Wor. Henry Hayward declared yesterday at one the quietest Peppercorn Ceremonies in recent times.

The familiar cry of "Hear Ye, Hear Ye'', accompanied by the clang of a bell, was absent as Governor Lord Waddington, in full ceremonial dress, stepped out of his horse-drawn carriage on Kings Square.

No replacement had been found for the late Town Crier Maj. Bob Burns, who holds the world record for the loudest shout.

"Bob was a tradition at the Peppercorn Ceremony for the past 20 years and his memory will no doubt be carried on by those that will follow him,'' Mr.

Hayward said.

After "demanding'' the unusual annual rent of one peppercorn for use of the State House by the historic Scottish Freemasons Lodge 200, Lord Waddington delivered an unusually long address.

Bermuda's first female Accountant General Mrs. Heather Jacobs Matthews was on hand to accept the tiny peppercorn from the Lodge Treasurer.

In his speech, Lord Waddington also remarked on the death of Maj. Burns, saying he would be "sorely missed by all''.

He paid tribute to the rich history of St. George's and its many "architectural splendours''.

He praised the Bermuda Regiment and the Police Force for their professionalism in carrying out "onerous'' Queen's visit duties. And he touched on the US Navy pull-out.

While it presented challenges and added responsibilities to Bermudians, they were getting back a large parcel of land that would create many new opportunities, he said.

After commenting on the new cruise terminal, he added that he hoped tax structure changes and capital grants would "allow other important work to be undertaken in the town''.

The Mayor, in top hat and tails, outlined major goings on in St. George's this year.

There is "but one property whose future remains in question'', he told the distinguished guests and hundreds of visitors lining the square. Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge was standing in for the Premier.

Mr. Hayward was, of course, referring to the still vacant Club Med hotel property.

However, he was sure a use would be found soon with all the "positive growth'' in St. George's this year.

Mr. Hayward noted the Queen's visit last month during which she unveiled a plaque at historic Tucker House signifying that a protection order had been placed on it by the St. George's Preservation Authority.

"Within the parish, we will have the winding down of the US naval facility, which while placing added responsibility on the Bermuda Government, will, I am sure, open up an area of potential opportunities which will not only benefit all of Bermuda but will in particular significantly affect the commercial aspects of this town.'' He also noted the impending arrival of the Town's own cruise ship and that Government "has recognised the financial requirements of St. George's''.

Negotiations were on the verge of being concluded for an adjustment in the Town's tax revenue as well as grants towards capital expenditures, he said.

The traditional Peppercorn Ceremony originated in 1816, when the seat of Government moved from St. George's to Hamilton.

The State House was granted to the Mayor and St. George's Corporation in trust for the Lodge 200 -- who had no meeting place -- for the sum of one peppercorn a year and provided it was made available to the Governor.

The nominal rent was agreed on because under British laws one cannot give the use of land to "strangers'' without losing squatters rights, unless a rent is mentioned in the transfer document.