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Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 280, 26 November 1928, Page 7

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CROWDS SATISFIED. Doctors Confident Storm Has Been Weathered. QUEEN KEEPS AN ENGAGEMENT (Australian Press Assn. —United Service.) (Received 9.30 a.m.) -* LONDON, November 25. No bulletin signed by doctors was issued this morning. The King's condition is understood to be unchanged. An official bulletin issued yesterday morning stated that the King" had passed a fair night and that the previous evening's improvement had been maintained. The pleurisy which commonly accompanies this type of congestion of the lungs continues to be * prominent feature, but the Court physicians are confident that His Majesty has weathered this storm. However, they say that any recurrence of the trouble in the near or distant future would go hardly with him. The first intimation that the King was' suffering from congestion of the lungs caused surprise and anxiety. However, there was general relief when it became known that Queen Mary was sufficiently reassured to pay a private visit in the morning and to keep an engagement in the afternoon at a concert in the Albert Hall.

Conversing with Dame Ethel Smythe at the concert Her Majesty said the King was very much better. The Duke and Duchess of York decided to spend the week-end in London. Princess Mary arrived in London from Yorkshire last night and will remain at the palace for a few days to assist the Queen in her engagements. The King is occupying a doublewindowed sound-proof room overlooking Constitution Hill and Green Park. He maintains excellent spirits. The Duke of York spent half an hour beside him yesterday afternoon. A constant stream or cars drove up to the palace all day at the distinguished strangers' entrance. Hundreds of more humble folk on foot kept the policemen at the gates busy answering inquiries. Officials at the palace said they considered last evening's bulletin highly satisfactory and were prepared for a quiet night. They expressed confidence that no untoward developments were anticipated. The evening callers at the palace included Princesses Victoria and Louise. The physicians' morning visit to the palace yesterday lasted 150 minutes, but last night's bulletin was issued after a visit of half an hour.

Everybody bow recalls the fact that the King's last public appearance was on the occasion of the ceremony at the Cenotaph, on November 11. After a night's heavy rain the morning was damp and misty, and drizzling rain began to fall before the service ended, yet the King stood absolutely bare-headed throughout the proceedings, though many spectators held their hate close to their heads. It is not suggested that His Majesty caught a chill then, but the incident gives point to the suggestion that the King is now not so strong as he was. The "Morning Post" haft published a touching photograph of the King standing in the rain beside the Cenotaph with a sad expression on hie face. The-"Daily Chronicle" say a the affection with which the King ie regarded finds expression in the widespread anxiety. Everybody feels it a personal concern. "The question suggests itself whether, when His Majesty recovers, he ought not to make regular and extended winter visits to wanrier climates. Everybody in personal touch with the King knows his constant addiction to duty. He hates to feel he ia not discharging his full daily tasks. It is a creditable trait, but one his subjects wish to see somewhat relaxed in the interests of his health." The "Observer" says: In all parts of the Empire the anxiety of the people has shown what store is set on ' His Majesty's health by every section of his subjects. Wherever his flag flies his name is cherished not tmly in personal affection and loyalty toward the Crown, but as the embodiment of steadfast leadership. The duties of the King have made great inroads on his physical reserves owing to his unswerving acceptance of every bit of work and responsibility owith which his exacting conscience could charge itself. His present illness suggests that it would be unwise for His Majesty in future to offer too much defiance to the English winter. For the prolonged reign of Queen Victoria we had to thank her periodical resort to a milder climate. By following her example King George would be furthering what all his peoples recognise is one of their highest common interests.