of suggestions for Daniels Head by West End politicians.

All of them said much study and contemplation must take place. But none spoke favourably of the `Wet 'n Wild' amusement park idea proposed recently by Mr.

Raymond Whitecross.

Canadian Armed Forces have used the peninsula since July, 1963, but plan to move out by April, 1994. Although negotiations between Bermuda and Ottawa have not taken place yet, the property is expected to revert to the Bermuda Government at the same time.

The Island would suddenly find itself in possession of 13 acres of prime waterfront real estate that has been out-of-bounds to Bermudians for most of the last 50 years.

Government is now studying how to handle the surprise departure of the Canadians. And while no concrete proposals are expected anytime soon, politicians from the area are naturally mulling ideas.

For Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall, a Somerset resident, the two possibilities that come to mind are a small hotel or a park. "I've always felt that somewhere along the line it would be a good spot for a small hotel; either that or a public park, or a combination of the two.'' Some of the buildings on the base may already be appropriate, he said. Years ago, his architectural firm developed the enlisted men's dormitories on the base. "It was actually designed much the same as a hotel, with small private balconies,'' he said.

Deputy Opposition Leader Mr. Walter Roberts, who represents Sandys South, said a group representing the elderly had suggested it as a home and recreation area for senior citizens. And senior citizens, he noted, are a growing segment of the population with genuine needs.

Others have suggested it as a site for a drug rehabilitation centre, he said.

Mr. Roberts was skeptical of the `Wet 'n Wild' amusement park idea. Almost every town in the US has a similar facility within 100 miles, he said, so it would no novelty for visitors.

Nor was Mr. Roberts enthusiastic about using the land for a cottage colony.

"Land is certainly becoming less and less available and every bit we can keep from concrete is good for our future,'' he said.

"And as long as we have surplus buildings that are on the market and hotels that are not open, I'd like to see it open for public use. But we really have to sit down and discuss it.'' Mr. Dennis Lister and Mr. Eugene Cox, the PLP MPs representing Sandys North in which Daniels Head lies, agreed that the property should be preserved for community use and not a cottage colony.

"One of the things that the Somerset community is definitely short of right now is a place that can be described as a community centre for genuine community use,'' Mr. Lister said. "It's a call that's coming from all segments of the community. Here we have been presented with an excellent opportunity.'' Mr. Cox, a life-long resident of the area, recalled that Daniels Head was a popular place for outings by Somerset residents before it was taken over by the military.

In his childhood, he said, it was used for fishing, swimming, picnics, outdoor summer school classes, and even for total emersion baptisms.

At some point, he said, a Royal Navy transmission station was set up with three tall towers. Buildings were later added and during the Second World War it was fenced and guarded by local troops.

"It's a beautiful piece of property,'' he said. "While I'm not happy about the circumstances -- the Canadians returning home at this point in time -- the silver lining is the fact that some very valuable property has become available to us.

"There could be many schemes, but it should be a well-thought out plan. We as parliamentarians for the area have been thinking about it, but at this point in time haven't put together any plan.'' Whatever becomes of the land, he said, it should be something that the whole community could enjoy. "I'd hate to think that it would be isolated again as it has been in the past,'' he said.

Land surveyor Mr. Ted Gauntlett, a Somerset resident and a UBP adopted candidate in Sandys South, liked the idea of a cottage colony. "It's one of the most beautiful spots in Bermuda,'' he said. "It could be another Cambridge Beaches or Lantana.'' He said he does not reject the idea of a park or community centre, but noted they would continually cost Bermuda money. And he noted that Government recently obtained large tracts of land for a new 38-acre waterfront park in Sandys, at Hog Bay level.

Mr. Gauntlett said he tried to keep an open mind, and much discussion must take place on the future of the site. But he said any amusement park would inevitably look feeble compared to the great US amusement parks like Disney World and Busch Gardens.

"I'm very skeptical that it would be the right thing for Bermuda when we've always prided ourselves on being an up market place,'' he said. "The fact that we are suffering should not lead us to desperate acts.''