KING HAS QUIETER DAY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 520, 24 November 1928, Page 9

KING HAS QUIETER DAY

Spent Restless Night, With Temperature at 101

CROWDS FLOCK TO PALACE

THE latest bulletin about the King's illness states that his Majesty spent a quieter day yesterday, with a lower temperature. The mischief in the lung had not extended. An earlier report, issued at mid-day, indicated that he passed a restless night, his temperature remaining at 101. Great crowds flocked to Buckingham Palace, waiting anxiously for tidings.

(United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service)

Reed. 3.55 a.m. LONDON. Friday. A bulletin issxied at 12.45 p.ru. stated that the King passed a restless night, his temperature remaining at 10L There was a slight extension o£ mischief in the lung, but his Majesty’s strength was maintained. The King’s physicians. Lord Dawson of Penn and Sir Stanley Hewett. reached the palace at 10 o’clock and there was some surprise that the bulletin was not issued until 12.45." It was later reported that, despite the somewhat less reassuring bulletin, it is understood that the palace household is not unduly anxious, while the King himself is quite cheerful. It is understood that the King in the afternoon obtained some rest. He is in the charge of skilled nurses, another of whom arrived to-day. The crowd lessened owing to persistent rain, which was also the reason for the military guard being changed without music, in accordance with the bad weather custom.

The physicians, returning late in the evening, are expected to issue a further bulletin, pending which nothing is expected, unless unforseen develop ments occur.

It is understood that the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Gloucester have not yet been informed of the King’s condition, but the matter may receive consideration shortly. It is now announced that the physicians visited the palace late last night, when a distinguished bacteriological specialist carried out bacteriological investigations which are customary in all cases of microbic infection. There is a continuance of telephonic inquiries, and a constant stream of important visitors.

PEOPLE’S SOLICITUDE

CROWDS COME AND GO ANXIETY ALLAYED (Australian and -VZ. Press Assoc-iation) Reed. 10.50 a.m. LONDON, Friday. Every other interest in the United Kingdom receded before the solicitude of all classes for his Majesty’s health. This was illustrated by the constant coming and going of the crowds outside Buckingham Palace. Every incident is being recorded in frequent editions of the newspapers. The official announcements are couched in language least likely to arouse alarm. For example: “Princess Mary is coming to keep her mother company.” “The Duke of York came from Naseby Hall and remained three-quar-ters of an hour in the King’s room, ar ranging to return to Naseby to-mor row.” •‘.The Prince of Wales, who during the whole tour, is in regular communication with the Palace, has been told of his father’s condition, but no message has been sent which is calculated to shorten his tour.” “The Queen of Spain called and took tea with the Queen and Princess Victoria, the latter remaining some time.” Though the 11.45 bulletin announced that the physicians would not return till the evening. Lord Dawson returned at 12.30, saw his Majesty and remained to luncheon. A high official in the Palace allayed the anxiety which this revisit might have aroused, saying that the illness, though serious, was not to be regarded as in any way alarming. The German Ambassador, Dr. Friedrich Sthamer, was one of the earliest callers at the Palace, and also at the Foreign Office to inquire about the King’s' condition. He conveyed his Government’s earnest hope for a speedy recovery. A message from Paris says the whole of the Press is showing the greatest solicitude and sympathy in the King’s illness. The newspapers emphasise the people’s deep affection for him, as exemplified by the crowds outside the Palace.

AN X-RAY EXAMINATION

PURELY FOR DIAGNOSIS PHYSICIANS SATISFIED (Australian and N.Z. Press AssociationJ Reed. 1,25 p.m. ' LONDON, Friday. A special X-ray apparatus which was used in the examination, of the King was brought unostentatiously to the palace during the day. The examination was carried out amid considerable secrecy, only those most closely in touch being aware what was going on. The task presented considerable difficulty, as it was made while the King was lying in bed. Experts supervised the delicate and difficult installation. Sir Stanley Hewett and Lord Dawson were in attendance. The full results are not known, but there are grounds for a belief that the King's advisers are well satisfied with his present condition and improved tone. To-night, the Bulletin led forthwith to a more optimistic atmosphere in the palace, j It was conveyed instantly to the ! Queen, and the Duke of York, the latter having arrived at the palace at; 8.30. Thence it was transmitted to the other royalties, including Princess Mary, who, it is understood, is now not going to the palace. Members of the Royal circle and a personal staff prepared to retire with the assurance that His Majesty’s condition is distinctly less serioud. It is learned that Lord Dawson found himself able to fulfill a private engagement to-night. It is stated that the X-ray examina- ! tion was purely for the purposes of diagnosis, and is not to be regarded i as in any way indicative of a disturbing condition. An eminent physician said the King’s condition showed that the illness was pursuing its normal course. His condition would probably fluctuate for about seven days, hut there was no cause for real alarm. “The mischief referred to is congestion. but the fact that the congestion has extended slightly need not alarm anyone. It is a condition which may vary hourly.” To-day’s mail at Buckingham Palace was unusually heavy. Letters from all over the country, from .people of every class, wished the King a speedy recovery. There were many telegrams and cablegrams from every part erf the Empire.