The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 21: A Special Gift

Translator: 549690339 |

“That’s good, child.” Queen Victoria affectionately touched Arthur’s forehead once again and asked with a smile, “What are your preliminary plans for the development of Australia? Do you have enough funds?”

“Grandmother, I think that currently, the most important thing for Australia is to develop basic industry and education. Compared with European countries, Australia is weak in all aspects and needs to rapidly enhance its most fundamental industrial capabilities. Both industry and other sectors require the cultivation of a large number of talents to develop. Therefore, education is also an important aspect that must be grasped,” Arthur thought and said.

This was Arthur’s preplanned scheme. To develop various advanced industrial systems in Australia in a short period of time is simply impossible.

Firstly, Australia’s basic industry is extremely backward; secondly, there is a serious lack of talent reserves and a lack of essential conditions for the development of advanced industries.

Instead of aiming too high, it is better to focus on building basic industries and promoting education in a short period of time.

After several years, when the preliminary development produces results, the goal can be set on building advanced industries and technology companies to catch up with European countries.

“Hmm, Arthur, I’m glad you’re not ambitious and arrogant due to temporary success. Even with the support of a large amount of funds, it is impossible for Australia to catch up with the development of European countries within five years. However, through the accumulation of basic industries and the accumulation of talents in education, as well as attracting a large number of talents and immigrants from Europe, it is very hopeful that Australia will be completely renewed in ten years,” Queen Victoria nodded in satisfaction, looking very pleased as she spoke to Arthur.

“For you, Australia’s current environment is also very favorable. To the west is the territory of the British Empire, and to the east is the vast Pacific Ocean. No matter whether it’s the Great Qing Dynasty or the island nation in the north, they wouldn’t take the initiative to attack you. Under such circumstances, you have a lot of time to develop,” Queen Victoria continued to walk, holding Arthur’s hand, and talking as they walked.

Arthur kept nodding his head. What Queen Victoria said was correct. Australia is indeed in a golden developmental stage. In terms of geographic location and mineral resources, Australia has the capital to become a strong country.

The only thing lacking is the population resource, which can be exploited by introducing immigrants during the current dark clouds of European wars and mass emigrations of European populations.

Overall, Australia is definitely a top country in terms of development potential at this stage. As long as the rulers do not make major mistakes in their decisions, Australia will surely emerge as a strong country group in a few decades.

“You should still be living in that government building, right?” Queen Victoria suddenly asked.

When Queen Victoria was previously in Australia, she and Arthur were arranged to stay in the administrative building’s top floor.

Although the top floor was simply decorated, it was still a modest decoration and not suited to Duke Arthur’s status.

Now that Arthur has over 200 million pounds in assets and an entire country, this building is even more unsuitable for him.

“Yes, Grandmother. If even you stay in such a common manor, it would be too high-profile for me to live elsewhere,” Arthur said with a smile.

Arthur knew what Queen Victoria wanted to ask. After all, with the power and large amount of funds in his hands, it seemed natural for him to build a palace for himself.

But in reality, Arthur does not have such a plan in the short term. Even a very simple palace would cost an absolutely large sum.

What’s more, under the circumstances of underdeveloped basic industry and infrastructure in Australia, even the construction of a small palace would take a long time.

Besides, once the palace is built, it will inevitably attract the attention of all Australians.

Just after Arthur had solemnly pledged to make Australia great, spending large amounts of money to build himself a palace would inevitably disappoint some people, even if the money was Arthur’s own.

It’s better to invest all the funds in the country’s development first, and then recover the funds once the country is built. This way, when Arthur builds a palace, Australians would not only oppose it but even think it’s natural.

“Hmm, that’s actually what I wanted to tell you. Although it seems you now have more than 200 million pounds of funds, even richer than the royal families of some European countries, once these funds are poured into the country’s development, you’ll find that they are but a drop in the bucket. It’s great that you’ve gained a lot of prestige in Australia, so you must never lose it easily,” Queen Victoria nodded with satisfaction again, looking at the boy who was now taller than her, and said with emotion, “Originally, I was worried about you all along, but it seems now that you have initially grown into a qualified ruler. Arthur, I am proud of you, and your father must also be very relieved if he knew everything.”

Arthur did not say anything, just holding Queen Victoria’s hand with more strength.

Happy times are always short. As Queen Victoria and Arthur strolled and stopped, the afternoon passed quickly, and by the time they realized it, the sun had already set in the west.

“Alright, Arthur, let’s stop here. I know there’s still a lot going on in Australia, but you don’t need to accompany me all the time. Grandmother isn’t that weak yet,” Queen Victoria finally patted Arthur’s hand and said with a smile.

“Grandmother,” Arthur said reluctantly. He had originally planned to stay on White Island for a few more days to accompany Queen Victoria, but she was already driving him away after just a few hours.

“My child, go back to Australia. No matter when, you must always remember not to be swayed by emotions. As the ruler of a country, the country is the most important thing for you,” Queen Victoria touched Arthur’s forehead and instructed.

“Yes, Grandmother, I understand,” Arthur nodded vigorously and bid farewell to Queen Victoria for the last time.

Harbor.

When Arthur stepped on the ship to return, Princess Beatrice came over leisurely, handed Arthur a briefcase, and said, “Arthur, this is what your grandmother asked me to give you. Your grandmother said there are things you will need later, but she also warned me not to use the things in here for at least five years, even for her sake.”