KING'S SURPRISE OUTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20251, 10 May 1929, Page 11

KING'S SURPRISE OUTING.

VISIT TO SANATORIUM.

CHATS WITH THE PATIENTS.

FEW SIGNS OF LONG ILLNESS.

WALKS WITHOUT A STICK.

Australian Press Association—United Service (Received May 9. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 8.

After luncheon at Graigweil House, Bognor, to-day, King George suddenly made tip his mind to venture further abroad than ho had dono for months. Accompanied by Princess Victoria ho motored 35 miles along tho picturesque Sussex lanes.

His Majesty paid a surprise visit to the King Edward Sanatorium, at Midhurst, which his lato father founded in 1907. The saloon car was driven to tho door of tho institution and tho King and Princess stepped out and rang tho bell. Within u few minutes His Majesty was greeting tho most astounded man in tho world, Dr. Jupo, a hospital assistant, who subsequently said he could not believe his eyes.

The King, saying he wanted to see if the patients looked as happy as did those he had seen there in 1917, toured the sanatorium. He stopped at tho bedsides of several patients, smiling and chatting with them cheerfully. Could Do More Work Than Allowed. To one man His Majesty said: "I am sorry you have been ill so long. I know what illness is and I synipathiso with you and hope your recovery will bo as Rood a one as mine."

Tho King stayed in the institution threequarters of an hour. Dr. Jupe said the sanatorium authorities greatly appreciated receiving His Majesty's first semi-official visit after his illness. Tho Royal visitor looked remarkably fit and not like a man who had suffered so long and serious an illness. His Majesty had discarded his stick and walked unaided. Ho said: "I am feeling very fit and am well enough to do a great deal more than I am allowed to do." Court to go to Windsor Next Week. Tho Court will inovo to Windsor on May 15. Their Majesties will motor from Craigweil House. Although his three months' stay on the south coast has marvellously improved His Majesty's condition, he is not thought to be sufficiently strong for tho fatigue of a public ceremony. Consequently suggestions for a welcome at Windsor will be discouraged and the arrival of the Hoyal party there will be strictly private. The people, however, will be given an opportunity of greeting Their Majesties on their 65 miles' drive. Lord Dawson of Penn and Sir Stanley Hewett may issue a final bulletin before the King's departure from Craigweil House. Tho Court will remain at Windsor a month, during wluch time the King probably will go to London to deal with election matters. Later he will go to Sandringham and will move to Balmoral Castlo in August.

Since the King has been at Bognor he has regained his appetite, increased his weight and strength and recovered much of his normal health. Now he suffers only from some weakness.