Kōrero: Self-government and independence

During the 1890s New Zealand debated whether it should become a state in the new federation (or commonwealth) of Australia. This cartoon published on the eve of Christmas in 1900 shows Father Christmas making a 'federal plum pudding'. While all the Australian colonies have been put into the mix, the cook eyes the New Zealand ingredient still sitting on the shelf. Will it also be put in the mixture? New Zealand rejected the invitation to federate with Australia.