FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13161, 20 January 1936, Page 5

FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE.

LOXDOX, January 18. It was officially stated at 10 p.m. that there was no -change to report in the King’s condition since the previous bulletin. At midnight it was learned that the King was sleeping peacefully and liis condition was unchanged. There is not expected to be a further bulletin before morning. The nationwide concern for the King increased after the afternoon bulletin, introducing the word “anxiety'’ and signed by the four eminent specialists who are fighting for his Majesty’s life. With the King lying ill at Sandringham there was no opportunity for the display of public feeling on the scale shown in 1928, when thousands continually thronged about Buckingham Palace awaiting bulletins. Xevertheless scores to-day clustered outside the forecourt of the Palace seeking the latest news. People of all degrees of life, including men and women in evening dress arriving in cars, soldiers and airmen, visited the Palace throughout the evening, read the bulletin and departed with troubles faces. Meanwhile anxiety for his Majesty’s health was repeatedly demonstrated in conversations heard on all sides in the streets and public places, proving the closeness with which his well-being lies to all hearts. The Kingf’s sudden illness caused the abandonment of the private cinema in the ballroom last night, to which many residents were invited, while to-day’s shooting party wa s ea ncel I ed.

The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York and the Princess Royal saw his Majesty several times to-day. THE LITTLE PRJXCESSES.

The two little Princesses before leaving for London were taken to see their grandfather, from whom they parted affectionately, after which they kissed the Queen goodbye and said they were “looking forward to seeing grandpa soon well again. ”

Sir Maurice Cassidy left Sandringham and is not expected to return, but undue significance is not attached to this, ft is also explained that the fact that, oxygen was administered and further supplies lushed from London should not l>e exaggerated in view of the fact that the King, like other sufferers from bronchial troubles, lias frequently had oxygen in recent rears.

The King occupies a room overlooking the park, while in the dis-. tance can be seen the little grey tower of the parish church, dating hack to 1150, where the Royal Family worship on Sundays and where special prayers will he offered to-morrow for liis Majesty’s recc »vcry. PRAYERS FOR R ECO VERY. Hundreds of letters and telegrams of sympathy are arriving and include General Evangeline Booth’s: ‘Mis Majesty's serious illness lias •deeply distressed Salvationists throughout the world. We plead the Everlasting Father to grant a speedy and complete recovery.” Th© Archbishop of Canterbury, speakjng at Canterbury Cathedral, said it would be foolish to deny that there are grounds for anxiety regarding the King's illness, but there are good grounds for hope in his Majesty’s proved powei s of recovery and the knowledge, experience and skill of the doctors and nurses. I am sure the love and loyalty so wonderfully manifested in the jubilee year will now be expressed by prayers that the Holy Spirit and the Lord and Given* of Life may bring him full strength for recovery, give trust and confidence to the Queen, and wisdom and skill to those having the care of him. Let us all pray that- this life, which, means so- much tc> the realm, may be restored to full health and strength.” Doctor Amigo, Catholic Bishop Southwark, has ordered special prayers to he said for the King in all the 15© churches in his diocese. Prayers for the King were said today in all the Jewish synagogues throughout the Empire. IXTER X A TI OX A L CONCE R X. The Duchess of 'V ork, who is refovering from influenza at the Royal Lodge at Windsor Great Park, is in con s+ant telephonic com m uni cation with Sandringham. The Duke of

York joins the family at Sandringham on Sunday. The Swiss and Lithuanian Ministers, speaking at the dinner of the Institute of Linguists, expressed the concern of their countries at the King’s illness. The Swiss Minister, paying a tribute to the King, said that more than any other man he was the symbol of international goodwill, understanding and peace. In Paris the news of the King’s condition was given precedence over politics in the broadcasts despite the nation’s anxiety to know whether M. Herriot had resigned. German newspapers give prominence to the bulletins and express sympathy with Britain. ILLNESS CAUSED SURPRISE. LOXDOX, January 18. The King’s illness 'came as a complete surprise. The Royal estate villagers saw him a day or two ago apparently in the best of health and spirits. A woman declared: “He looked just as he always does and wished me good-day in his usual kindly fashion.” The post office at Sandringham was overwhelmed with telephone calls all night. The News-Chronicle’s special Sandringham correspondent was officially informed at midnight that the King’s condition was “less, comfortable.” An oxygen apparatus has been brought from London and two nurses are in attendance. The King was last seen outside the grounds of Sandringham on January 15 riding hisi white pony. Early yesterday morning the Sandringham thermometer dropped ten degrees below freezing point. The Daily Telegraph’s medical correspondent- points out that bronchial catarrh is usually* accompained, especially in older people, by some embarrassment in breathing, placing an extra strain on the heart muscle, hence the bulletin’s reference to cardiac or heart weakness. Oxygen is one of the commonest aids in overcoming this embarrassment.