AIR OF OPTIMISM

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16826, 13 December 1928, Page 13

AIR OF OPTIMISM

HIS MAJESTY'S ILLNESS

PEOSPECTS OF RECOVEPvY

A MIRACULOUS RALLY WORST ANXIETY RELIEVED (Elec. Tel. Copyright-United Press Assn.) (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) (Received Dec. 13, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 12. There was considerable relief at the announcement of the successful operation on the King, which was carried out in His Majesty's bedroom. Preparations proceeded throughout tlj.e afternoon with the strictest secrecy. For the first time since the illness there were six doctors at the Palace. Lord Dawson had been present since 9.30 a.m., and the five others arrived at 2 o'clock, and remained in close coiisultati6n Until 4.30 p.m. Mr. Whitby then left and Sir Hugh Rigby, honorary surgeon to the King, appearing in the case for the first time, arrived at the Palace at 5 o'clock. An hour later Mr. Shipway, the anaesthetist, was summoned, the doctors having decided to carry out the operation. This Was performed by Sir Hugh Rigby. It is stated that His Majesty emerged from the anaesthetic at 7.50 p.m., but the doctors remained in the bedroom till 8.30 p.m. All the doctors concerned are dining at the Palace. The decision to operate followed a long consultation, and the finding of the pleural fluid mentioned in the morning bulletin. The King's rally last night followed what is described as a miraculous return of the localised infection, instead of general infection. This was regarded as a good sign, and meant that the doctors could carry out the active treatment which they did this morning with happy result that they were able to arrange for the operation to-night. An operation would haVe been out of the crue:;ti:in hod the King been unable to maintain Ids .strength despite the ravages of the disease. The temperature mentioned this morning was the first sign that the infection was again localised. Although an authoritative medical statement to-night speaks of a long and difficult struggle in prospect, some part of the constant anxiety of the past few days was relieved to-night. Among the Royal household there is an air of subdued optimism.

The operation was a great tax on His Majesty's strength, which has been impaired by 22 days' continuous dangerous illness. The fact that he was able to emerge satisfactorily makes those in touch with the Royal circle hopeful concerning the ultimate result. Concern, however, must be felt some little time until it is known how the operation may have affected his strength, but the anxiety on this score is not very grave.

His condition to-night is regarded as a remarkable tribute to his strength and constitution.

The turn of events which led to the operation is authoritatively described as almost a miracle. Thirty-six hours ago the greatest anxiety existed. It is a remarkable coincidence that the change of condition was first noticed by the doctors shortly before midnight, less than an bouv after the Prince of Wales had seen his father. As recently as 24 hours ago the general affection had been causing the doctors iiuicli concern. Following the dramatic change it was quickly realised that active treatment could be undertaken. The doctors had a grave decision to make. It is understood that before reaching « decision they consulted the Queen and the Prince of Wales. To-night there is a new hope, although the way is long and difficult, thai the King is on the road to recovery. The news that His Majesty was safely through the operation and his condition satisfactory, was immediately conveyed to the Queen, who wa.s waiting with the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York. Three minutes later the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York drove from the Palace in separate cars, but returned half-an-hour later for dinner at the Palace, which had been postponed. The morning bulletin having conveyed the information that an operation was imminent, large crowds gathered near thePalace, anxiously awaiting the news, which was received with expressions oi "Thank God." Everywhere the bulletin was received with cheering and applause. Following her Tower Hill engagement, the Queen drove to Toe 11 church, All Hallows, Barking, when for the first time in the day cheering broke out. The Queen spent over ;hi_ hour in an inspection of the church, accompanied bv (he vicar, the Rev. Claytoh, Princess Mary, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. They saw the Prince of Wales' Toe I lamp, in the crypt, and knelt and prayed together. (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) (Received Dec. 13, 3.30 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 12. 11.30 p.m.—Official: The King is progressing satisfactorily.