KING GEORGE'S RECOVERY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20302, 9 July 1929, Page 11

KING GEORGE'S RECOVERY

EMPIRE GIVES THANKS.

CHIEF SERVICE IN LONDON.

SIMPLE BUT IMPRESSIVE.

ROYALTY AT

ABBEY

CROWDS LINE THE ROUTE.

Australian and N.Z. Press Association. LONDON, July 7

Tho thanksgiving 1 servico at Westminster Abbey this morning for the recovery of King George from bis grave illness was attended by His Majesty, Queen Mary and eight other members of the Royal Family.

As the King expressly wished, it was quite simple. Similar services were held throughout Britain and tho Empire. His Majesty had desired to attend this service, so that he might join his people in thanking God for "Tlis good providence."

Hundreds of thousands of people lined the route from Buckingham Palace to tho Abbey. The King drove in an open 'carriage with the Queen alongside him. He looked strong and well and smiled with delight at tho acclamations ho received from the dense crowds.

On tho opposite seat to Their Majesties sat the Prince of Wales—upright, alert and smiling happily. Officers of State and diplomats waited in the centro of the great concourse. Every part of the King's Dominions was represented there. The Prime Minister, Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald, and his colleagues occupied seats in tho choir. Rulers from the Far East, bronzed Colonials and great military and naval leaders were also among the congregation, some of whom had waited from tho previous night Morning Scene Within Abbey. Their Majesties were met by tho Dean of Westminster, Dr. W. Foxley, tho Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Cosmo Lang, canons and lay officers. Standing in tho chancel the King had the Queen on his right, and behind him stood the Duke of Connaught, the Princess Royal, Princess Victoria and Viscount Lascelles.

As the roll of drums' died away tho voice of the dean rang out from tho chancel. In threo sentences ho spoko of the hopes and aspirations of the Empire, saying: "God save the King. God Save this Realm. God give us thankful hearts." This, perhaps, was tho most moving moment in tho service. Then there was silence again, after which camo a thrilling fanfare of trumpets, then tho singing of the National Anthem. Dr. Lang, in a cope of green, stepped forward slowly, whilo tho King knelt and bowed his head over a scarlet-bound book of service on a desk before him. Tho Royal Family joined in tho prayers. King Deeply Touched by People's Cheers. The trumpets and the organ were heard again and there followed the singing of tho To Deum whilo tho congregation knelt. The Archbishop of Canterbury, grasping his crosier, then raised his right hand whilo every head was bowed for the Benediction.

Slowly the King and Queen loft the chancel, as simply as they had come, and stepped into their landau. They were met by a great wavo of cheering from fhe countless thousands of people outside. The bells of the Abbey joyously tolled out and thcro were cries from the crowd of "God Bless You." The King showed that he was deeply touched by this spontaneous expression of loyalty and devotion. Having returned to the Palace Their Majesties stepped on to a balcony and remained there for five minutes acknowledging the cheers of the people below. The King, who was bare-headed, was obviously affected. 110 bowed and turned to the Queen, who waved to tho crowd. Both then disappeared within the Palace. Broadcast ol the Service. A British official wireless message states that, although tho principal statesmen of tho country, tho Diplomatic Corps and a great number of representative people were present in the Abbey, there was an absence of uniforms. The nave of tho Abbey was filled by the general public. The service was relayed by tho British Broadcasting Corporation throughout Britain, and in many churches were wireless receivers enabling the proceedings at the Abbey to bo incorporated in their own services. Everywhere, at tho King's suggestion, tho offertories were devoted to hospitals. The hymns sung in tho Abbey were accompanied on tho organ and by tho band of tho Grenadier Guards. SERVICES ELSEWHERE. DEVOUT ROMAN CATHOLICS. SCOTTISH CHURCH IN LONDON. Australian Prcns Association —United Service LONDON. July 7. Six thousand devout I toman Catholics attended the thanksgiving service in Westminster Cathedral this morning; High Mass was celebrated, with the To Dcnni aiul also special piayers of a moving character. At tho request of King George the congregation included King Alfonso of Spain, whom tho staff of the Spanish Embassy greeted Me assisted at tho Mass. Every section of tho community was represented. Hundreds of people, including the Lord Mayor, Sir Kynaston Studd, were present at the service at St. Paul's Cathedral. It was conducted liy Dean W. R. Inge. A special sermon was delivered at St. Coluinba's Presbyterian Church, Pont Street, by tho Rev. Dr. Archibald Fleming.