Monday 26th July 2004 - Day 316/365 - Northampton, Western Australia to Perth, Western Australia.

Visited a very interesting place Hutt River Province today.  It's actually a principality inside of Oz.  During a dispute with the government over the amount of wheat his farm could produce he declared his independance from Oz and became Prince Leonard of Hutt River on 21st April 1970.  Now he pays no taxes and can produce as much grain as he likes.  Many people have tried to follow suit, but the legal loop hole has now been closed.

Over the years he has declared war on Oz in an attempt to be recognized by the UN as a Kingdom, so he can become King.  So far he is undefeated.  I guess the fear of Hutt River Armed Forces put Oz off.  Originally the Army only consisted of a few farmers with tractors and the Air Force of 1 crop duster.  However recently a Hutt River citizen, bought 8 ferrett tanks.  These are currently based in Las Vegas. 

At the Hutt River post office we had our passports stamped.  You can also buy citizenship for $250 and it's currently at 13,000, although most of those live in other countries.  It's all legit, you get a passport and everything.  Don't go thinking this is a small place.  It's 58 times the size of Monaco or the same size as Hong Kong.  They have ambassadors all over the world, a chief of police and a commander of the armed forces (for what it's worth). 

Some may consider the 79 year old Prince Leonard a bit eccentric, which he no doubt is, but he's also very intelligent.

Next time youre asked how many countries there are on the island of Australisia, the answer is 2.