PROGRESS VERY SLOW

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 547, 27 December 1928, Page 1

PROGRESS VERY SLOW

King Alternates Between Consciousness and Coma ILLNESS STILL SERIOUS (United I*.A. — By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Wednesday. AFTER a consultation with his colleagues, Lord Dawson of Penn indicated in a statement to newspapermen that the King was slightly improved. The physician said: “There is a slight improvement in both the local and the general condition, it being part of a slow forward movement.”

Sir Stanley Hewett and Sir Hugh Rigby participated in the consultation. A moderate crowd gathered before the Palace, despite the heavy rain. —. There is little doubt, however, that the King’s condition is still serious. The anxiety of the Palace staff could readily be seen beneath the attempt to appear happy over the holidays. The King has been alternating, as his physicians early predicted, between states of consciousness and coma, and the servants recently saw the Duke of York in tears outside the

sick-room alter his father had been unable to recognise him. The Christmas dinner at the Palace was attended by the Queen, the Prince ol' Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York, the Duke of Gloucester, Prince Geoi-ge, Princess Mary. Sir Stanley Hewett was the only outside guest. Viscount Lascelles was absent fulfilling his Yorkshire engagements. Princess Elizabeth did not visit the Palace, but played happily with her toys in her nursery. Elaborate provision was made to entertain the household staff of the Palace, as the Queen was desirous that the King’s illness should not interfere with their festivities. Iu the churches throughout the country on Tuesday prayers were offered for the recovery of the King. At St. Columba's Presbyterian Church, Pont Street, Dr. Archibald Fleming said that on each day of his illness the people had learned to' honour the King more, and to count his life more precious, and they would pray, more earnestly than ever—“ God save the King.”

FURTHER IMPROVEMENT PROGRESS CLEARLY SEEN QUEEN’S MESSAGE TO CANADA (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) Reed. 11 a.m. LONDON, Wednesday. It is authoritatively learnt that there is a further slight improvement in the King’s condition, both -local and general. It is emphasised that this improvement, though clearly discernible, is very slight. The progress of mending is going to be a long one. Lord Dawson, ISir Hugh Rigby and Sir Stanley Hewett consulted for an hour and a-half before noon. The Queen, replying to Mr. W. L. MacKenzie King’s message of sympathy on behalf of Canada, said: “The message of greetings will be highly appreciated and valued by his Majesty when his progress toward recovery is sufficiently advanced for him to receive it personally. The expressions of the love and devotion of the Canadian people, the knowledge of their prayers and sympathetic solicitude in the past anxious weeks, and their message’s note of joy and thankfulness for the King’s hopeful condition, touch me profoundly. “On this Christmas morning, my children and I thank you from our hearts. I look forward to the day when the King will be cheered and strengthened by this, testimony that the heart of Canada is with him in weal and woe.’’