DAY OF MOURNING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 84, 21 January 1936, Page 4

DAY OF MOURNING

NEW ZEALAND’S GRIEF. OBSERVANCE TO-MORROW. J FIXED BY PRIME MINISTER. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, ThislDay. The Prime Minister (the Ken. M. J. Savage) has fixed a national day' of mourning for to-morrow. A NIGHT OF ANXIETY. „ KING RECOGNISED HIS FAMILY. IN COMA FOR TWO DAYS. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 1.45 p.m.) LONDON, January 20. It is disclosed to-night that the King, during the last two days, had been lying in a coma, except for brief intervals, but was able to recognise the Queen and his children, greeting them with a faint smile when they entered. The only absentee from the anxious group awaiting the end as the hours slowly passed was the Duke of Gloucester, whose sore throat kept him in London. It had been announced that lie would go to Sandringham only in the event of emergency, but the King’s failing strength, apparently ebbing so quickly, his presence was probably impossible. In the meanwhile he was constantly informed of events by telephone. The N

Duchess of York was also kept in close touch. She has been one cf the King’s favourite companions of recent years, and would have hurried to his bedside if she had been in good health. The Duchess cf Kent arrived at Sandringham in the afternoon and assisted the Princess Royal to console the Queen. None of the King’s doctors have gone to bed to-night. All were fully dressed, sitting in a room near the King’s, keeping anxious vigil ready for emergencies. The Prince of Wales and the Dukes of York and Kent were also awake and in constant communication with the doctors. The Queen telephoned to the Duke of Gloucester, giving the doctors’ unfavourable report. The staff at'Sandringham House was cli duty- throughout the night attending to the requirements of the doctors and nurses. * ■ , Meanwhile, in the darkness outside the handsome gates, which were a gift from Sandringham residents to his Majesty in memory of his Silver Jubilee, the crowds rapidly increased as the news that the King was dying was mere widely' known. Many men who had known the King as both friend and Sovereign stood with their heads uncovered.

IN HIS FAVOURITE ROOM. FREQUENT VISITS BY THE QUEEN A PRAYER DISSEMINATED. . LONDON, January 19. While the Queen and other members of the Royal family anxiously wait in hope, the King lies in his favourite room on the first floor. The Queen’s room adjoins and she visits the King’s bedside as. often as she may. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York have returned to Sandringham. Tlie Duke of Kent, who drove his own ear over roads made treacherous with a film of ice, arrived to-night and learned from the Queen the latest news of the father. Meanwhile, the civilised world is echoing amen to the prayer disseminated throughout the world from the Church of St. t Mary Magdalene, where the King worshipped last Sunday: “We pray' especially lor our Sovereign King George, that by Thy Holy power he may be restored by Thy gracious will to health of body and mind.”

Postponement of the expected 4 o’clock bulletin increased the anxiety. There was a crowd at Buckingham Palace, many having waited in queues with umbrellas in the wintry drizzle until their misgivings were allayed by the announcement on the notice board at 7.45 p.m., Avhieh at least showed that his Majesty’s condition was static. The Prince of Wales had returned to the Palace 75 minutes earlier. The crowd rushed forward Avith hared heads Avlien the bulletin AA’as exhibited. Those near the board read: out the notice, Avhic-h, amid expressions of relief, Avas verbally communicated to those in the rear, while an official conveyed it by sign language to a group of deaf mutes of which lie was in charge. \

CROWDS WAIT- AT THE GATES.

TRIBUTES IN THE PRESS. | LONDON, January 20. j People are still arriving at the gates [of Sandringham House. At midnight they stood gazing at the lighted windows of the rooms adjoining the Ring’s chamber. Fifty police have been required daily to keep the crowds in [check. Heavy rain fell in the early [hours. The newspapers publish brief leading Lu tides paying tributes to his Majesty. “The Times” says: “There is no man alive to Avhom more hearts and iftinds in all nations of the world wish good health and strength than King George.” The “Daily Mail” says: “Nova 7 , as always, the hearts of the Empire peoples are bound by a personal link of affection to their Majesties.”