THE KING’S HEALTH.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144828, 4 November 1915, Page 3

THE KING’S HEALTH.

GENERAL CONDITION IMPROVED WELLINGTON, Nov. 4. The High Commissioner reports under date London. November 3 (13.40 p.ui.); Tim King’s general rendition has improved and lie is able to take solid food. He had a worse night and there is still some pain. MESSAGE FROM THE KING. TO THE MEN AT THE FRONT.

LONDON, Nov. 3. The King has sent tho following message to tho troops: — “You hare rcajicd renown equal to the highest traditions of the army, and have baffled an infamous conspiracy against tho law and liberty of Europe so long and insidiously prepared. Your achievements' have involved vast but our countrymen will not spnro their efforts to fill tho ranks and afford supplies. “I have decorated many, and it 1 decorated all those deserving of recognition it would liavo bean limitless. My whole army is illustrious, and 1 sincerely regret that my accident prevented mo from seeing nil my troops. My heart is filled with admiration at then cheerfnl endurance ot tho life in the trendies, which is either weary or monotonous in this terrible tumult. The dodged determination of all ranks will at Inst bring victory. Keep the goal in sight, and, remember, it is tho final lap that wins.—tegd.) George.”

ANOTHER BARTLETT STORY. HOW I ESCAPED DEATH. WHEN THE MAJESTIC WAS LOST. (Received Nov. 4, 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 3. Mr. Ashmead-Bartlott, describing his. personal experiences on tho Majestic,! said the vessel was moored dose, inshore at Cape Holies. It was protected by a line of transports, hut ho felt certain the end might conic at any moment, because lie did not doubt tiiat the submarine wliich attacked the Triumph would return. Ho laid plans what to do in tin? event of the ship sinking, and kept a lifebelt handy. It was a beautiful bright night, and the sea was as calm as a lake. He went to slop on deck, and was aroused early in tho morning by someone rushing by who trod on him, and shouted “A. torpedo is coming.” The explosion followed immediately. He heard a heavy, dull sound. There was no shock, on dock, but tho old Majestic was jerked on to the port side, and remained with a heavy list. Tho noise was as it tho contents of' every pantry in the world had fallen simultaneously. He was disgusted to find ho had forgotten to intiato his lifebelt, but lost no time in getting away from the ship, which threatened to turn turtle at any moment. A rushing crowd swept him down a ladder, and another lush pushed, him over the sido. He fell on the net. shelf, and rebounded into tho sea and went under. The sea was'Crowdod with men calling for assistance. Ho-saw a boat packed with men, with other clinging to the gunwale, and swum to it and. hung on the gunwale. Ho was unable to haul himself in, but a sailor dragged him over. Tho small cutter, supposed to hold thirty, had 1 ninety-four on board. is, A TALL STORY.

Tho Majestic was an extraordinary spectacle. Sho- had such a list that■men could not stand on the deck, hut rolled right over. Only tho ram wasshowing above water when she rested on tho.soa bottom. As sho sank a sailor ran tho whole length of the keel and bat astride the ram, and was taken off not even wetted. Some of tho-crow wore dragged down in tho fatal nets, •and-others were killed by the explosion. ;Tho. fact that only fifty wore lost was idu© to lifebelts, tho smallness of .-tlio isuction, and tho prompt assistance : from a crowd of boats. MORE MONEY REQUIRED. (Received Nov. 4, 11.20 a.m.) Mr. Asquith has announced a further vote of credit for next week. [THE ABOLITION OF "SHOUTING.” (Received Nov. 4, 0.5 a.m.) LONDON,. Nov. 3. , The 'result of non-treating is a great i decrease in drunkenness. THE CAVELL CASE. STATEMENT BY MR. WHITLOCK. (Received Nov. 4, 9.5 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 3. Mr. Brand Whitlock, American Minister at Brussels, explains to the State ..Department that his report on tho Miss ! Cavell case was sent to tho American Ambassador in London and was not intended for publication, but Sir. -Pago handed it to tho Foreign Offiqo. Tiro, publication of the report has caused Mr. Whitlock much embarrassment. Mr^WWtlock.assqrte’tliai'dm'^agsiwjt

accused the Germans of breaking faith with him, as his diplo--matic status did not give him anyh authority save to plead for mercy. OILS AS CONTRABAND. (Received Nov. 4, 8-55- a-m.) LONDON, Nov-3. Mr. Pollock and four other members have given notice of motion demanding that all fat producers, oils of every description, oil-bearing seeds, and nuts kernels shall he made absolute contraband and urging the Premier to extend tho list of contraband and enforce the effective blockade.