Chapter 37: Australian National University

Translator: 549690339 |

September 23rd, 1900, Sydney.

Seizing the moment during which the whole of Australia was still caught in a wave of celebration and thanksgiving, Arthur launched an attack and established the first university in Australia, the Australian National University, in Sydney.

This was a large-scale university funded jointly by the Australian government and the royal family, with the government investing a little over one million pounds and the royal family another million, totaling over two million pounds. Although it had just been completed, the Australian National University occupied an impressive area of over two square kilometers, spanning over three thousand acres of campus.

Although the university did not need such a vast area, Australia, known for its wide-open spaces and sparse population, had no shortage of land.

Hence, these excess land was planned as a green area and artificial lake, both to improve the natural environment of the campus and make good use of the additional area.

As the sole cradle in Australia that could independently nurture talented individuals in a short span of time, Arthur cherished the Australian National University deeply. The moment it was completed, he personally visited the site and, together with Minister for Education Richard Noble Chapman, was due to attend the first meeting of the Australian University.

The era had relatively low demands for the campus environment. Therefore, most of the Australian National University’s campus consisted of simple rough rooms, with only a few precise laboratories requiring extensive decoration, generally costing several times, even up to tens of times, more than ordinary architecture.

Australian National University.

“Sir Principal, will His Highness and the Minister be truly attending our conference?” a language lecturer inquired with a hint of surprise, having journeyed all the way from Europe.

In Europe, even as a senior language lecturer at a university, the highest-ranking individuals he had ever encountered were the education officials from various countries.

However, just a few days after arriving in Australia, not only could he meet Australia’s monarch and the Minister for Education, but he could also actively participate in a conference with them. It was simply beyond ecstatic.

On hearing this inquiry from a colleague, the other teachers, hired from Europe or elsewhere, perked up their ears, fearing they might miss any single word that came from the principal.

“Certainly, Lecturer James. Has His Highness ever not kept his word? Besides, it’s almost time for the conference. You will find out soon, won’t you?” replied Wilfred Freeman Waynebcrg, laughing.

On hearing Wayneberg’s answer, the other lecturers had no more questions and nodded understandingly.

Although the large majority of them had only arrived in Australia in recent months, they were well-versed in all that Arthur had achieved in Australia.

For such a monarch who always delivered on his promises, it was genuinely challenging to catch him going back on his words.

Indeed, as Wilfred Freeman Waynebcrg stated, Arthur arrived at the campus with Minister Richard within a few minutes. Led by several guards and lecturers, he came to the conference area, where everyone was waiting.

The area where the teachers and school leaders were located was one of the few places in the school that was relatively well-decorated. The walls had been smoothed with a layer of cement, followed by a layer of lime, giving it a clean and tidy look.

“Your Highness!”

Seeing Arthur enter, everyone stood up to pay their respects.

Arthur nodded and sat down at the head of the conference table, saying, “All right, let’s not waste time. Let’s start the conference!”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Principal Wilfred Freeman Waynebcrg stepped up, first showing respect before continuing, “Your Highness, Minister, and all lecturers. The Australian National University has undergone more than three months of construction since the project kicked off. So far, our teaching area, office district, and residential area are essentially finished and ready for use. Some advanced laboratories involving precision and environmental needs may still require two to three months more of construction before they can be used. However, overall, the Australian National University is almost ready for student intake and official commencement next month.”

From the educational aspects of the university alone, the current arrangements of the Australian National University were more than sufficient for use.

The laboratories still under construction were meant for scientists and senior professors attracted from Europe. As there were not many scientists and professors at the moment, a little delay did not matter much.

“Very well, Principal Wilfred Freeman Waynebcrg. The Australian National University will be the most crucial cradle nurturing talents for Australia for many years to come. I am very relieved to see it completed and ready for use within such a short stretch of time. Now, let’s discuss your enrollment issues. How many students does the Australian National University plan to admit this year, and what are the limits per major?” Arthur asked, signaling his approval with a nod and then proceeding to pose this crucial question concerning enrollment.

“Your Highness, currently due to the limited number of teachers, our school can only offer five majors: Mechanical major, Physics and Chemistry major, Architecture major, Medicine major, and Literature major. Among them, Mechanical and Physics and Chemistry majors are crucial for our industrial development. Therefore, the number of these two majors must be maintained at least above 200 students. The Architecture and Medicine major helps to fill a considerable number of vacant positions in our national infrastructure and medical development. These two majors also need quite a number of students, needing at least 150 students each. Next is the Literature major. Australia is a multicultural country composed of locals and immigrants from abroad. We have an urgent need to cultivate a unified culture among Australians, so it is also necessary to admit at least 100 students. Judging from this, our first batch of enrollment should be at least 800 students to fill the talent vacancy in the country after graduation,” Wilfred Freeman Waynebcrg proposed.

This is indeed Australia’s shortcoming. Although it had abundant mineral resources and land, Australia was indeed short of talent, with numerous industries needing a significant amount of talent for national development.

“I approve, and I allow you to increase the number on the basis of 800 as deemed fit, but preferably not exceed 1500 students,” Arthur noted, offering his immediate reassurance.

Arthur appreciated Wilfred Freeman Wayneberg’s pragmatic style. Conferences indeed needed people who cut the fluff and got straight to the matter..