PROGRESS CONTINUES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16836, 27 December 1928, Page 7

PROGRESS CONTINUES

HIS MAJESTY’S CONDITION MORE EE ASSURING SIGNS AN ENJOYABLE CHRISTMAS (Elec. Tel. Copyright— United Press Assn.' (Australian Press Acsn.—United Servioe.) LONDON, Dee. 2(1. A bulletin signed by Sir .Frederick Hewett, Sir Hugh Rigby and Lord Dawson, issued at 11.40 a.m. on Monday stated: “The King had a quiet night. Loi'al conditions continue to show progress, and the general condition remains unchanged." A bulletin issued at 8.30 p.m. stated: “The very slow progress of the King’s loeal and general condition continues. No further bulletin will be issued until Tuesday evening.” Last night’s bulletin stated: “The King passed a quiet day. His loeal condition is improving and strength is maintained.’’ The next bulletin will be issued to-morrow evening. The Monday bulletin was regarded as distinctly favorable, being the first -4w some days noting any definite improvement in the King’s general, condition. The progress was so satisfactory that the physicians were able to suspend light treatment for a night or two. There is a distinct air of hopefulness in the Palace. Christmas Day with the Royal Family is always just a quiet family occasion; and naturally was quieter than usual this year, but the King’s progress made the Palace a happier place than it has been for many days. The Queen gave special orders concerning comfort and entertainment for th<s servants. Parts of the Palace were decorated with holly and misletoe. The. staff at the Palace is so much larger than at Sandringham that the time-honored Christmas custom of assembling the servants in the morning and giving each a present had to be abandoned. The Queen, however, arranged that all old retainers of the family should receive gifts. Royalties’ presents to each other are always a close secret.. The most secret of all are Princess Elizabeth’s gifts to her parents and grandparents, and “Uncle David.” FAMILY VISITS SICK ROOM His iMajesty, naturally, is far too ill to participate in any festivities. It is understood the family visited the sick room in twos and threes. Last night’s bulletin has caused nation-wide gratification and an atmosphere of happiness and relief throughout. The Palace authorities consider a most reassuring sign is that the King is maintaining his strength. The extreme slowness of progress continues and, therefore, they do not expect any rapid advance. Sir Frederick Hewett still remains at the Palace, where-Sir Hugh Rigby consulted him this morning. It is considered significant that Lord Dawr.on did not attend fill the evening, when there was an hour’s consultation. Sir Hugh Rigby and Lord Dawson departed immediately after the btille- , tin. In order that the public should not be unduly disturbed over the holidays, no* bulletin regarding the King’s condition was issued by the Buckingham Palace physicians, but Sir Frederick Hewett, surgeon apothe : eary to the King, stated at noon that the’ Royal patient’s condition continued satisfactory, he having passed a fairly comfortable night, with several periods of good, sound sleep. His progress though slow, was maintained. , Meantime in the churches throughout tlie country, prayers were offered for his recovery. Queen Mary and the Prince of Wales attended services in the Palace chapel, after which the Irish Guards played old English carols, and round the centre gate 3000 persons stood bareheaded, singing, in subdued voiees, the hymn, “Praise the King of Kings.” Tattered beggars moved in and out of the throng, , pleading- for alms. For the first time since the King s illness, one of the members of the medical staff attending the Monarch, namely Lord Dawson of Penn, "ns missing from the morning consultation at the Palace, but Sir Frederick Hewett and Sir Hugh Rigby spent an hour and a half in the sick room. . The King received members of Ins family, including the Duke of Gloueester, who was greatly affected by his father’s changed appearance. The Prince of Wales left the Palace on a motor trip, but arranged to return again in the evening for Christmas, at which 12 persons were scheduled to attend a“ banquet, which was most simple and given in the beautiful Chinese room. , Medical circles consider that tne return of the King’s children in time to spend Christinas with him will go a long way towards his ultimate recovery. ANXIETY BENEATH MASK CONDITION STILL SERIOUS DUKE NOT RECOGNISED (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.(Received December 27, 11 a.m.) LONDON, December 26. After a consultation with his colleagues, Lord Dawson of Penn indicated in a statement to journalists today that the King was slightly improved. Lord Dawson said : “There is a slight improvement in both the local and general condition, it being part of the slow forward movement.” Sir Frederick Hewett and Sir Hugh Rigby participated in the consultation. A moderate crowd gathered before the Palace despite the heavy rain. There is little doubt expressed, however, that the King’s condition is still serious. The anxiety of the Palace staff could readily be seen beneath the attempt to be happy over the holidays. The King has been alternating between states of consciousness and coma, and servants recently saw the Duke of York in tears outside the sick room after his father was unable to recognise him It is authoritatively learned that, there is a further slight improvement in the King's condition, both local and general. It is emphasised that the improvement, though clearly discernible, is very slight. The progress of mending is going to be a long one. Lord Dawsor. Sir Hugh Rigby, and Sir Frederick Hewett consu.ted for an hour and a half before noon. The Qtfeen, replying to Mr. Mackenzie King’s message of sympathy on beha.r of Canada, said: “The message and greetings will be highly appreciated and valued Ry His Maiasty when Ins progress towards recovery is sufficiently advanced for him to receive it personally. 1 he. expressions of the love and devotion o the Canadian people, the knowledge of their prayers and sympathetic solicitude o{ the pant anxious weekß, and their raes-