Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Laboratory Construction and Bank Plans

Translator: 549690339

Arthur had long expected the industrial sector to complete its development plan. After all, Australia’s industrial development plan also started with basic industries. With industrial equipment and enough workers, it is natural for resource-rich Australia to quickly increase its steel production.

“Well done, but we must continue to work hard. Both industrial development and construction projects require sufficient steel materials. In the future, when we plan to build railways, we will also need a lot of steel. With the help of the United Kingdom and Germany, I hope our steel production can quickly reach a satisfactory number,” Arthur instructed.

Steel production is one of the factors measuring a country’s industrial development and an essential material needed for national construction and development.

Therefore, Australia must not be satisfied with meeting the standards but should set its sights on the future, preparing for various future constructions. “Yes, Your Highness!” Minister Pierre answered solemnly.

After Minister Pierre finished his report, the year-end summary of the cabinet government came to an end.

Although departments like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Defense have not yet reported, these departments have not experienced significant changes and do not need individual reports. Arthur sighed in relief and said with a smile, “In general, each department performed well last year. Although you have only been in office for six months, you have successfully completed the initial development plan. I hope that in the new year, everyone can continue to work hard and strive together to achieve the great goal of Australia’s rise!”

After the cabinet meeting, Arthur finally allowed himself a few days of rest.

However, to his amusement and frustration, Benz and Disel visited the very next day, requesting Arthur to immediately support the construction of their research laboratories and factories.

On February 1st, inside the manor.

As Arthur listened to Hunter Steward’s report on the royal family’s properties, he heard news of Benz and Disci’s visit from the guard.

Arthur was somewhat amused but quickly asked the guard to invite the two talents in.

After the two entered, they first greeted Arthur and Hunter Steward, and then they hastily asked, “Your Highness, when will the construction of the laboratory and [factory] begin? The workers are eager to start.”

It wasn’t just the workers who were impatient, but these two as well.

For the research-obsessed, any time not dedicated to research is a waste of life.

“You can start by making plans. The specific construction requirements for the laboratory still need you to decide. Once there are detailed plans and designs, construction can begin at any time,” Arthur said with a smile.

“It’s all here, Your Highness.”

Hearing Arthur, the two handed over a document, explaining, “We’ve had some free time these days and have discussed the specific requirements and construction plans for the laboratory. This document includes an automobile laboratory, engine laboratory, and several other facilities such as automotive and engine factories. We have also integrated the research data for existing engines. In the future, Mercedes-Benz Corporation won’t need an engine laboratory but can directly transfer its business to Disel’s side.”

Arthur had not expected these two to be so well-prepared and eager to build a lab.

“Since you have a plan, the construction of the lab and factory can start at any time. Hunter Steward is in charge of managing the royal family’s estates. If you have any financial issues, you can consult him,” Arthur said.

Starting the construction of labs and factories earlier also has benefits for Arthur, so naturally, he won’t refuse the proposal of the two talents.

“Including research funding, I will give each of you two million pounds. Since we are building laboratories, we need the best available equipment for each one. If you have any questions, you can come to me or Hunter Steward. I have only one requirement of you, and that is to see the results of your experiments as soon as possible,” Arthur said with a smile.

“No problem, Your Highness!” The two responded in unison.

Under the circumstances of relatively scarce funding, the two made impressive achievements in their respective fields. Now that both of them have sufficient research funding, it’s not impossible to create more significant accomplishments through cooperation.

Therefore, Arthur’s requirement is considered absolutely achievable to the two and must be fulfilled.

After sending off the two, Arthur’s attention returned to Hunter Steward, who chuckled and asked, “Now, let’s continue, Hunter Steward. How much money and property does the royal family have at present?”

Hunter Steward respectfully answered, “Your Highness, in terms of property, we currently have two small steel factories with an annual output of 3,000 tons of steel, a military factory, and a shipyard. Additionally, our newly built winery will soon be put into operation. In terms of funds, we have the one hundred fifty million pounds borrowed from the Australian government and the one hundred thirty million pounds we currently have. At present, the total value of our assets has exceeded three hundred million pounds. However, due to the outstanding loan of thirty million pounds from the Bank of London, the actual assets arc only about two hundred eighty million pounds.”

Arthur nodded in satisfaction.

Even after providing an interest-free loan of one hundred million pounds to the government, Arthur’s available funds still exceeded one hundred thirty million pounds.

This is a massive amount of money, even enough to form a highly cash-consuming navy that would rank among the top three in the world.

“Hunter Steward, prepare to establish a bank. It’s time for Australia to have its own bank. I plan to use the new bank to launch low-interest loan services throughout Australia. With the investment of this massive fund, I believe Australia’s economy will also usher in better development,” Arthur thought for a moment and said to Hunter Steward.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Hunter Steward nodded.

Australia’s various industries are currently in a state of rejuvenation, which means many opportunities are hidden within.

However, the vast majority of Australians are in the low-income class compared to European countries.

It’s already difficult enough to support oneself and one’s family, let alone find extra money to invest.

Under such circumstances, if Arthur can establish a credible bank and provide a large number of low-interest loans to Australians, many people struggling with insufficient funds can seize opportunities, even achieve great success.

This measure is also extremely effective for the development of various industries in Australia, benefiting both Australia and the people.

The only issue is loan recovery, but that is not a problem for Australia’s ruler, Arthur.

With the support of the people’s livelihoods and public opinion, probably no one would dare to default on Arthur’s loans. Otherwise, Arthur wouldn’t mind showing them how steel is tempered..