The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 1902. STARTLING NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue XXIV, 26 June 1902, Page 2

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 1902. STARTLING NEWS.

It is doubtful if the Empiie has ever received such a (hock as that caused by the startling news which arrived ot Wednesday morning, stating that ic consequence of ths illness of the King the coronation ceremcmVs to take place on Thursday were to be postponed, Even the sad hens of the death of our late beloved Queer, comparatively sudden as ib was, found peop'e somewhat prepared for i h . But the news on Wedne-day, coming as it did in the midst of the preparations foi r/j vicing and festivities in keeping with tho joyful event, ard following s-c'o-ely on the rejoicing over the declaiation of peace, sent a thrill of loasternation throughout tbe Empire. For a time people, so far as New Plymouth is concerned, were ab obit ly stunned, and our telegrams show that this feeling was uoiversal throughout the Empire. Under the circumstanc s all the arrangements connected with | the coronation have been indi floitdy postponed. No doubt everyone will aj;ree with the Acting-Premi:r that "anything in the shape of general celebrations would, in view of the King having undergone a critical operation, the outcome of which no one can forese •, be nothing short of a hollow sham " Tbakthe operation was sarious is appirent from the bulletin ii-su d at 11.30, whereby it appers that some days must elapse before it is possible to siy thfl Kir>g is out of danger. No doubt, therefore, many wil',asSir Joseph ' Ward ougges's, desite to take part in religious 83rvicrs suitable to thi occasion ; and it U gratifying to no'ice thit at 8": Mary's Church on Thurgday morning and at tho Whiteley Memorial Church on Thursday evening opportunity will be afforded to offer prayers for the restoration to health of the King, who, together with the Qu en, will bavo the deepest sympathy of their loyal subjects throughout the Empire.