DISTRESS FELT IN N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25660, 24 November 1948, Page 4

DISTRESS FELT IN N.Z.

NEWS ABOUT HEALTH OF KING

STATEMENT BY MR FRASER IN PARIS

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 23. The Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) issued the following statement in Paris:

“I speak for the people of both races in New Zealand when I say that their deep concern over the statement in regard to His Majesty’s health will far outweigh their very real feelings of disappointment that they will be unable for the time being to welcome Their Majesties and Princess Margaret to New Zealand. The peoples of the British Commonwealth will be most distressed to learn that the strain of His Majesty’s arduous duties, and particularly his selfless devotion throughout the war years, should have exacted such a toll upon his health. “The King has never spared himself in a most generous exercise of the functions of his high office and in his solicitude for the care and welfare of his people. His example and that of Her Majesty the Queen in this and all other respects have won for them both a secure place in the hearts of all their loyal subjects, whose earnest prayer to-day will be that His Majesty the King should soon be restored to health. “It will be the fervent wish of the Government and people of New Zealand that the deferment of the Royal visit will only serve to increase, if that were at all possible, the warmth and enthusiasm with which Their Majesties and Princess Margaret .will be welcomed to our shores when they find it possible to make their visit.”

Sir Humphrey O’Leary’s Message The following telegram to the King has been sent by the Deputy-Governor-General (Sir Humphrey O’Leary): “On behalf of the Government, the peoples of New Zealand, its Island territories, and Western Samoa, I desire to convey to Your Majesty, with my humble duty, the feeling of deep concern with which the news of your present state of health has been received. Though this involves the postponement of your visit to us, and will bring disappointment to Her Majesty the Queen and Princess Margaret and yourself, a feeling shared by all Your Majesty’s loyal subjects in New Zealand, the immediate thought and earnest desire of all of us is that with rest and treatment Your Majesty’s health will be fully restored, and that you will be enabled before long with Her Majesty the Queen and Princess Margaret to journey to New Zealand, where the warmest of welcomes always awaits you.”