusioned. Compared to the aid from Australia, the support from the British Empire seemed much less sincere.
Before the disaster, there were about three perspectives on New Zealand's status and future. The first view believed that New Zealand should remain under the control of the British Empire, with the Empire being the world's leading power, capable of safeguarding New Zealand's interests. The second view argued that New Zealand should pursue more independence, even seeking to become a fully sovereign nation. The third view, represented by people like Grant, was that New Zealand should unite with Australia, a country that shared similar status and history, and even return to the earlier colonial union of the two territories.
Before Australia gained independence, the first view had the most support, followed by the second, and the third was the least popular. However, after Australia became an independent principality, New Zealand's opinions shifted, with the second view gaining more support, followed by the third, and the first falling behind.
After Arthur became New Zealand's Governor and began various development and relief efforts, the second and third views maintained similar levels of support. However, over time, the idea of joining Australia began to surpass the desire for New Zealand's full independence.
But even then, the idea of a complete union with Australia had not yet gained full dominance. Many people still held onto their hopes of New Zealand remaining independent or staying under the British Empire.
The British Empire's actions in this disaster undoubtedly crushed those hopes. Would New Zealanders trust a suzerain that failed to provide substantial aid during a time of crisis?
In comparison to Australia, the British Empire's aid seemed almost like a token gesture.
This report hit the heart of every New Zealander, leaving them with a crucial question: what direction should New Zealand take in the future?
Although there was no clear answer yet, many New Zealanders began to shift their focus to the currently thriving New Zealand Union Party.
On November 29, 1903, 21 days after the typhoon disaster, after 21 days of rescue and reconstruction efforts, much of the debris caused by the typhoon and waves had been cleared away. However, this was limited to the areas of towns that were to be rebuilt, while large portions of the coastal plains were still in ruins.
The damage from the typhoon went far beyond what was visible on the surface. The agricultural areas on the west coast, particularly the livestock regions, had been completely wiped out. It was expected that New Zealand's agriculture and livestock industries would suffer severe setbacks in the short term.
Agriculture and livestock were pillars of New Zealand's economy and a vital source of income for the colonial government. This meant that New Zealand's finances were bound to fall into deficit, and this deficit might last for years.
After the relief and reconstruction efforts entered a more stable phase, Arthur had time to return to Wellington and discuss the next steps with the officials there.
At the colonial government building in Wellington, in a meeting room filled to capacity, over a hundred officials from the New Zealand colonial government, the New Zealand Labour Party, the Union Party, the political corps, city mayors, military commander Pierce, and Joshua, the head of the relief committee, were present.
"Everyone, the topic of today's meeting is to discuss the next steps for New Zealand, including the relief plans for the refugees and the key areas for our reconstruction efforts. Our primary focus is on how to help these refugees regain their income and return to their normal lives," Arthur said, surveying everyone before speaking slowly.
"Your Majesty, everyone," a colonial government official spoke first, "This typhoon not only devastated the cities along our west coast but also dealt a catastrophic blow to our livestock industry on the west coast."
"According to rough estimates, at least a million cattle and sheep have died, and hundreds of thousands are missing. The terrain in the livestock areas on the west coast has been severely damaged. It is likely that it will take years for some of the affected areas to recover. This means that New Zealand's economy and national income will face a prolonged period of decline."
"Therefore, I think that in addition to rebuilding the towns along the west coast, we can also involve the refugees in a work-for-relief program to help clean up the vast livestock areas. This way, our livestock industry can recover faster, and these refugees will temporarily have a source of income, helping them return to normal life."
New Zealand's livestock regions are scattered across the North and South Islands, which is why New Zealand is one of the world's leading livestock countries.
Unfortunately, the livestock areas of the North Island are located to the west of the mountains, along the west coast and the Auckland Peninsula. These areas were hit hardest by the typhoon, resulting in massive losses for New Zealand's livestock industry.
The colonial government's suggestion was simple: invest manpower and resources into restoring the livestock industry, as it was not only crucial for the livelihoods of many New Zealand farmers but also for the entire nation's economy and income.
As a pillar of New Zealand's economy, the livestock industry accounted for more than half of the colonial government's total revenue and was the livelihood of most New Zealanders.
This made the restoration of the livestock industry one of the most important tasks in the reconstruction process.
In the disaster-affected areas, at least half of the 200,000 refugees were employed in the livestock industry. Their livelihoods had depended on it, and restoring the industry would be the best way to help them return to stable lives.
Instead of relying solely on government or external aid, getting the livestock industry back on track would allow these people to earn a steady income once again.
(End of Chapter)
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