Commentary 15 - Thoughts on the End of a Queen

 Commentary 15 - Thoughts on the End of a Queen

(Bits & pieces from thought emails to Friends after the Death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022 - by Warren Maloney)

(1) History continues to fascinate as we experience the first days of Charlie 3. It reminds me that in our Village of Daylesford there was apparently "great mourning" in January 1901 when Queen Victoria died - fountains were erected, streets were re-named, oak trees were planted, and there was a feeling that "Nothing would be the same". 

Of course, at the same time, Breaker Morant and a few of the Aussie lads, were boarding ships to fight the Boers (because Rhodes told Britain to do it). And at the same time we were moving long-range cannon to the mouth of Port Phillip Bay to prevent a Russian Naval Attack (I kid you not!). And at the same time, the dopey and overweight new King, Eddie 7, signed the act to nationalise (seperate) Australia, before he went back to his card playing. And at the same time Japan was finishing off the armaments on its great Naval Fleet, ready to tackle the Russians, whilst the real "55 days in Peking" was being played out in the Boxer Rebellion. 

None of those larger and more significant events interrupted the oak tree planting in our Botanic gardens that January. Daylesford denizens were just "bit players" on a side stage in a secondary side-show alley well away from the big Theatres and the top Performers.

BTW, Queen Vicky died at 6.30pm and QE II death was announced at 6.30pm. They do things well, don't they!

(2) Republic is inevitable here. Not sure how deep the Loss will be felt here. Parliament and News Services will go through the motions as will some flag poles. 

Does it make any difference to Politics, Religion, Health, Defence, Housing, Tourism, Theatre, Sport, or even the Stock Exchange in Oz? I wouldn't think so. But then I am a GGGrandson of Convicts!



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