Shoe shop owner Mr. Boyle won 60 percent of the votes as residents and property owners turned out in force.

And the retiring mayor, Mr. Cecil Dismont, bowed out gracefully after 36 years on the political scene, affirming his friendship with Mr. Boyle.

It was an historic election as a Mayor of Hamilton was opposed for the first time since 1934.

Earlier this week Mr. Dismont had expressed annoyance at Mr. Boyle, his deputy on the Corporation, standing against him. Mr. Boyle had claimed Mr. Dismont had not been "visible enough'' in his role.

But the row was forgotten as a delighted Mr. Boyle rushed straight over to Mr.

Dismont on hearing he had won by a vote of 233 to 159, at City Hall last night.

The result was never really in doubt as the votes were counted in the theatre filled with Aldermen and common councillors who will now serve under Mr.

Boyle, a colleague on the Corporation for 25 years.

Mr. Boyle, who runs the W.J. Boyle and Son shoe company, said: "I am elated right now, but I also feel sorry. I am happy for myself but as I told Cecil it is always difficult to run against a friend.

"The campaign has been very upbeat and straightforward. There have been no arguments really.'' The 57-year-old Paget father-of-four believes age was a factor in his election over the 78-year-old Mr. Dismont. "Age was probably important. People want someone who can give them a change,'' he said.

"Hamilton is the heart of Bermuda and I hope to make the whole Corporation of Hamilton more visible to the public. If someone is in charge of a committee on a particular subject then they will make statements on that subject.'' Earlier Mr. Boyle said that he wanted to destroy the perception that the Corporation was some kind of club.

He said he hoped to bring the same fairness and honesty that Mr. Dismont was known for in the job.

A deflated Mr. Dismont said: "Naturally I was not as happy with the result as I could have been but I am pleased for Mr. Boyle. He has fought a fair battle.

"I am sure he will do the job well. He has always been a very good member of the Corporation.

"Some people have said that the election would break our friendship but friendship is a lot stronger than any election.'' Corporation secretary Mr. Roger Sherratt said the fact that it was the first two-way election for 60 years had probably boosted the turn-out, which was 392, around 71 percent of the total 549 registered to vote.

He said that people had voted steadily all day and it had been "quite a good turn-out.'' At a reception after the count, Mr. Dismont thanked his fellow members and staff at the Corporation for their work with him.

"I have enjoyed myself and after 36 years on the Corporation I have no regrets at all,'' he said. "It has been a learning experience.'' The defeat means Mr. Dismont, the first black Mayor of Hamilton when he was voted in six years ago, will retire completely from politics.

He smiled: "I can now enjoy my boat a little bit more.''