BRITAIN SMILES AGAIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 543, 21 December 1928, Page 1

BRITAIN SMILES AGAIN

Better Ne ws of King PROGRESS SLOW BUT SURE Christmas Business Better WITH the news of slow yet constant improvement in the King’s health, Britain is smiling again. Christmas business, which was earlier very slack, has picked up greatly as a result of the better reports. (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service)

Reed. Noon. LONDON, Thursday. The King’s doctors, Sir Stanley Hewett, Lord Dawson of Penn, and Sir Hugh Rigby, issued the following bulletin from Buckingham Palace at 11 a.m. to-day: “His . Majesty passed a good night. There has been a continuation of his slow progress.” This fifth consecutive bulletin reporting progress means, in official parlance, that the King has taken another small step forward. In consequence, there is greater optimism at the Palace. The five doctors consulted at the Palace at 3.30 p.m., and issued a bulletin:— “We are happy to state that the King’s progress is now more firmly established. His strength, breathing, lung and heart are slowly improving.” The consultation took place in order to survey the King’s present progress comprehensively, and discuss the lines on which treatment in the immediate future will proceed. “The Times” says the nation owes a deep debt of gratitude to the King’s physicians and surgeons for their wisdom and strength of mind in circumstances of the greatest anxiety, and for the candour with which day by day they have told the simple truth about the King’s condition. Now that hope and confidence may legitimately be felt, there devolves on everyone the duty of maintaining an attitude of quiet cheerfulness.

Trade, generally so brisk at Lhis particular season, had reacted to the disadvantage of big and small traders alike. Thousands of big festivities were on the point of cancellation. The good news is discernable in the countenances of the London crowds. Yesterday and to-day London was crammed with eager shopps. An exceedingly cheering proof of his Majesty’s improvement was told in connection with the riding school party at Buckingham Palace yesterday. Not only was the King aware of its progress, but twice in the course Df the day he asked how it was progressing, and expressed a hope that the men were enjoying themselves and getting everything. Following this afternoon's bulletin, Dr. Howitt and Dr. Woods again administered ray treatment. Sir Stanley Hewett, Lord Dawson, Sir Humphrey Rolleston, Sir Edmund Buzzard and Sir Hugh Rigby were in consultation for 90 minutes. The last-named four left at 8.30. PROFOUND EXHAUSTION An authoritative amplification of to-day’s report says:— “The doctors are very much more hopeful regarding ultimate recovery, but at present there cannot be complete confidence, because the King is in such a weak condition and his exhaustion is so profound that the possibility of a setback cannot entirely be ruled out. His exhaustion, however, is much less than in the past few days. The King is in a much safer position, but he has not reached the level. of complete safety. “If good progress continues for several days unchecked absolute confidence can he felt. The doctors are not yet in a position to say when this goal will be reached. In the meantime, anxiety continues, but it is considerably less acute than it was. The Palace atmosphere is much more hopeful to-night.” Seven doctors were at the Palace to-night, including the ray specialists. It is understood the object of the second visit was to continue discussion of the future line of treatment. It is at present not known officially what decision was taken, also it is not known how long the ray therapy treatment will proceed. The Prince of Whales was in consultation with the doctors. Sir Stanley Hewett again staying the night.