Chapter 18: The First Session of the Lower House
After hearing the guard's announcement, the crowd immediately quieted down, all eyes fixed on him—or rather, on the list in his hands.
Once the scene was calm, the guard began, "I will now announce the list of Lower House representatives for the entire state of New South Wales. From the moment this list is read, these representatives will officially take office, with a term of two years."
"Albert, Martin, Henris! These 71 individuals are your newly elected Lower House representatives.
Soldiers will visit the homes of each new representative to notify them officially.
According to His Grace's order, the first official meeting of the Lower House is scheduled for June 10th.
All elected members are expected to attend unless there are exceptional circumstances," the guard concluded solemnly after reading the names.
As this would be the first session of the Lower House, Arthur had decided to personally preside over it.
This significantly raised the importance and formality of the occasion—meaning, theoretically, no absence would be tolerated without a valid reason.
"Sir, when will the list for the State Parliament be released?"
Someone who had hoped to win but failed to make it into the Lower House quickly asked.
For those who didn't make it into the Lower House, getting into the State Parliament was the only remaining path for anyone hoping to start a political career.
"I'm sorry, we don't have that information. The State Parliament will release their list at a later date," the guard replied with a slight shrug and a hint of apology.
Upon hearing that, those who hadn't been elected immediately looked disheartened, casting envious glances at the successful candidates celebrating around them.
As two senior Sydney municipal officials, Henris and Martin had both succeeded in being elected to the Lower House.
They heard their names read out and turned to each other, their faces beaming with joy.
"Hey! Henris, did you hear that? We won! We're officially members of parliament now, buddy!" Martin exclaimed excitedly.
"Of course, Martin. You're right, we're MPs now."
Henris was also visibly pleased, though he restrained himself better and replied with a composed smile.
For lower-level municipal officials like them, winning a seat in parliament was a huge leap in their political careers.
In any country with a parliamentary system, MPs are prestigious and influential figures—even in a constitutional monarchy like Australia, they held considerable sway.
"Alright, gentlemen. This is the entrance to the State Parliament. If you have no further business here, please don't linger.
Members of the Lower House, don't forget about your first session on the 10th next month.
Everyone else, please wait for the State Parliament's announcement," the guard said. He then posted the list on the notice board by the entrance and returned inside.
Hearing the reminder, the crowd sensibly began to disperse.
As the saying goes, some celebrated while others grieved.
Those who had won were ecstatic, while those left off the list could only watch the celebrations around them with envy.
June 10, 1900. Sydney, National Administration Building.
Since Arthur's arrival, the former colonial government building of New South Wales had been temporarily repurposed as Australia's National Administration Building.
Fortunately, the building had been designed on a large scale, just enough to house the national government for the time being.
Of course, this was only a short-term solution. Arthur would inevitably commission a new government complex and royal palace.
Neither the seat of government nor the royal residence could afford to look shabby.
At 7 a.m., the entrance to the administration building was already surrounded by stern-faced men in formal attire.
These were not officials or curious onlookers, but the newly elected members of the Lower House.
Knowing how important the day was, everyone dressed solemnly and seriously.
Those who normally chatted in small groups now stood silently in line, their expressions grave.
Eventually, the doors opened, and a team of guards emerged.
One of them addressed the group: "Honorable representatives, today's meeting will be held in the First Conference Room on the east side of the top floor.
Please remain quiet and orderly as you ascend."
The representatives followed the guard's lead and began to climb the stairs to the top floor.
That floor was temporarily home to Arthur, Princess Louise, Margaret, and Patricia.
It also contained two conference rooms, a dining hall, and two offices.
The First Conference Room—where the meeting would be held—was the largest, able to accommodate up to 300 people, more than enough for the 190 representatives.
Cautiously, the members climbed the stairs and entered the room one by one.
Not a single one dared to look around, as the ever-watchful guards would note any suspicious behavior.
Anyone caught being inattentive might fall out of Arthur's favor—or worse, be punished.
Inside the chamber, everyone found their seats according to the seating plan.
Most chose seats toward the center or back.
The front was occupied only by a few state governors, a few bold members, and some unlucky latecomers who found no seats left elsewhere.
At 8 o'clock, the bell rang. The door opened.
Arthur entered with a smile.
He surveyed the room, recognizing a few familiar faces. Then he said:
"Gentlemen, congratulations. You have emerged from among thousands—perhaps tens of thousands—to become the first members of the Australian Lower House."
Phew!
Hearing Arthur open with a relaxed tone, the tension in the room visibly eased.
Most members let out a sigh of relief.
"But I must remind you," Arthur's tone suddenly shifted, becoming serious, "your identities have changed.
You are now official representatives of the Lower House of the Duchy of Australia.
You hold the power to determine this nation's cabinet and its laws.
Some of you were once common citizens, others were city officials. But now, you are respected MPs.
During your term, I expect no corruption or bribery. I hope you take this position seriously—dedicated to the development of Australia and the building of our homeland."
(End of Chapter)
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