THE KING BETTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 December 1928, Page 5

THE KING BETTER

INFECTION STILL SEVERE

RE-ASSURING BULLETIN

(Australian Press Association.) (By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.)

LONDON, December 6.

The bulletin issued at 10.45 states: The King passed a' fair night. His temperature this morning was lower, and his general condition slowly improving. The infective process, which remains severe, is becoming more localised. (Signed) Hewett. Dawson. LATER.

The morning’s bulletin is regarded as distinctly reassuring. The absence of any reference to the heart is considered a specially good sign. Lord Dawson arrived at the Palace at 9.30, and remained in consultation with Sir S. Hewett for an hour and ahalf, before they wrote the bulletin, which was posted at the gates at 11.30.

Thousands outside the Palace awaited it with considerable anxiety. There had been continuous inquiries all night, though a thick fog made it necessary to strike matches or use electric torches to read the bulletin. Elaborate precautions were taken to prevent the fog penetrating the Royal compartments. Sir G. Hewett immediately devised a method whereby the Palace electricians installed a special apparatus to prevent fog reaching the sick room.

Lord Dawson returned at 2.30 p.m. and had a brief consultation with Sir G. Hewitt, but no bulletin was issued. The Que,en enjoyed her afternoon drive, and looked much more cheerful than for some days. The Central News learns that there was no change in the King’s condition at 4 o’clock.

THE LATEST BULLETIN.

(Recd. Dec. 7, 1 p.m-) LONDON, December 6.

Lord Dawson and Sir S. Hewett arrived at the Palace at 7.15 p.m- The bulletin issued at 8.30 p.m. stated: — The King’s general condition is the same as in the morning’s bulletin. The localisation of the infection of the base on the right side of the chest is rather more defined, conforming to the progress of the illness, during the past two days. !

; NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION.

LONDON, December 6. Regarding the illness of the King, the “Daily Chronicle’s” .medical expert criticises what he describes as “the cryptic note’’ of the bulletins, and says : “They do not afford information of the kind which the public has the right to expect. They are becoming impatient, seemingly, at the unnecessary reticence. The news to-day continues to cause misgiving-” A medical authority sums up the King’s position thus: “There has been a continuous payment out of the bank of health, but sleep and rest are supplying a‘steady stream of deposits on

the credit side. The drain of payments out cannot possibly last much longer, and unless there is a sudden arid unexpected demand, the credit side will soon assert itself definitely.”

MANY LOYAL MESSAGES. I LONDON, December 6.

Messages of loyal sympathy continue to emanate throughout the United Kingdom. Hundreds reach the Palace daily, and in every event are prefaced by references of the extreme anxiety felt. There was a departure from the usual custom at the Pilgrims’ Dinner Instead of toasting the King and President together, the King’s toast was given first. The Pilgrims of the United States cabled: “Grave illness causes greatest anxiety.’ We hope and pray for a speedy complete recovery. May God save the King.”

The Executive of the Parliamentary Labour Party sent a message to the Queen, who returned an appreciative reply. A cable message was received from American Rotarians by British Rotarians, who forwarded it to the King. When the Queen went for her daily drive with the Princess, the car slowed down while passing the crowds at the gates. The Queen smiled acknowledgements to greetings.

JAPANESE SYMPATHY:

TOKIO, December 6.

The vernacular press, in leaders on the King’s illness, testify to nationwide concern’and anxiety. Officials from the highest downwards, are enquiring continually, and expressing personal sympathy.

PRINCE’S RETURN JOURNEY.

LONDON, December 5.

The Enterprise hastily refuelled at Aden, and left a few hours after arrival. There were no ceremonial guns or flags. While waiting the Prince of Wales played a round of golf. Owing to the remarkable speeding up, it is now believed that the Prince of Wales will be at Suez on Friday morning, whereas it was formerly reckoned as early on Saturday. The actual arrangements from Suez are uncertain. The present plan is an express from Suez to Alexandria, thence aboard the Frobisher, either to Brindisi or Naples, thence by special train direct to Calais or Boulogne. The Italian Government offered an aeroplane from Alexandria direct to Brindisi. A British destroyer is in readiness in the Channel, and should arrangements proceed as they, should, the Prince should be in London on December 11. An aeroplane from Alexandria would probably save at least a day.

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER.

(Recdl Dec. 7, 10.30 a.m.) CAPE TOWN, December 6. The Duke of Gloucester was travelling in the Premier’s saloon, north pf Bulawayo, when the engine gave trouble. The Duke took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and as the driver says “mucked in despite the rain-” The Duke continued the work, and showed a good knowledge of mechanics. At Bulawayo, the Duke shook hands with the driver, and congratulated him on the excellent run. The Duke arrives at Cape Town at 6.30 to-morrow morning and sails in the afternoon.