ILLNESS OF THE KING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 525, 30 November 1928, Page 1

ILLNESS OF THE KING

No Change in Condition latest news from palace Spread of Infection Checked THE condition of the King shows no change. He had a quiet day yesterday, with some rest, it is ret ealed that the Duke of Gloucester, who is hunting in African wilds, has not yet learned of his father’s illness. He will not be able to join the Prince of Wales in time to accompany him home on H.M.S. Enterprise. (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service)

Heed- Noon. LONDON, Thursday

An official bulletin issued at Buckingham Palace at 10.58 a.m. to-day, timed 10.15 a.m., said his Majesty the King had passed a quiet though rather sleepless night. The infective process is being held in check. Despite the mention of sleeplessness in the bulletin, there is a distinctly optimistic feeling about the Palace this morning. Great importance is attached to the mention of the check in the infective process. The Duke and Duchess of York drove to the Palace to inquire tl\' latest news before going to Victoria Station to farewell the Queen of Spain. Despite cold and fog, an eager crowd gathered to read the bulletin, forcing the police to intervene. A bulletin issued at 7.30 p.m. states: “The. King had a quiet day and some sleep. Otherwise, his Majesty’s condition is unchanged.” The hope is expressed that it will not be long before the King definitely rsachap that stage of the illness when he will be on the road to recovery. Progress must of necessity be very slow. It is well to remember in connection with the Prince of Wales's return, that the presence of the King’s Heir in London will be necessary during the prolonged convalescence his Majesty may have to undergo, perhaps in a milder climate. Present optimism is strengthened by the fact that throughout th«. week, the doctors have seen fit merely to pay their accustomed morning and evening visits. It is cheering to note that to-night’s visit was less than half an hour. It is their shortest stay since the illness began. WONDERFUL FORTITUDE In the meantime, the members of the Royal Family are bearing up with wonderful fortitude. One of the most inspiring features is the way they continue to fulfil their public engagements, which has done more than anything else to allay public anxiety. The only modification thus far in the prearranged engagements is the shortening of the Duke and Duchess of

fork's Birmingham visit on Tuesday, hom three to one day. It is announced, however, that the Duke will return alone to Birmingham on Thursday on a private tour of the industrial centres. Tbp will remain, because it ft aoted that she is much 4 the Queen’s company. Throughout the ordeal, the Queen continues her short daily drive from toe palace. On each occasion she is met by a large and sympathetic crowd

•at the gates. To-day she was accompanied by Princess Mary and both smiled their acknowledgments to the people. Generally the time of the departure is when the King is sleeping. To-day was the Queen’s longest absence. She was away for two hours. Viscount Lascelles called at the palace this afternoon. The thief Rabbi has drawn up a form of prayer for the King’s recov-

ery, for inclusion in the Jewish Sabbath services in the synagogues all over the kingdom. DUKE DOES NOT KNOW It is learned that the Duke of Gloucester, who is hunting in the wilds of Africa, is in complete ignorance of the King’s illness. No message concerning his plans has yet been received in London. It is stated that when the Prince of Wales cabled Mr. Baldwin that he and his brother were returning, he had merely a rough idea of the Duke of Gloucester's whereabouts. Unfortunately the Duke is traversing country beyond the reach of modern communications, and inaccessible for the usual transport. It is considered possible that some days may elapse before the messages from the Prince of Wales will overtake the Duke. The brothers ar ranged a rendezvous about a week hence near Abercorn, which is approximately 900 miles from Dar-es-Salaam by a forest track through wild com# try. Therefore, it will be impossible for the Duke to join his brother on the warship. PRINCE’S RETURN A British Official Wireless message says official notice issued at Dar-es-Salem, Tanganyika, states that nothing has yet been decided about the departure of the Prince of Wales, who is staying at Government House. His Royal Highness expects, however, to travel in the cruiser Enterprise. which is due to arrive at Dar-es-Salaam from Aden on Sunday. The Prince to-day drove out shopping. in the town of Dar es Salaam. He was followed from shop to shop by enthusiastic crowds of natives and Indians. It would appear that the Duke of Gloucester has not yet received any of the messages regarding his father’s illness. He has been on a hunting expedition, and when he was last heard of he was near Abercorn, in Rhodesia. This is about 600 miles from Dar es Salaam, and there is no railway communication, so that even if the news reached the Duke it is not considered possible for him to reach Dar es Salaam in time to accompany the Prince of Wales home. It is learned that should the Duke of Gloucester desire to return, the Government of South Africa has undei*