DEATH OF ALBERT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20234, 19 February 1934, Page 7

DEATH OF ALBERT.

Rumours Flash Round London. (Continued from Page 1). (Received February 19, 1.15 p.m.) LONDON, February 18. The news of King Albert's death reached London when most of the Sunffay _P a Pors were already printed. Later editions were quickly rushed to press, but only with a stop press announcement that the King of the Belgians was dead. The lack of details caused rumours to spread. One of these stated, 44 Albert assassinated.” Fortunately, half an hour later the main facts of his accidental death became available in special editions. Many Sunday papers continued to publish specials until noon, giving full details of the catastrophe. The death was announced in many London churches, especially those attended by Belgians, clergy and ministers every - where paying the highest tributes to his life and character. Correspondents feature King Albert’s personal war record. He was three times nearly killed by shellfire. Valet’s Agitation. (Received February 19. 1.30 p.m.) BRUSSELS, February 18. An hotel proprietor at Marches les Dames was the first person, apart from the valet, to suspect that anvthing uniisual was amiss. He said “ A man I had not seen before, who afterwards proved to be the King’s valet, nervously asked permission to telephone to Brussels because a great friend with whom he was mountaineering was lost or had met with an accident. He declined my offer to assist in the search. 14 Then he telephoned somebody I now know to be a member of the King’s household. He returned and telephoned again, seeming to be distraught and still speaking in a manner conveying nothing to me and urgently asking help from Brussels. I realised who was missing only when the search party arrived, and then ' rined in the search. The body was found a distance from where the search began.” Guide Interviewed. “It is specially sad that the King should perish in so modest an undertaking after what he has so often done in our alps.” said Gottlieb Michel, King Albert’s favourite guide, when interviewed at Murren. Describing King Albert’s qualities of courage and endurance, he said that once the King decided that a certain climb was feasible he would not abandon it, but plan and plan until it was accomplished. Nevertheless he always respected weather conditions and listened to the advice of those with experience. After being in his company I could not help realising that he was ** very great man.”