SATISFACTORY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 305, 26 December 1928, Page 7

SATISFACTORY.

KING'S CONDITION.

Presence Of All His Children Will Help Recovery.

LONDON IN HIGH SPIRITS

(Australian and X.z. Press Association.)

(Received 10 a.m.)

LONDON, December 25.

In oruer that the public should not be unduly disturbed over the holidays no bulletin regarding the King's condition was issued by the Buckingham Palace physicians. Sir Stanley Hewett, surgeon apothecary to the King, stated at noon, however, that the Royal patient's condition continued to be satisfactory, he having passed a fairly comfortable night with, several periods of good sound sleep. His progress, although slow, was maintained.

Meantime, in the churches throughout the country, prayers were offered for the Kino's recovery. Queen Mary and the Prince of Wales attended service in the Palace Chapel, after which the Irish Guards played old English carols. At the centre gate of the Palace 3000 persons stood bareheaded singing in subdued voices the hymn, "Praise the King of Kings" while tattered beggar.; moved in and out of the throng pleading for alms.

For the first time since the King's illness one of the members of the medical staff attending the monarch, namely, Lord Dawson of l'enn. was missing from the morning consultation at the Palace, but Sir Stanley' Hewett and Sir Hugh Kigby spent an hour and a-half in the sick room. The King received members of his family, including the Duke of

Gloucester, who was greatly affected by his father's changed appearance.

The Prince of Wales left the Palac? ori a motor trip but arranged to return again in the evening for the Christmas dinner, at which twelve persons were expected to attend. The banquet was planned oil *'ie most simple lines in the beautiful I liancse room. Medical circles consider the return ot all the King's children in time to spen:l Christinas with liim will go a long way towards his ultimate recovery. London celebrated the holiday in the usual spirit. Despite a drizzling rain oil Christmas Kve many people crowded into Piccadilly and the Strand, and night clubs did a rushing business. Many stores remained open, especially late for the benefit of those who left their purchases until the last minute in view of the seriousness of the King's illness. PARTY AT PALACE. Royal Brothers And Sisters Meet. FROM FAR AND NEAR. (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) LONDON, December 25. The Duke of Gloucester reachei Southampton on the Bex-engaria at six o'clock yesterday morning and left immediately by car for London. He drove himself and, in spite of the crowded and very greasy roads, he covered the 79 miles in 140 minutes.

He thereby completed not only the family party at the Palace, but also the total of 17,800 miles, which has jointly been travelled by the three princes during their homeward rush to their father.

The Prince of Wales travelled 6200 miles from Dodoma, the Duke of Gloucester, from Sakania, travelled 8000 miles, and Prince George journeyed 3600 miles from Bermuda.

The Prince of Wales yesterday took his first outing with the hounds for the season. He stayed •vernight at Nottingham and hunted with the Quoin Hunt. He returned to London by the evening train, which was held jip to enable him to catch it. When lie reached the Palace he met the Duke of Gloucester again for the first time since they parted in the African wilds.

The Royal family, united by the King's illness, will spend Christmas at Buckingham Palace for the first time in ten years. The usual scale of festivities has naturally been departed from. Nevertheless, if the King's improvement is maintained, there will be a quiet, simple family party on Christmas Day.

It is a long time since there has been such a comprehensive Royal family gathering in London. The luncheon party will include the Prince of Wale.*, the Duke and Duchess of York, Viscount Lascelles and Princess Mary, the Duke of Gloucester, Prince George, little Princess Elizabeth and Princess Mary's sons.

The Queen has ordered a Christmas tree from Sandringham, specially for the pleasure of her young grandchildren, who will he shown the presents that the members of the Royal Family have bought for each other, including those which will ultimately be given to the King.