PTE Reading MC Single Answer: When he was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Newcastle, even John Robert…

When he was awarded an Honorary Degree by the University of Newcastle, even John Robertson himself must surely have looked back in wonder at his astonishing rise to success. The year was 1910, and those assembled were to hear not only of his generosity to the University, which enabled it to contribute to the pioneering research into tropical diseases being carried out at that time but also of his humanitarian work in southern Africa, where he was ahead of his time in improving the working conditions of local mine workers. To those who knew John in his youth, it will have come as no surprise to hear of his success. He was now enjoying the rewards of the fierce determination, desire to succeed, and extraordinary ability to acquire knowledge, which they had noticed in the young man.