Yule trees.

Nor did it come on Saturday, the 14th day. In fact, it will be the 21st day of Christmas before Government collects Bermuda's trees.

Works and Engineering Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons said efficiency is behind the later-than-normal pick-up.

"My concern is that we want to get all the trees picked up in one day,'' Mr.

Gibbons said, adding that all the garbage trucks are only available on Saturdays.

"If we pick them up (today), I don't think we'll get them all,'' he said.

"If we pick them up next Saturday, we'll get them all.'' But Shadow Works & Engineering Minister Mr. Walter Roberts said the delay could be dangerous if trees were left in houses too long.

They "become very dry, and in fact they become a fire hazard,'' he said.

To wait until January 14 to get rid of Christmas trees is "an inordinate length of time''.

Mr. Gibbons admitted his wife took down their Christmas tree on Monday. He will keep it in his yard until next Saturday, he said.

"I recommend that people who do take them down just put them outside.'' While Mr. Gibbons defended the pick-up date, he said it was not his call.

"I would hope that the Minister would not have to make that type of decision,'' he said.