Melbourne Chronicle

Author: Zheng Weizhang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: This is my daily chronicle from the first half of 1999 to the middle of 2005, which can be considered my diary over these years. During this period, I was sent by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (later renamed the Ministry of Commerce) to work at the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne. Diaries have been a literary genre in China since the Song Dynasty. They became increasingly popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties, especially in the late Qing period, with many famous diaries preserved to this day, such as Zeng Guofan's Diary of Zeng Wenzheng, Weng Tonghe's Diary of Weng Wengong, Li Ciming's Diary of Yue Man Tang, Wang Kaiyun's Diary of Xiangqi Lou, and Ye Changchi's Diary of Yuandu Lou. These diaries left by political giants and academic luminaries have essentially constructed grand edifices for future generations! They contain invaluable historical materials and academic treasures. Previously, I had no habit of keeping a diary. As a humble individual like myself, neither did I understand the intricacies of political affairs nor hold significant fame in academia. I once thought that writing such trivial records would only leave behind a pile of garbage, offering little benefit to either others or myself, so I didn’t bother. However, due to my overseas posting in recent years, there was a requirement for planning and foresight in my weekly work arrangements, compelling us to maintain a "daily chronicle." This is the origin of this small book, Melbourne Chronicle. Upon careful review, I found it still holds some interest. Perhaps from it, one can gain insights into some aspects of Australian customs, culture, industry, agriculture, trade, science, education, and culture; one can also learn about the economic cooperation between China and Australia over the years and the substantial increase in trade volume; one can understand the frequent exchanges of students, tourists, and personnel between the two countries; and one can read some travelogues written by the author during their visits to scenic spots in Australia, primarily in Victoria and Tasmania. And so on.
Additionally, before my departure for overseas duty, one of China’s most renowned publishing houses, Zhonghua Book Company, published and issued my academic monograph, Comprehensive Examination of Bibliographers, in three massive volumes (upper, middle, and lower) totaling 1.4 million words, in June 1999. This is the crystallization of two decades of my dedication and honest labor. Since its publication, I have received letters from dozens of readers and reviews published in newspapers such as People’s Daily, Guangming Daily, and Wenhuibao. I have also compiled and entered these letters and reviews in chronological order for future reference by scholars studying ancient literature and bibliographers.