KING’S ILLNESS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 19 December 1928, Page 7

KING’S ILLNESS

VAGUE BULLETINS FLUCTUATIONS OF THE CASE. A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT. {United Press Association —By Electric Telegrapb Copyright.} (Australian Press Association —United Service.} LONDON, Dec. 18. Despite the King having passed a disturbed night, there was a slight improvement both in his general and local conditions this morning, stated a bulletin issued at 11 a.m.

The vagueness of the .bulletins leaves so much to the imagination that it is difficult accurately] to gauge the King’s actual present condition. Authoritative references to “ups and downs” have been so frequently stressed that they must be accepted as the explanation of to-night’s change, but it is not reassuring to recall the anxiety always previously expressed at any setback. The someuiiat uninformative nature of the announcement finds eminent authorities with slightly divergent views. One describes the bulletin as indeed disappointing, and adds: ‘ ‘There is nothing to indicate whether - the King’s condition is less satisfactory or whether some local trouble has appeared. The probability is that the weakness which had been diminishing in the past 24 hours is showing more markedly.” Another equally eminent authority says: “The King has made a big im-| provement in the past few days, and we must expect something of tiie kind reported to-night. Nevertheless, it does rather increase the anxiety.” : The King’s relapse occurred late in the afternoon. At three o’clock it was announced that there was a slight. improvement. It is recalled that Friday night’s news was unfavourable, but was followed on Saturday by a more reassuring note, while thence until today a slight improvement has been mentioned.

The King’s condition has, in fact, been subjected to changes during the course of each day. To-night’s report, while distinctly different from what had been hoped, has not unduly increased the anxiety which those in close touch with th© King never ceased to feel.

Th© ray was again administered during the * visits of Drs, Woods and Howitt to th© palace, lasting half an hour. Sir Hugh Rigby was in consultation with Lord Dawson and Sir Stanley Hewett for over an hour. Sir Hugh Rigby and Lord Dawson left at 8.30 p.m.. Sir Stanley Hewett remaining. The Prince of Wales, who arrived at eight o’clock, the Duke and Duchess of York and Princess Mary dined with the Queen. The Duke and Duchess are cancelling AVednesday’s arrangements and are not attending any Christmas entertainments.