A LIFE OF SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 154, 27 March 1937, Page X (Supplement)

A LIFE OF SERVICE

Late King George V

Lord Dawson of Penn, who was Physician-Extraordinary to King George V, revealed in a broadcast talk recently that the King had been failing for two years before he died. “At this hour, a year ago,” he said, “the King’s life was moving peacefully toward its close. No new illness had' beset him. His strength, not his performance, had been declining for two years. His work had become a greater effort, but his interest and concern for his peoples showed no slackening.

•Tn the autumn of 1935. the ebbing of his strength became pronounced; yet the King stayed the course. There was the usual broadcast on Christmas Day; during last January the King stil'l thought and worked for the Empire, and on the last day of his life gathered up his strength to hold a meeting of the Privy Council. This was the sunset glow of his faithfulness and friendship amid the lengthening shadows.

“His litany was ‘Give me life so long as I can bring service and happiness, and then peace.’ And with the end of Ills road came sleep, and never was the welcome to the good and faithful servant more nobly earned. “To understand the greatness of King George’s achievements, recall hts reign—a succession of big and anxious events from beginning to end—political and social changes—the European War —the return of vast numbers of men to civil Ife—the tragedy of unemployment —the crisis of 1931—and, despite these storms. King and country’ stood firm upon the rock of courage and mutual trust.

“And. in the midst of it all. that, grave illness of 1928, his home organised as a hospital ward, with its team of (lectors and nurses; and reasoned resource on the one hand, am! Ihe ttauuchuess of himself and his great Queen on the other hand, brought him through, and so the Empire was blessed with six more years of his leadership