Hamilton, assuming the chains of command from retiring Mayor William Boyle within minutes of the close of nominations.

The one-time deputy Mayor and owner of Frith's Liquors was sworn into office shortly after 1 p.m. when no other contenders stepped forward to challenge him in Hamilton's April 24 municipal elections, which have now been cancelled.

Also unchallenged was businessman David Dunkley -- currently in Atlanta for the RIMS conference -- who will be sworn in as a Common Councillor upon his return to the Island.

Mr. Dunkley assumes the chair vacated by James Jardine, who will now sit as an Alderman. Alderman Lawson Mapp meanwhile moves into the Deputy Mayor's shoes.

"It's quite an onerous task they've taken on,'' Corporation Secretary Roger Sherratt said following the ceremony. "It's completely unpaid and you've really got to be dedicated to want to serve the Corporation.'' Chief Returning Officer Gregory Haycock officiated at the City Hall swearing-in ceremony which saw Mr. Boyle, minutes before the close of nominations, sign the City's guest register as his last act as Mayor.

One minute after 1 p.m., Mr. Frith added his name to register -- his first official act as Mayor. Mr. Boyle then handed over the chain of office to a beaming Mr. Frith, who entered City politics in 1972 as Common Councillor.

"It's been a most enjoyable time. Sure it's a lot of work but there's a certain satisfaction to be gained from managing the City efficiently,'' he told The Royal Gazette .

Joining Mr. Frith around Hamilton's Council table are Aldermen Mr. Mapp, David White, and Mr. Jardine. Common Councillors are Thomas Dickinson, Reginald Minors, Sutherland Madeiros, Sonia Grant and Mr. Dunkley.

The new municipal team will face no shortage of issues during their three-year term and topping the list will be the new City of Hamilton plan, said Mr.

Frith.

Frith new mayor "It's going to take a while to put everything together but I see it as the way to take Hamilton into the next millenium,'' he said.

Promising a process of consultation with residents and the business community, Mr. Frith said the City of Hamilton plan will examine all facets of activity impacting upon the 177-acre municipality.

"We're going to be looking at City boundaries, the amount and the type of development for areas such as north Hamilton, the continual problem of traffic and parking and how we deal with the stresses of a growing community.

"It's a continual balancing act to provide for those who work in the City and those who live in the City,'' he said.

Rebuilding Hamilton's ageing sewage system and expanding dock facilities, providing public security and fighting crime are also high on the agenda.

The City is currently spending millions of dollars in rebuilding its ageing sewage pump station, as well as installing a new filtration system to trap larger rubbish.

It has also commissioned a coral-reef study by the Bermuda Biological Station for Research on the effects of raw sewage discharged from the City's 750-metre outfall pipe.