THE STORYTELLER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3, 3 January 1903, Page 3

THE STORYTELLER.

THE KING'S KINGLINESS

Here is, to my mind, the prettiest story of the King's unbounded sympathy for the sufferings of his subjects that has yet come to light. A young dressmaker was threatened with consumption, following upon L.ng and dangerous chest trouble, and was left nearly destitute. The doctors advised her to obtain admittance to an open air home to undergo a course ot treatment. Meanwhile she was taken into a convent and devoiedly nursed by the nuns; but, unfortunately, all their efforts to get her admitted into a home of the kind were quite fruitless. Then the girl, learning that the King was patron of one of these institutions on the South Coast, resolved s&cretly to write to him and plead for his assistance. About a fortnight later a gentleman called at the convent and asked to see her. He gave no name, and at first he was told that she was too ill to see him. He then explained that it was necessary for him to see her, as he had come to inquire into her case, and as to the desirability of sending her to an open-air home for the treatment of consumption. She was aided downstairs, and he questioned her as to what the doctors had said, and then inquired to whom she had applied for help. She mentioned several names, and at last hesitatingly admitted that she tad written to the King. He then informed her he had come from the King to inquire into her case,, as His Majesty had noticed her letter and wished "to help her. After further inquiries everything was satisfactorily arranged, and the girl was sent for a prolonged period to the home, with the result .that her health was greatly benefited, and that she has since been able to return to work.