VERY MUCH BETTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20113, 26 November 1928, Page 9

VERY MUCH BETTER.

QUEEN MARY REASSURED.

KEEPS TWO ENGAGEMENTS.

PRESS URGES CARE IN FUTURE.

RISK IN ENGLISH WINTER.

Australian Press Association—United Service (Received November 25, 5.15 p.rn.)

LONDON. Nov 25. An official bulletin issued yesterday morning stated that the King had passed a fair night and that tlio previous evening's improvement had been maintained Tho pleurisy which commonly accompanies this type of congestion of tha lungs continues to ho a prominent feature, but tho Court physicians arc confident that His Majesty has weathered this storm. However, they say that any recurrence of tho troublo in tho near or distant future would go hardly with him.

The first intimation that tho King was suffering from congestion of the lungs caused surprise and anxiety However there was general relief when it became known that Queen Mary was sufficiently reassured to pay a private v ; sit in the morning and to keep an engagement in the afternoon at a concert in the Albert Hall.

Conversing with Dame Ethel Smythe at the concert Her Majesty said the King was very much better. The Duke and Duchess of York decided to spend tho week-end in London. Princess Mary arrived in London from Yorkshiro last night and will remain at tho palace for a few days to assist tho Queen in l.er engagements. King in Excellent Spirits. Tho King is occupying a doublewindowed sound-proof room overlooking Constitution Hill and Green Park. He maintains excellent spirits. The Duke of York spent half an hour beside him yesterday afternoon. A constant stream of cars drove up to tho palace all day at the distinguished strangers' entrance. Hundreds of rnoro humble folk on foot, kept the policemen at the gates busy answering inquiries.

Officials at tho palace said they considered last evening's bulletin highly satisfactory and were prepared for a quiet night. They expressed confidence that no untoward developments were anticipated. The evening callers at the palace included Princesses Victoria and Louisfc.

Tho physicians' morning visit to tho palaco yesterday lasted 150 minutes, but last night's bulletin was issued after a visit of half an hour.

Bareheaded in Armistice Day Rain. / Everybody now recalls the fact that the King's last public appearance was at tho Cenotaph ceremony on Armistice Day. After a night of heavy rain tho morning was damp and misiy and a. drizzling rain began to fall before the servico had ended. \et tho King stood absolutely bareheaded throughout tho proceedings, though many spectators held their hats close to their heads. It is not suggested that His Majesty caught a chill on that occasion, but the incident gives point to tho suggestion that he is now less strong than he used to be.

. Tho Morning Post this morning published a touching photograph of King Georgo standing in tho rain besido the Cenotaph with a sad expression on his face.

Tho Daily Chronicle says the affection with which the King is regarded finds expression in the widespread anxiety about his illness. Everybody feels a personal concern. Tho paper says the question suggests itself whether, when His Majesty recovers, he ought not to make regular extended visits in the winter to countries with warmer climates.

Everyone in personal touch with the King knows his constant addiction to duly. He hates to feel ho is not discharging his full daily tasks. It is a creditable trait, says the paper, but one which his subjects wish to seo somewhat relaxed in the interests of hi 3 health.

Warmer Winter Climate Suggested. The Observer says:—Tn all parts of the Empire the anxiety of the people has shown what store is set on His Majesty's health by every section of his subjects. Wherever his flag flies his name is cherished not only in personal affection and loyalty toward the Crown, but as the embodiment of steadfast leadership.

The duties of the King have made great inroads on his physical reserves owing to his unswerving acceptance of every bit of work and responsibility with which his exacting conscience could charge itself. His present illness suggests that it would bo uinviso for His Majesty in future to offer too much defiance to the English winter.

For the prolonged reign of Queen Victoria wo had to thank her periodical resort to a milder climate. I>y following her example King George would bo furthering what all his peoples recognise is one of their highest common interests.