Parliamentary meeting a success!

It was this writer's honour to attend a session of Parliament and be a voting member of its body. There were many issues on the docket, unfortunately all but two had to be tabled until the next meeting, simply because there was much lively debate around the table. Their Majesties the King and the Prince were also in attendance last evening and His Majesty the King said it was the best session of Parliament he had ever had the pleasure of attending. It is this writer's pleasure and honour to bring you, the citizens of New Bergen, the highlights of what was discussed last night. To wit:

1) The Lord Justicar, Monsignor Shostakovich has proposed an examination to be given to all those citizens wishing to qualify for government service. It will be developed by the Lord Justicar and His Majesty, King Alexander I to make sure that all citizens of New Bergen serving in His Majesty's government are truly prepared for their individual roles. There were three areas of examination proposed; knowledge of the Hanoverian Constitution, Knowledge of the Kingdom's history, and an ability to write and understand English fully and well. It is planned that classes to prepare for this exam will be offered at Hanover's University. Until such time as those classes can be scheduled, there will be a series of more informal q&a sessions held by older citizens of New Bergen at the Hangover to teach and to socialise with new citizens. This measure passed by a 7-0 referendum.

2) It has come to the attention of the kingdom that the Council Ministers should be paid a nominal sum for their time and devotion to the King, His laws and His works. Until recently, payments have come from His Majesty's own purse. It is the aim of this measure to pay the ministers from the royal coffers. The sum is still a nominal token, none of His Majesty's ministers expect to be rich from serving at the pleasure of the King. There was some debate about this issue. It was decided that a monthly report should be given to the Lord Justicar about the progress made by each individual minister. In such cases when there is little or no progress, a minister might write about goals that he or she wishes to reach and the steps taken to achieve them. These progress reports will be reviewed and kept for posterity. This writer has offered to post some or all of these reports on this blog for public review, in order for the citizens of Hanover to see the goals, plans and ideas of their council. This measure passed by a 7-0 referendum, also.

Minister of Immigration appointed today

The Kingdom of New Bergen wishes to welcome ToplessG6 Tammas as the new Minister of Immigration. Slowly but surely, His Majesty's cabinet positions are filling up. Topless is already the Chancellor of the University and brings with him experience about the Shire and her citizens. He has happily already received his first application for citizenship. Please join this writer in congratulating Topless and welcoming him into his new role within the Kingdom. If any citizen wishes to apply for a position as a cabinet member, he or she may apply with His Majesty.

Parliament Vandalized!!

The Parliament building in New Bergen has been vandalized by a cowardly dog, it has been reported tonight. This unknown person shot the building up and left prims scattered about. His Majesty reports that nobody was injured in this pointless attack and that everything has been cleaned up, but believes that the attack was perpetrated by someone who knows New Bergen and her citizens. He warns said unknown person that if this attack happens again, a full investigation and banning will occur. His Majesty is now considering forming a Security Force to protect New Bergen from such random, senseless violence again.

Reconstruction Begins

Just hours before the State Opening of Parliament His Majesty viewed the disaster area of the once beautiful cathedral. The clean up and recovery work has already begun.

"It really hurts to see such an important institution take such damage, but no one was hurt and we can recover so I take comfort in knowing that this will make us stronger" - King Alexander

A source close the Sovereign said that he called an emergency meeting of the Privy Council to discuss the situation and has even rewritten parts of his Gracious Speech that he intends to give tomorrow at the State Opening of Parliament.

Royal Ball a Royal Success!

On Sunday, April 27th, His Majesty hosted a ball that celebrated two major events in the lives of the citizens of New Bergen. First, and most importantly was the new exhibitor at the art gallery. The artist at court, Nox Pinion, has procured the works of a relatively unknown artist, Dreamingen Writer. The sketches are quick, unique pencil drawings that feature heads and faces. These works will be on display at the New Bergen Royal Gallery of Art for the near future. If you are an artist or know someone that wishes to display their work, please contact Nox Pinion. The second reason for the ball was to welcome new citizens to the Realm, including this writer. More balls are to be held soon, so please we hope that all citizens will attend the next ball soon!

Disaster Strikes New Bergen

Just hours before the Official State Opening of Parliament a Hanoverians learned of a calamity that has befallen their nation. Most of the Cathedral vanished when a parcel transfer failed! You can see by these photos that the front of church and the alter area look nearly untouched, but the mid section is almost completely destroyed.

His Majesty surveys the damage in these photos.

In a consultation the the Prime Minister they concluded that this is just one of many technological disasters that have happened over the years and this too Hanover shall weather. The reconstruction effort will start tomorrow, and in the mean time the State Opening goes on as scheduled, pending an emergency meeting of the Privy Council.