Column 1 – The National

Funeral service
We have a public holiday on Monday for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. But those who want to watch the funeral ceremony will have to stay up all Monday night to Tuesday morning, as we are 10 hours ahead of London.
Half-mast
Before the news of Queen Elizabeth’s death reached us last Friday, some of the flags on power poles around Port Moresby to mark the country’s 47th Independence Day anniversary were already at half-mast. Coincidence, or maybe the strings were just loose?
Gracious King
Most of us are used to all our lives to hearing “God save our Gracious Queen”. It is now God save our Gracious King”. (Perhaps add Consort Queen).
Fast money
Queen Elizabeth’s death has sparked a surge in online sales for royal memorabilia – from Barbie dolls to teabags.
A teabag which a seller claims was used by the Queen sold on eBay for £12,000 (about K50,000).
Lower rating
In Melbourne, rugby union is rungs below the AFL and NRL in terms of popularity. That is why the first Bledisloe Cup match between the All Blacks and Wallabies is being played tomorrow night at Marvel Park, Melbourne, leaving the weekend free for the AFL and NRL.
Slippery Eels
The Eels could not slip out of the Panthers’s grip last week. Eels fans are hoping they can do better against the Raiders.
Food for thought
“We may hold different points of view but it is in times of stress and difficulty that we most need to remember that we have much more in common than there is dividing us.” – Queen Elizabeth II
Top quote
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” – Queen Elizabeth II.