Even with cash registers not working and lights cut off, they reaped a good harvest from shoppers seeking batteries, flashlights and other survival equipment.

But some customers soon recovered from their sudden fit of emergency awareness once electricity was restored.

Said PW's merchandise manager Mr. Richard Cox: "One or two people came back at about 4 p.m. on Saturday, saying they didn't want the stuff any more because their power was back on.'' *** IT is often said that Bermuda has more churches per acre than any other country. The sheer variety of denominations can't be ignored, either.

So when top TV evangelist Mr. Pat Robertson visited the Island last weekend, The Royal Gazette was curious to know which house of worship he chose to attend.

The man behind cable TV's Family Channel seemed a little embarrassed when asked if he had gone to church on Sunday.

"Actually, I didn't,'' he confessed. "I was tied up.'' *** IN a week when Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan faced growing opposition to his handling of the Independence issue, the following was overheard in a Hamilton coffee shop: "I hope you've returned your voter registration card, because you're going to the polls.'' "Who's going to get the car?'' a man answered referring to the Premier's shiny blue BMW.

"John Irving Pearman will be driving the car soon.'' "You're right. Pearman's going to get the car.'' "Pearman will have the car as a caretaker. For Jerome Dill.'' *** "THEY must be orf their rocker''.

Amid the pulsating rhythms of Elvis's "You ain't nothing but a hound dog'', the Queen could be forgiven for whispering the thought to her hubbie about their Bermudian greeting.

And what about the effect on the royal brow of Elvis the Pelvis's "If you're looking for trouble, you've come to the right place''? The above, of course, has not yet transpired.

But wild images of a diplomatic nightmare did spring up in one reporter's mind this week when details were revealed of a proposed majorettes' performance before the Queen, who arrives here in March.

One majorettes leader, infuriated by moves to bring in a US to coach Bermudian twirlers, spoke of the danger of "Americanising'' a local tradition. Amid hoots of derision, she told a public meeting there were plans for majorettes to twirl to music with an "Elvis influence''.

It appears a king -- even of rock and roll -- may not always be a perfect match for a Queen!