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Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1928, Page 4

The King's illness is marked by very slow progress towards recovery. 'Die week lias been one of very anxious anxiety as lo the daily progress ol the Royal patient. The fact that an operation was necessary to remove lliiid from one limp; vas impressive in indicating the gravity of His Majesty’s condition. It is now about, a mont.’i since there was the first intimation of indisposition, and the public anxiety has been a growng quailLitv. Jt is apparent the best medical advice available in the Kingdom has been called In the succour of the King, and everything possible is being done. Nevertheless the position seems to he extremely grave Articles in the medical journals disabuse the public mind it the idea of an illness marked bv a definite er.sis followed hv a period ol convalescence. It is pointed out that the disease conforms to a typo that is not characterised by a single crisis but by a protracted series of “ups” and “downs.” Generally speaking, however .the comments by medical correspondents, which have been published in the Home newspapers, and have received considerable prominence in the cable messages, are not very helpful. In view of the somewhat ineonclnsiv' 1 iiaflire i>i the carefully framed official information supplied, the anxiety of the nation must continue in the meantime, with an accompaniment of deev> concern at the prolongation of his Majesty's illness and at the absence of any definite improvement in 1 1 is physical condition such as would lie the signal for widespread satisfaction and relief. So far as medical skill and its power to call lo its aid the latest resources of medical science can inspire confidence, I here is that to lean upon in these days of uncertainty and suspense The manifestations of concern over the state of the King’s health are in the meantime far from confined to Great Britain and the Empire. The British people have the genuine sympathy of other nations at this juncture. This has been manifested in various ways, and in particular by the measures taken by the European nations to facilitate the transport of the Prince of Wales from Brindisi to Boulogne. His Royal Highness was naturally anxious to reach London as soon as possible, and did not spare himself any fatigue to do so. It must, have been a welcome relief to tile Queen and the other members of the Royal Family at Home to have Prince Edward with them. The quiet and respectful welcome of the London populace was a very adequate expression of the public sympathy with the Royal Family in the period of great crisis. The other two Princes abroad are also hurrying homeward, one from the West Indies and the other from South Africa. Their absence natiii*nllv creates a tension at such a time as this, and it will he a great relief when the whole family is reunited again in a few days.. IT is to he hoped by that time the Royal patient will he distinctly hotter and making some headway towards convalescence. It will he a doleful Christmas season at Home if King George is to remain a very .sick man as at present, and mil show s’.gns of lighting successfully against his illness.