THE KING'S ILLNESS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 455, 26 June 1902, Page 2

THE KING'S ILLNESS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Juno 24. Tho King was operated on on Saturday, and made satisfactory progress towards recovery, but a recrudescence of the malady necessitates a further operation to-day. A later message states that the King is suffering from perityphlitis. It is expected that the Coronation will be postponed for an indefinite period. Tho news, on being spread, caused consternation amongst hundreds of thousands of people thronging the streets and inspecting the decorations. A t bullotin issued this afternoon and signed by the King’s doctors states that an operation was performed on Saturday, when His Majesty’s condition was satisfactory. A recrudescence of the trouble occurred on Monday night. An operation will be performed this afternoon. The public interpret the bulletin to mean that tho King has a growth or inflammation on the region of the vermiform appendix. A later bulletin states that the operation was successful, and was borne well by the Royal patient. An abeess was evacuated. The condition of tho King is satisfactory. A bulletin issued at 7 o’clock to-night states : —“ The King is making satisfactory progress, and has been much relieved by the operation.” Tho Earl-Marshal has received the

King’s command to express His Majesty’s deep sorrow that owing to his serious illness the Coronation must be postponed, but it is the King's earnest hope that all celebrations in the country will be held as arranged, aud also that dinners will bo given to the poor. London, June 24. Mr Balfour has informed the House that the operation was most successful. It was decided not to adjourn in order not to convoy an exaggerated idea of the danger. Sir H. A. Campboll-Baunerman cordially approved of the decision. The House will therefore sit all tho week.

THE OPERATION.

DELAY MEANT DEATH. LATEST REPORTS REASSURING,

By Telegraph —Press Association—Copyright London, June 25. Sir Frederick Treves performed the operation on tho royal patient. The news came as a thunder-clap to the nation.

It was understood that the King hal quite recovered, thpugh tho public were suspicious because of his taking daily drives in Windsor Park in a closed carriage. His presenee at the Prince’s reception to the suites on Monday night appeared to confirm the recovery. It was officially announced at Guildhall that it was impossible for the Coronation to take place within two or three months. A bulletin issued at 11.30 states that tho King's condition is as good as can be expected after so serious an operation. His strength is well maintained. Ho is in less pain, and is taking some little nourishment. It will be some days before it is possible to say that he is out of danger. Startling rumors, concerning the health of the King were abroad at midday. Tho first official intimation was given by Bishop Ingram, at Lord Esher's request, informing tho clergy aud choristers rehearsing at Westminster Abbey, and inviting all to join in the litany from tho Coronation service, to pray for the King’s reoovery. At the close of the litany the ohoir Bang “ God, our Help in Ages Past.” St James’ Gazette states that the King was unwell before starting to visit Aidershot on the fourteenth. The physicians attempted to dissuade him from going, but ho insisted. The symptoms were aggravated, and at night he had a slight fit, lasting several minutes. The naval review and Coronation honors have been postponed Tho King’s illness has invoked the real sympathy of America and the whole Continent; notably in Paris there is dismay. There is anxiety in Gibraltar and Malta colonies.

Presidont Roosevelt has cabled to the King, asking him to accept sincere assurances of sympathy 'and wishes for his speedy convalescence. In tho House of Commons Mr Balfour stated thaf the Bank holidays on the 26th and 27th must stand, as it was impossible to conveniently alter them. London, June 25. Immense crowds await the bulletins. There were fervent expressions of relief when they were fairly reassuring. Intercessory services will be held in Canada. Holiday orders for reviews have been cancelled. The Daily Telegraph states : Yesterday morning the King’s temperature developed, demanding immediate investigation. The physicians unanimously decided that an instantaneous operation was urgent. That opinion was vindicated by subsequent knowledge. If the operation had not then been performed His Majesty would havo succumbed in a few hours. The King was informed of the necessity of the operation. He unhesitatingly declared that he had no dread of the ordeal.

He was, he said, grieved at tho publii disappointment. When he recovered con sciousness after the operation he inquired for the Prince of Wales, and spoke to hire calmly, saying that he felt relieved. The result was made known in the House of Lords, Lord Salisbury emphasising the opinion of the physicians, who said there was every hope and prospect oi a speedy and favorable recovery. When informed of tho necessity of an operation, after expressing grief at the public disappointment, the King manfully added: “ Operation or no operation, I must be at the Abbey.” The King’s temperature last night was normal, and he has made unexpectedly good progress. The Morning Post announces that early to-day the King had a refreshing sleep, and there are no symptoms calculated to cause anxiety. The Lancet declares that the anaesthetic was borne well, and the operation was attended with no complications. Dr Gursuny, of Vienna, one of the greatest surgical authorities, declares : 11 When an operation is performed betimes, there is good hope of recovery. Upwards of 80 per cent, are successful.”

There is eagerness and sympathy abroad, the reading and discussing of tht bulletins showing the King’s universal popularity-. The Royal Coronation guests, excepting near relatives, are departing for theii homes to-day. The Queen surpasses herself in calm fortitude.

Mr Balfour announces that the London processions and celebrations are postponed, excepting a charitable festival. The Times states that by Nationalists and Commoners the news was received with unfeigned regret. The leading provincial centres appreciate the King's thoughtfulness, but intimate that they feel unable to proceed with the celebrations to-morrow. Received 12.58 a.m., June 26. The latest bulletin states that His Majesty was restless until one o'clock. Then he slept-, free from pain till 10.30. There are no untoward symptoms, and nis trusting by Providence of Almighty, His condition is satisfactory considering the circumstances. LONDON, June 25. The Premier and Mr Balfour went to the palace, and then to a Cabinet meeting in Mr Balfour’s room. They arranged for the transaction of State’ business during the illness of the King. Mr Balfour intimated later on that the banks would be closed for two days ; other businesses were at liberty to resume work. A special service of prayer was held at Alexandra Park to-day. The troops will be confined in the camps until further orders. The theatres open on the bank holidays.

I ranee has notified her deep concern anti hope and desire far ttie recovery of the King' *

The latest messages show that there was profound sorrow throughout Canada.

The Archbishop of Canterbury prescribed ordinary services for the 26th, with special psalms, lessons, and hymns, also at private devotions with the prayer for the visitation ot the sick, “ Heat: us, Almighty.”

A service of intercession was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral yesterday. Archbishop Vaughan prescribes, and adding an expression of the Pole's solicitude.

Sydney, June 25. The Government has decided to postpone tho Coronation festivities, as the pro clamution declaring a holiday to morrow is left to tho public to exercise their own taste in the matter.

Sydney, June 25. Arrangements for feeding "the poor and church services will be carried out tomorrow, but the services are to bo of an intercessory character. Tho Premier stated in the Assembly that neither Lord Hopetoun nor the State Governor had received any official news of the condition of tho King. Parliament will sit to-morrow. The Government offices will bo open, but the banks will be closed.

The Queensland and South Australian, as well as the local Government, have cancelled the holiday, and postponed tho Coronation festivities, excepting that in South Australia, the childrens’ demonstration will be carried out, the religious service will take the form of an intercession for the restoration of the King. Sydney, Juno 25. Both Houses of the State Parliament adopted a joint address of regret and sympathy with the King. There is profound sorrow and regret throughout the Commonwealth. Crowds are eagorly awaiting the bulletins. The evening papers had a great sale.

Lord Hopetoun aud the State Governors send messages of regret and sympathy which the Stock Exchange and public bodies have adopted. Melbourne, June 25. It has been decided that both State and Commonwealth celebrations, including military review. Governor’s recoption, and illuminations will be proceeded with tomorrow as originally arranged. The church services, however, will bo for intercession instead of praise. The Victoria Racing Club and theatres adhere to their programmes. All public offices will bo closed, the State Government deciding that this course has followed the action of the Federal Government. If, howevor, moro serious news is received from London

within the next twenty-four hours the celebrations will be stopped. Adelaide, Juno 25. The poor relief will be distributed tomorrow. Dunedin, last night. All functions and festivities in connection with the Coronation are postponed, save a tea to tho children. A united citizens’ sorvice will be hold to-morrow in the First Church, and an overflow meeting if necessary in St. Paul’s Church. The City Council to-night passed a resolution expressing deep sympathy with the Royal Family at the circumstances necessitating the postponement of the Coronation, and Majesty may be speedily restored to a state of health which will give his subjects in all parts of his dominions opportunity of expressing their loyalty and dovotion to the head of the Empire. The Mayor was requested to convey tho resolution to the Governor. Ashburton, last night. The Coronation celebrations have been indefinitely postponed. A united religious service to pray for the King's recovery will be held to-morrow afternoon.

Wellington, last night. The latest from the Premier is dated 7.75 p.m., 24th : “ Operation successful ; rumors disquieting; pray God preserve His Majesty in his hour of trial.” There will be no post and telegraph holiday to-morrow. The operators will be brought on at 7 and 10 to-night at all telegraph stations in tho colony, and the Eastern Company’s cable will be kept open all night.

Tho Acting-Premier despatched the following messago to tho Times last evening :—“ Have just received the following further cable from Mr Seddon, London, dated the 25th, 12,15 a.m. : “ No change in the condition of His Majesty the King. The naval reviow has been postponed.”

OFFICIAL INTIMATION^,The following is the latest message received last night by the Editor ol the Times from the Acting-Premier; The following official telegram has just been received by His Excellency the Governor from the Secretary of State for the Colonies under date, London, 24th June “It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that I have received this morning the following official intimation The King is suffering from His, condition on Saturday was so satisfactory that it was hoped that with care His Majesty the King would be able to go through the Coronation ceremony, but on Monday evening a recrudescence became manifest, rendering a surgical operation necessary to-day. The Coronation ceremony is therefore postponed. I shall telegraph at once further intelligence both as to the King’s health and as to arrangements With regard to festivities^ —Ranfurly

THE DECORATIONS,

A GRAND DISPLAY. On no previous occasion in the history of Gisborno has the town been bo beautifully decorated as it is for the railway ceremony to-day, and the event should be a memorable one. The business people of Gladstone Road have risen to the occasion in a manner that shows their firm faith in the future progress and prosperity of the district. The Decoration Committee have done their work in a most admirable way, and their tasteful and skilful efforts were ably supplemented, and mayhap in some cases were exceeded by citizens individually. The possession of one of the finest streets in the colony, Gladstone Road, enables us to make as grand a display in the way of decoration as can be done-any-where, and when to the natural advan-

tages are added the efforts of a wellorganised and able band of workers, led by men of artistic tastes and untiring energy, it can well be understood that the result would in every way be an unqualified success. Indeed, the spectacular effect is such as to gain for the town tho warmest admiration of visitors and the hearty satisfaction of its own people. Although rain set in it did not check the work of the decorators, and while the muddy street in a sense detracted from tho comfort, the contrast made the decorations the more pleasing.

People driving in from the country yes terday, although expecting much, wen amazed at the charming sight that me their gaze on reaching the Roebuck roac turn of the main street. Gladstone Roac was a mass of flags and rich foliage. A; the Victoria belfry there is a beautifu arch, and there is another one at the Kait bridge. From the latter, where the procession is to start to-day, right up to Grey street, on each side of the road, were long lines of flags and streamers suspended on Venetian poles, and the bright colors of the bunting being relieved at intervals with a wreath of foliage. The whole of the business premises were tastefully decorated with flags, foliage, patriotic designs, and national emblems, and bore unruistakeable testimony of the feelings of the community in celebrating three great events, the proclamation of peace, the hoped-for crowning of the King, and the opening of the railway. The new Post-office has been gaily decorated with flags, and national emblems are also shown in ail the windows fronting Gladstone road. In a prominent part of the building 13 the inscription, “ Long Live the King,” whilst several transparencies and gas illuminations are shown to advantage.

The buildings occupied by the Union Steam Ship Company and Mr C. A. DeLautour have been festooned with red, white, and blue streamers. A large gas light illumination, representing the Union Jack in the oentre, and the Company’s inscription on the four sides, isalsg sbgws, and has been much admired,

Mossrs Sheridan and Co. and R. N. Jones have added to the general decorations a number of flags, banners, and lauforns, which have been tastefully displayed. Mr R Jeune has also made a good display of flags and foliage. Ono of the most tastefully adorned buildings in connection with to day's festivities is Hr T. Steele’s Albion Club Hotel. The abundant greenery, generously sprinkled with artistically-arranged colors and silken fairy lamps of appropriate hue, all testify to the artistic taste of the popular proprietor, and When the lamps are lighted A! the sight will indeed be gorgeous. If one’s patriotism is to bo measured by the completeness of his adornments, then confidently may wo assert that tho popular proprietor, Mr* Thomas Augustus Steele, is in the very forefront of loyalists. Gas illuminationsx and transparencies are abo shown, ono transparency bearing the inscription “God save our King." Mr W. Pettio has taken a keen and lively interest in tho arrangements for today’s gathering, and with tho hearty eo-operation of Mr A. F. Kennedy, of Messrs Williams and Kettle, the whole block has been beautifully decorated. There is a grand display of buuting and flags of every description, which havobeen relieved with a wealth of foliago in a manner that is most picturesque. Nikau palms and ferns have been chiefly used, and with tho rows of Chineso lanterns, flags, ote., give a most pleasing effect. The owners of the block are to bo congratulated upon tho grand display. Messrs Crawford and Son’s have a fine show of flags and foliage, whilst tho promises of the Alexandra tea-rooms upstairs have been tastefully decorated with nikau palms and foliago. Mr Zachariah’s window (New Zealand Tweed Company) is one of the best dressed iu town, being an artistic combination of rod white and blue, with a crown worked in the saino colors. Messrs S. Earlo and E. Williams’ premises were decorated with foliago and flags. A fine display has boon made by Mr C. F. Lewis, tho chief decorations consisting of flags, Chinese lanterns, and a number of transparencies. Of the latter tho Boyal Arms was one of tho most attractive. Union Jack transparencies occupy tho whole of Mr W. J. Ilonnessy’s window, whilst the outside decorations consist of flags and foliage. Mr T. Adams has a good display of bunting, and national emblems are shown in abundance. The Bank of New Zoaland building’ have been prottily docked with choice varieties of bush foliage, which afford pleasing contrast to tho great display of flags along the footpath. The display mado by Mossrs Adair Bros, is tho finest over seen in Gisborne, and the decorations are considerably enhanced on account of tho premises being illuminated by means of electrioity. The firm can claim tho honor of being tho first in tho district to make use of the dynamo for this purpose, and their enterprise in this matter is deserving of more than passing mention. The work of fitting up the eleotric plant was capably performed by Messrs Allan and Jones, electricians, whilst Messrs Humphreys and Son ereoted tho engine. The employees of the firm are to be congratulated upon the manner in which tho large stock of goods have i been displayed, and wo feel sure that the ; display of the enterprising firm of Adair !. Bros.’ this evening will bo tho most -; attractive feature of this evening’s illuminations. Mr A. O’Meara’s promises are gaily decorated with flags and bunting, and presont a most attractive appearance. The new Coronation Hotel has a good show of bunting. Patriotio emblems, flags and foliage are the chief decorations at tho Masonio Hotel. There is a bright and cheerful look about Messrs Wyllie and Mason’s auotlon mart. Flags and foliago have been chiefly used in decorating, and a large fransparency is shown with the inscription, “ Welcome to our returned forces.” The Gisborne Hotel has been gorgeously decorated with ferns and other bush foliage. There is also a good show of flags. Tho whole of the decorations have been carried out in a most artistic manner. Eure’s Economic is gaily dressed withflags and bunting, which form a pleasing % contrast to the greenery which decks tho - 1 , street at this point. The Goisha tearooms are Oriental in their surroundings. Messrs R. Johnston and Co.’s window is draped in national colors, whilst some splendid engravings of soldiers of the King are exhibited. Messrs Chrisp and Son’s windows are flag-draped. 4 Mrs J. Lewis has a number of tasteful decorations. A profusion of evergreens cover the premises of Messrs Bull and Son’s. Red white and blue are prominent at Mr G. Smith’s. Mark Way, in addition to flags, foliage, etc., displays portraits of the King and Queen, with the motto, with crown, “ God Save the King.” Flags and foliage surround the premises of Messrs Stevenson and Cramp and Mr C. Morse, some fine ferns being displayed. Mr J. Whitby has an artistic flag combination. Mr W. Morgan’s shop is decorated in national colors. “ The Beehive ” is strung with flags. Chinese lanterns and flags adorn the * promises of Mr W. Ranger and the City Buffet. ’ * The London Piano and Music House have gone to considerable trouble and expense, and their window is a work of art, reflecting great credit upon this new and enterprising firm. A magnificent display has been made -”r by the New Zealanfl Clothing Company. Festoons of red, white, and blue are artistically arranged, and there is a great wealth of foliage. Mr C. H. Am'oridge, j tho firm’s manager, is to be complimented upon the effect. The shops of Messrs G. Stevon--~on and D. M. Orr, and the office of Mr T. OK Lawless, are gaily decked with ferns and foliage, Mr H. J. Bushnell has a good show of bunting, interspersed with greenery. Messrs McConnell and Millington's . 1 shop is in keeping with the rest of the block, and is tastefully adorned. Magnificent tree ferns, a great wealth of bunting, and a couple of pretty transpa- ' rencies, painted by Messrs Morrison Bros., make a splendid show at the premises of Messrs Primrose and Leslie, and reflect credit on the designers. The premises of Messrs James McKee, H. Kano, J-. W. Bull, and J. Craig have all had attention bestowed upon them. Mr W. J. Cox has an array of flags, while tree ferns set off the front of the —' premises.

Mr R. Robertson's and Mr Seymour’s premises exhibit the national colors. Messrs C. Rosie and Co. havo gone to considerable trouble in an excellent flag arrangement, combined with greenery. Whenever decorations are considered necessary Mr Townley, our worthy Mayor, has always an excellent display, ' but on this occasion he has outdone all his

ormer efforts. The interior of his shop, has been converted by Misses Taylor, Colley, and Good, the assistants, into quite a fairyland with colored streamers and Chinese lanterns, sot off with an eye to the pictureque. The various win. dows have also been utilised to make" a display. Outside, arches of greenery and lines of bunting form promi. • nent features. The new British Empire Hotel, which | was already a decoration in itself, has f been made still more attractive by a mass of greenery, prettily arranged. ° Mr Dalrymple i 3 well to the fore in tbe matter of decorations, which are of a mcst artistic description. The bright colors of the bunting contrast nicely with the wealth of foliage, whilst a prominent feature is an immense crown. Many pleasing comments were made last evening in regard to the appearance of Mr Dalrymple’s premises. Messrs Teat and Friar’s and Mr E. D. Smith’s shops are nicely decked with bunting. An appropriate inscription in silver let. taring on dark blue cloth, entitled “ Honor to Whom Honor is Due,” is Bhown at the entrance to the residence of Dr Cole, together with a number of flags, Mrs Warren's ehop has bees tftltffullj 1 decorated is national colon,

Tho grand arch at the corner of Brigh street reflects groat credit upon Messri G. Darton, A. Thomson, and Mackrel and Colley, who have been supervising the work for tho la3t few days. Tho belfry forms tho centro-pieco of tho arch, and thero are two semi circles, tho whole being beautifully decorated with flags, nikau palms, and tree ferns. The lighter shades of ferns on the dark background give a very fine effect, and tho whole design is of an artistic character. Tho windows of Mr Hawkins, draper, is prettily dressed in streamers of rod, white, and blue, and th 9 adjoining promises of Mr H. E. Smith and F. J. Oatridgo, are also in keeping with tho general de-

corations. Mr H. Bruce has a neat array of flags and national emblems, as also as Mr J. H. Harris, and tho Excelsior Boot Depot. Mr W. G. Seotter has a good display of foliage, which has been nicely arrangod. There arc few more enterprising firms in Gisborne than Messrs Morrison Bros., and as on many previous occasions, they have a fine display. Mr H. Williams’ premises present a cheerful appearance, being decoratod with flags and foliage. “ Fear God and Honor tho King ’’ is tho inscription shown amongst tho decorations at Mr F. Stafford. The painting of the motto was done by Messrs Morrison Bros., and tho workmanship is excellent. A fine lot of nikau palms are also included in Mr Stafford’s decorations. Tho lino of flags ends at Grey street, but a fow of tho shops further up have a good display. Mr J. East, who is always one of tho foremost in all such matters, has a good show of bunting and ever- I greens, tho arrangement in regard to which has been tastefully carried out.