THE KING BETTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 December 1928, Page 7

THE KING BETTER

SLOW RECOVERY EXPECTED BULLETINS FAVOURABLE (Australian Press Association.) (By Cable-Press Assn. —Copyright.) LONDON, December 25. Christmas evening at .the Palace was devoted to a family dinner party, at which the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York, Duke of Gloucester, Prince George, and Princess Mary were present. Sir F. S. Hewett was the only outside Lord Lascelles was absent, fulfilling engagements in Yorkshire. Princess Elizabeth did not visit the Palace, but she played joyously in her toyfull-nursery. Elaborate provision was made at the Palace for the staff’s entertainment, the Queen being desirous that the King’s illness should not interfere with the festivities. Rev. Mr Fleming, preaching at St. Columba’s Church, said: “Each day of his illness we have learnt to honour the King more, and to count him precious. We more earnestly than ever pray, God save the King.” The bulletin issued at 8.45 p.m. yesterday stated: The King’s progress is following the favourable though slow course. The amount and quality of sleep is satisfactory. There is less disinclination to take nourishment. LATER. In order that the public should not be unduly disturbed over the holidays, no bulletin regarding the King’s condition was issued by Buckingham Palace physicians. Sir Stanley Hewett, stated at noon that the Royal patient’s condition continued satisfactory, he having passed a fairly comfortable night, with several periods of good, sound sleep. His progress, though slow, was maintained. Meantime in the churches throughout the country prayers were offered for his recovery. Queen Mary and the Prince of Wales attended service in the Palace Chapel, after which the Irish Guards played Old English carols, and round the centre gate three thousand persons stood bareheaded, singing in subdued voices the hymn, “Praise the King of Kings.” Tattered beggars moved in and out of the throngs, pleading for alms.

CHRISTMAS REUNION. LONDON, December 25. A bulletin issued at 8.15 p.m. stated that the King passed a quiet day. His strength is maintained. The next bulletin will be issued to-morrow evening. The bulletin has caused nation-wide gratification, and an atmosphere of happiness and relief throughout the Palace. The authorities consider the most reassuring sign isthat the King is maintaining his strength. Extreme slowness of progress continues, therefore they do not expect any rapid advance. Sir F. S. Hewitt still remains at the Palace, where Dr Rigby consulted him this morning. It is considered significant that Lord Dawson dd not attend till the evening, when there was an hour’s consultation- Dr Rigby and Lord Dawson departed immediately after the bulletin. ' The Royal Family visited the King throughout the day. It was a happy Christmas reunion at the where it is ten years since the Royal Family spent Christmas together. After service; at the Palace Chapel the Royal Family, except the Prince of Wales, remained to luncheon. The Queen walked in the Palace grounds in the afternoon. LATER. For the first time since the King’s illness one of the members of the medical staff attending the Monarch, namely, Lord Dawson, was missing from the morning consultation at the Palace, but Sir S. F. Hewitt and Dr Rigby spent an hour and a-half in the sick room. The King received members of the family, including the Duke of Gloucester, who was greatly affected by his father’s changed appearance. The Prince of Wales left the Palace on a motor trip, but arranged, to return again in the evening for Christmas, at which twelve persons were scheduled to attend. The banquet planned was the most simple, and given in the beautiful Chinese room. Medical circles consider that the return of the King’s children in time to spend Christmas with him, will go a long way towards his ultimate recovery.

FOR HOLIDAY CONSUMPTION? (Recd. December 27, 11 a.m.) LONDON, December 26. After consultation with his . colleagues, Lord Dawson indicated in fl statement to journalists that the King had slightly improved. Lord Dawson said: “There is a slight improvement in both local and general condition, it being part of the slow forward movement.” Drs. Hewett and Rigby participated in consultation. A moderate crowd gathered before the Palace despite the heavy rain. There was little doubt expressed, however, that the King s condition is still serious. The anxiety of the Palace staff could readily be seen beneath the attempt to be happy over the holidays. The King has been alternating between states of consciousness and coma, and the servants recently saw the Duke of York in tears outside the sick room after his father was unable to recognise him. THE POPE’S TRIBUTE. LONDON, December 22. The Pope, replying to the Cardinals’ greetings, said that the improvement in King George’s condition gave him cause for rejoicing. “We trembled and prayed for the life of the Sovereign who has graciously visited us and whose Empire is the greatest in the world. Many millions of Catholics live and prosper within it, as the F.i charistic Congress in Australia pioved. We trembled and prayed for the life of a Sovereign who always, showed himself well disposed and benevolent towards all these Catholics,” his Holiness said.