Chapter 14: Turn of the Century
The arrival of the 1800s would bring significant change to New Southland. The events over the following century would leave a lasting impact which would forever shape the future of the small island nation.
Following several years of exploration, detailed maps had been pieced together by the LRO and for the first time, a clear picture emerged of exactly what constituted the nation of New Southland. Now that the LRO could accurately register all land ownership across the island, the government would be able to effectively implement policies to best suit the communities in each of the regions, which had been divided, named, and Governors elected to represent in the New Southland government. Administrative offices were constructed in each of the newly established Territories, apart from the sparsely populated Eastern Territories, which fell under the administration of the Port Arthur Territory. Work also commenced on a new Parliament House in Port Arthur to house the reorganised government, still to be ultimately led by Arthur Portsman as Commander and William Buck as Deputy Commander. The five previous ministerial roles were disbanded, as each of the regional Governors would now represent their respective communities across all issues.
Port Arthur Territory
- Capital - Port Arthur
- Governor - Edward Richardson
- Population - 2151
Port Arthur
Pop: 1628
The first and largest settlement of New Southland, and Capital of the island nation. Hugging the banks of Arthur's Cove, Port Arthur had grown from humble beginnings to a now bustling portside town. As the gateway to New Southland, Port Arthur was the first port of call for most new arrivals. The docks were busy year-round with exports of New Southland wool, grain, timber, whale oil and seal furs, as well as the many imports from around the world to fulfil New Southland's hungry appetite for advancement.
Billings
Pop: 315
The second settlement in New Southland. Established by Joseph Billings as the first farming community along the banks of the Deer Creek, Billings has always been an important settlement. Now stretching right along both the East and West banks of the creek, and importantly situated along the Great Southern Road between Port Arthur and La Perouse, Billings has become a prominent settlement in the region.
Shepheard's Bay
Pop: 95
Established as an isolated outpost in the far North of the island to mitigate spread of diseases amongst the livestock herds in the early days of New Southland, Shepheard's Bay has slowly grown into a quaint village at the very Northern end of the Great Southern Road.
French Territory
- Capital - La Perouse
- Governor - Jean Francoir La Perouse
- Population - 1394
La Perouse
Pop: 1230
Founded by esteemed French explorer Jean Francoir La Perouse, originally on the Northern bank of Frenchman's River and later moved to a master-planned site on the Southern bank, La Perouse is the second largest settlement in New Southland. Home to a majority French population, the town is the capital of the French Territory and an important commercial hub in the region.
Abbotsbury
Pop: 83
One of two towns established along the Great Southern Road between La Perouse and Port Gilbert. Large farms and pastures have been established following land grants along the major thoroughfare.
St James
Pop: 28
A quiet rural village on the outskirts of La Perouse established by French immigrants who had been offered land grants in the area. A dirt path tracks its way through the forests back towards La Perouse.
South Coast Territory
- Capital - Port Gilbert
- Governor - Thomas Gilbert
- Population - 972
Port Gilbert
Pop: 795
First established by Captain Thomas Gilbert of the "Charlotte" and his six loyal marines following Arthur's successful mutiny, Port Gilbert has had a turbulent history. Barely surviving the first winter, if it was not for the arrival of the Hakawa tribe, Port Gilbert would likely have ceased to exist. Unfortunately, despite this luck, the poor choices of Thomas Gilbert and his men led to the near destruction of the town by Arthur, which of course led to the sinking of the "Charlotte". However, once again the Hakawa would come to the aid of Port Gilbert, which now is an important port town at the Southern end of the Great Southern Road, and capital of the South Coast Territory.
New Chessington
Pop: 117
The second town established along the Great Southern Road between La Perouse and Port Gilbert, New Chessington had grown around Henderson's Inn at the crossroads to the important military outpost at Buck's Point. The inn - owned and run by the one and only George Henderson, who after retiring from his watchtower duties had followed his dream and opened his very own hotel - had become a welcome pitstop to travelers along the Great Southern Road, who could always find a warm bed to sleep in, a hearty meal, and of course a refreshing glass or two of ale.
Whale Cove
Pop: 31
Founded by Gaspard Devenue for the New Southland Whaling Company (NSWC), the settlement of Whale Cove is the main hub for whaling in the region. The population rises and falls with the whaling seasons, however a small permanent population remains to maintain the ships during the off season.
Western Highlands Territory
- Capital - Rochester
- Governor - John Stonewell
- Population - 155
Rochester
Pop: 79
Established in the heart of the fertile Clarendon Valley, Rochester is known for its high-quality fruits, which seem to grow particularly well in the microclimate of the valley. Rochester is also the capital of the Western Highlands Territory.
Port Clarendon
Pop: 16
Where the valley meets the sea, Port Clarendon sits along the northern coastline at the end of the Clarendon Valley Road. Ships arrive periodically at the docks taking produce from Rochester back to Port Arthur for processing and international exporting.
Eastern Territories
- Capital - N/A - governed by Port Arthur Territory
- Governor - N/A - governed by Port Arthur Territory
- Population - 41
Little Cove
Pop: 22
Similar to Whale Cove, Little Cove was also established by the NSWC further to the East of the island. Very isolated, and without regular supplies, this small outpost only maintains a minimal permanent population throughout the year.
Double Bay
Pop: 19
Another whaling and sealing station in the East, however not founded by the NSWC, but instead by William Bond, one of the original mutineers from the "Charlotte". Taking a chance, William had sailed on one of the exploration vessels mapping the island for the LRS. Upon his return, he had taken a large land grant in the remote North-East of the island. After convincing several other New Southlanders to join him, they had pooled their funds together to purchase a whaling ship in the hope of seeking fortune in the lucrative whale oil trade.
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