inauguration ceremony at Government House.

The Hon. Mr. Justice Ward was sworn into the job and took the judicial oath under the supervision of Governor Lord Waddington during the short ceremony.

Top Government and legal officials witnessed the ceremony early yesterday morning.

Lord Waddington said: "It is a short but significant ceremony. I would like to congratulate you on assuming this very important post. I am sure you will hold it with great dignity.'' Barbadian-born Mr. Justice Ward, whose first name is Austin, refused to stay behind for interviews with the Island's television stations and The Royal Gazette .

He made a quick getaway, with his wife, Francisca, and went immediately back to a Supreme Court case in Hamilton.

At the weekend he told The Royal Gazette that he had nothing to say and he would be working as usual this week.

Mr. Justice Ward, who turns 58 next month, came to Bermuda in 1969 with his wife and their two daughters -- Rosa and Desiree. He served in private practice until 1972 when he became a Magistrate.

In 1976, he moved on to become Registrar of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. He served as the Registrar of Companies for one year then moved on to become Solicitor General from 1980 to 1985 when he was appointed a Puisne Judge.

TOP LAWMAN -- Governor Lord Waddington watches as new Chief Justice the Hon.

Mr. Justice Ward takes the judicial oath yesterday.