SERVICES IN LONDON.

Wairarapa Age, 21 January 1936, Page 3

SERVICES IN LONDON.

PRAYERS FOR THE KING’S RECOVERY. REFERENCES TO HIS PEBSONAL EXAMPLE. ANXIOUS CROWDS AWAIT NEWS. (Continued from Page 5.) LONDON, January 19. . In all the city and suburban churches yesterday prayers were offered for the King’s recovery. The congregations in some instances sang the National Anthem while kneeling. Immediately following the sermon in Westminster Abbey two minutes’ silence was observed while the great congregation prayed that the King be restored to health. Canon Barry, who preached, declared that there are grounds for hope in view of the amazing resilience of his Majesty during his last illness. There was not a single Briton in England or the Dominions who did not share the anxiety of the Royal Family. Everyone felt the same sympathy' and concern as though the illness was in his or her owa home. Remembering the vast changes in the past quarter of a century, the Empire realised that it owed more than could ever be calculated to the King’s personal influence and example. As father and leader of a world-wide family he laboured to unite his people through peace and war, hope and fear, prosperity and depression. Canon Alexander, at the evensong service at St. Paul’s, where special prayers were offered, recalled how, in brilliant May sunshine at their Silver Jubilee, his Majesty stood under the dome of the Cathedral thanking God for the many blessings vouchsafed him. “The King came here as a father among children, as a monarch crowned by his subjects’ love. The whole Empire recognised in him a strong link between God and the people and realised that even in a palace life may be lived well. His reign has seen the Throne of England still standing firm like a lonely lighthouse in stormy seas. The cause of peace and brotherhood, which has been so dear to the King, should be a solemn charge which we must make our own.’’

For the first time in many years their Majesties did not attend morning service at St. Mary’s, and remained at Sandringham House, where crowds awaited news, but there was no sign of anything from the house. A throne also waited outside Buckingham Pay ace, hundreds remaining all day long. A constant stream of people entered Westminster Cathedral and offered prayers.

The Prince of Wales, after acquainting the Duke of Gloucester of the progress of the King’s . illness, left Buckingham Palace for Downing Street and saw the Prime Minister. The Duke of York will spend the night at the Royal Lodge at Windsor, where the Duchess is progressing excellently after her attack of influenza. The Duke of York will return to Sandringham on January 20. The Queen and the Princess Royal walked in the grounds of. Sandringham House this afternoon

The Duke of Kent and the Archbishop of Canterbury are en route. No undue importance attaches to the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is an old and dear personal friend of his Majesty. The question of setting up Counsellors of State, as during the King’s former illness, will not be considered till a better idea is formed of the probable duration of the King’s illness. The Duke of Gloucester is much better, but was unable fo go to-day to Sandringham. MESSAGES FROM ABROAD. SYMPATHY IN MANY LANDS. LONDON, January 19. Herr Hitler has telegraphed to the King his heartiest wishes for a speedy recovery. Newspapers give prominence ■to the bulletins, and express the deepest sympathy with Britain, German ex-Service men arriving as guests of the British Legion telegraphed to the Prince of Wales: “Our first thoughts are for the health of his Majesty. We ask the Prince of Wales to convey this message.” The news of the King’s illness was received with the deepest regret in Italy, despite the anti-British feeling. It has been noteworthy that even when the campaign was at its bitterest there was no criticism of the Royal Family. The King of Italy has personally requested Signor Grandi to make direct inquiries as to the King's progress and to convey his sincerest wishes foi* recovery. At Paris, M. Laval, the Premier, and M. Lebrun, the President, were informed of his Majesty’s illness. An official spokesman declared that the news created deep gloom, as the King is held in the greatest respect. News of the King’s condition was given precedence over politics in broadcasts, despite the nation’s anxiety to know whether M. Herriot had resigned. Copenhagen newspapers publish long and sympathetic articles, and crowds watch the latest information displayed at newspaper offices. The Swiss and Lithuanian Ministers, speaking at a dinner of the Institute of Linguists, in London, expressed the concern of their countries at the King's illness, the Swiss Minister paying a tribute to the King as being more than any other man the symbol of international good will, understanding, and peace.