Royal Gratitude

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 175, 27 July 1935, Page 14

Royal Gratitude

The King thanked his doctors publicly when, accompanied by the Queen, ho opened the new British Post-gradu-ate Medical School at Hammersmith.

As His Majesty spoke, those present inevitably thought of that December day iu IfifiS, when the country first, learned that the King’s life was in danger. More especially, it was felt, lie was speaking to Lord Dawson of Penn, his physician-in-ordinary, Lord Ilorder, and all those others in the " audience who by their medical skill had brought him in health to enjoy his Silver Jubilee.

"I am especially glad of this opportunity,” the King stated, “to show my gratitude for tho skill and care which I and my family have received from members of this profession, and not least from distinguished members of the governing body of this school.” During liis tour of the new radiological department of the association hospital the King discusses with the radiologist, Dr Duncan White, his personal experience when His Majesty was X-rayed in France. As their Majesties left the Palaeo a great crowd gave them a hearty cheer. Women waved handkerchiefs and rushed forward, surrounding the King’s car as it moved at walking pace.

At tho gates of the Medical School their Majesties were received by the Mayor of Hammersmith, and at the entrance of the building by the Earl of Athione, as Chancellor of London University, and by Princess Alice, Countess of Athione. Sir Austen Chamberlain, speaking as chairman of the governing body, stated that tho three great objects of the school were to enable medical men in general' practice to bring their knowledge up to date; to provide instruction for graduates desiring to pursue special studies; and, of the greatest importance, to promote research and .advance medical knowledge. The King said: “The provision within tho University of London of a new centre for clinical teaching marks a notable advance in the continuous effort of the medical profession to increase its capacity for service to mankind. “You have reminded me that a foundation such as this was recommended by a committee presided over by Lord Athione. A recommendation of the same committee resulted some years ago in. the creation, with generous assistance from the lvockfeller Foundation, of the great London School of Hygieno and Tropical Medicine. “Lord Athione must be gratified, as Chancellor of the University, to take part in tho realisation of tho past stage of liis far-reaching plan. It is mv earnest hope that this school, with its happy union of ward and laboratory, university and local authority, drawing studenis and teachers from all parts of our Empire, may prosper.”