THE OFFICIAL MESSAGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2520, 2 July 1902, Page 65

THE OFFICIAL MESSAGE.

MESSAGE TO LORD RANFURLY.

Sir J. G. Wnrd during the evening telegraphed to all mayors, chairman local bodies, editors newspapers, and members of both Houses: — "The following official telegram has ju6t been received by his Ei.cpllency the Governor from the Secretary of Ftate for the Colonies under date London, .'une 24: 'It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that I have received this morning the following official intimation: — "Tho King is suffering from perityphlitis. His condition on Saturday was so satisfactory it was hoped that with care hie Majesty the King would be able to go through the Coronation ceremony, but on Monday evening a recrudescence became manifest, rendering a surgical operation necessary to-day." The Coronation ceremony is therefore postponed. I shall telegraph at onco further intelligence both a? to the King's health and as to arrangeincuts with regard to festivities. — RaXrUELY."

Dr W. S. Roberts. inter\iewed by one of our staff en Wednesday night, said: "Pentyphlitis is an old term, aud, although such a. condirion exists, it is usually due- to an inflammation of an offshoot of the bmvei, termed the appendix, whuh constitutes a condition known as appendicitis. This may be merely inflammation and its symptoms, which terminates without necessitating any operative interference; but in severe cases it leads to the formation of an abecess, which absolutely necessitates operation. As a rule, when the abscess is bsin^ evacuated the symptoms improve. If that is the state of affaire in the King's ca-°e the chances of complete recovery are very favourable The only danger ia that in operating for the evaouation of the matter its diffusion into the general cavity of the abdomen is possible, but in the hands of experienced surgeons- this is not likely to take place, and in face of tho evidence before us the prospectß of recovery are extremely hopeful. It is only reasonable to suppose, heiw-f-ypr, that any Coronation ceremony must be postponed for a month or si.\ weelcs."

HOW THE NEWS WAS RECEIVED

GENERAL PUBLIC ANXIOUS.

The intimation that the Coronation festivities were to be ix>stponed on account of his Majesty's illness, came as a sudden shock to the citizens busy preparing for the celebrationa. as indeed it mu3t lwwe done- to

all parts of the world. The people seemed scarcely able to realise the truth of the message, and, in the case of many buildings, the work of decorating was proceeded with until late in the afternoon. Several shops, in view of the postponement of the holiday, were closed for the ordinary Wednesday half-holiday, while others were kept open, the shopkeepers being in doubt what course to follow. Naturally, the news has caused great consternation, as the ordinary public had no idea but that his Majesty was enjoying the best of health, and the fact that upon the eve of his coronation he had been forced to postpone the ceremony conveyed forcibly a sense of the gravity of the situation. All the evening anxious inquiries were being made, showing that the people dread, though hardly confessing it to themselves, that there may be sadder news yet to chronicle, which calamity the world as a whole will pray may be averted from the British nation. At Wednesday's meeting of the Educational Institute Mr Stewart, vice-president, made feeling reference to the illness of his Majesty King Edward VII. Mr Jeffery, presidentelect, and Mr Davidson, a member of the executive of the N.Z.E.1., also referred to the sad news. Mr Stewart then moved— " That the Otago Educational Institute, now in session, expresses its profound sorrow at the news received, and its deep sympathy with his Majesty and the Royal Family. The institute hopes that, under God's blessing, his Majesty may speedily recover and long reign." The resolution was seconded by Mr Jeffery, and agreed to, and, on the motion of Mr Davidson, it was decided that the resolution be sent to his Excellency the Governor. Just before the curtain fell at the Princess Theatre in tho evening to conclude the performance. Mr Tom Pollard came on the stage and read the latest telegrams concerning his Majesty's health. The telegrams were from the Premier, stating that the naval Teview had been postponed, and also asking the people cf New Zealand to pray for the King. Mr Pollard raid it was evident that there was a great crisis impending, and he asked the audience to stand and sing, along with the members of the company (who were grouped on the stage), a verse of the National Anthem. This was done, and the audience then dispersed, quieter than usual, and all discussing the troubled news just imparted to them.