KING EDWARD'S DEATH.

Mataura Ensign, 13 May 1910, Page 6

KING EDWARD'S DEATH.

ACCOUNT OF HIS ILLNESS. A SUFFERER FOR YEARS. BT ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. —COPYRIGHT. PEE UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. LONDON, May 12. A report of King Edward's final illness, signed by Sir F. Laking, Sir J. Reid, and Sir R. D. Powell (King Edward's physicians), now appearing in the 'Lancet,' states that King Edward had for some years suffered from erSphysema, with attendant bronchial catarrh. On several occasions digestive disturbances and other symptoms caused his medical attendants to realise that he no loiigsr had the reserve power which stood him in such splendid stead after the serious operation for appendicitis in 1902.

It must also ibe said thaft (those around him knew how earnestly concerned he was at the present strained position of political affairs, and this fact should not be lost sight of in an all-round consideration of his health. When in Paris his Majesty had a severe attack of acute indigestion and considerable cardiac distress. The symptoms yielded promptly to treatment, but on arriving at Biarritz it was evident that he had contracted a chill, which developed into a regular bronchitis attack.

HISTORY OF THE ILLNESS. LONDON, May 12. The King spent several days in bed. Physical signs in the chest occasioned his physicians no little anxiety. When he returned to England he felt better in every way, but on the second he felt out of sorts and chilly. His Majesty felt better the next day, but he had mucfc cough, with expectoration and considerable dyspnoea (difficulty of breathing). Notwithstanding his physicians' urgent desire that he should rest King Edward again received official visitors and gave audiences. In the evening lie told the physicians that ho felt ill. The physicians on the fourth found that two bad nights and severe • attacks of dyspnoea had told seriously upon his Majesty.

On Thursday evening the bulletin which stated that his Majesty's condition caused some anxiety was issued only after the King had somewhat modified its terms.

On Friday the gravity of the symptoms increased, and about three in the afternoon consciousness began to fail. It never completely returned and the end came at 11.45 after a prolonged: period of perfect calm. MESSAGE TO PARLIAMENT. EDWARD'S KINDLY QUALITIES. LONDON, May 12. King George's message to each House of Parliament declared: "The King knows the House shares his profound and sudden sorrow." He added: "King Edward's care for the welfare of the country and the people, liis skill aad prudent guidance of public affairs, his unwearying devotion to public duty ( his simple courage in pain and danger will long be held in honor by his subjects at home and beyond the seas." Lord Loreburn (Lord High Chancellor) read the message in the House of Lords.

PARLIAMENTARY CONDOLENCES. HIGH TRIBUTES. LONDON, May 12. Earl Crewe (Leader of the House of Lords), moving the address of condolences and congratulations, remarked that from tho dominions, the colonies and India there was but one

voice of mourning. It was tlie same throughout the United Kingdom. He mentioned King Edwards' great qualities of courage and generosity in thought and deed.

Tlio Marquis of Lansdowne (leader of the Opposition) alluded to King Edward's remarkable power of creating an atmosphere of international goodwill and good feeling, which contributed immensely to the consolidation of peace and concord.

High tributes to Queen Alexandra were paid in both Houses.

The deputation of members of the House of Commons conveying to King George at Marlborough House the condolence and congratulation was composed, according to the precedent of 1837 (when Queen Victoria ascended the Throne), of Privy Councillors belonging to the House. Queen Alexandra received deputations of both Houses bringing condolences. "THE GREAT KING." Speaking in the House of Commons Mr Asquith described King Edward as "The Great King." Mr Balfour adopted this phrase, and referred feelingly to the adored QueenMother, and paid a tribute to King Edward's noble life and heroic services. Workers, he said, felt the loss of one of their best friends in the late King. NONCONFORMIST ESJLOGISM. THE PEOPLE AND THE THRONE. LONDON, May, 12. The 'British Weekly' (the great Nonconformist journal) says King Edward was the first Monarch to recognise Nonconformists in public functions, and throughout Nonconformity he was regarded with warm and steadfast devotion. His death shortened and strengthened the links binding the people to the Throne.

THE FUNERAL.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

LONDON, May 12. Memorial services will be held at Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral and St. Margaret's Church simultaneously on the day of the funeral. AMERICAN FINANCIERS' TRIBUTE NEW YORK, May 12. The Stock Exchange will be closed for two hours on the morning of King Edward's funeral. UNITED STATES' AMBASSADOR. LONDON. May. 11. Mr Roosevelt has accepted the special ambassadorship of the United States for the funeral. QUEEN-MOTHER'S MESSAGE. FACSIMILE PUBLISHED. l LONDON, May 12. Queen Alexandra has commanded Messrs Raphael. Tuck and Sons (the famous printers of Christmas and greeting cards) to publish a facsimile of her autograph message to the nation with a symbolic border designed by Sir Edward Poynter, the entire proceeds of the sale to go to an institution selected by Queen Alexandra.

At yesterday's meeting of the Southland Charitable Aid Board the following resolution was adopted :—"This Board wishes to express its sorrow at the sudden death of the Sovereign lord. King Edward VII., and its sympathy with Queen Alexandra and the rest of the Royal Family. ,