State funeral for Sir Paulias set for Sunday

The casket of former governor-general Sir Paulias Matane
arriving in Port Moresby yesterday.– Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI

THE state funeral service for former governor-general Sir Paulias Matane will be held at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Sunday.
Described as an iconic leader, Sir Paulias, 90, died peacefully in his sleep at his Viviran village in the Toma local level government Gazelle, East New Britain.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Justin Tkatchenko, who is in charge of the funeral, said the service would be attended by Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and Prime Minister James Marape, with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force taking an active role in escorting the casket of Sir Paulias.
Yesterday, the casket bearing the body of Sir Paulius arrived in Port Moresby.
It was escorted by Gazelle MP and Health Minister Jelta Wong and Sir Paulias’ family.
A military guard of honour was held with the casket handed over to the state.
It was then taken to the Erima Funeral Home.