Bermuda on New Year's Eve.

Works and Engineering officials moved onto the site to check it was being left in similar condition to when the Canadians first took over the land in 1963.

Although the Maple Leaf was officially lowered last April, a small security force has remained to prevent vandalism.

The last remaining Canadian on the Base is Major Syd Helmkay who has overseen the closure of Daniels Head. He will stay on as liaison officer for Canadian forces' planes and ships until his term ends in the summer.

Major Helmkay said: "We have had a security company looking after the grounds on the water side, making sure no wilful damage was done.

"We had the groundskeepers come in and do the last cut of the grass, trim the trees and pick up a fair amount of wind damage.

"The Base was left in very good order. When they left, they cleaned up behind themselves.

"We have had one of your people over from Works and Engineering to look at the site.'' The majority of the Canadian troops left in April after a colourful ceremony.

Only 18 people remained in a "rear party.'' Major Helmkay and his wife, Jacqui, say they are disappointed at having to leave in six months' time.

"We have made a lot of friends here, both on and off the Base,'' he added.

"It has been a great time although it has been busy.

"Basically it is the `peace dividend' and we have to pay for it. In the past there were 25 to 30 ships and hundreds of planes to deal with. That has now changed.'' The Bermuda Government is still looking into ways of utilising the land and buildings at Daniels Head.

In mid-December, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said Government was postponing a decision on the future use of the 17-acre site pending production of a master plan for all three military bases.

The Bermuda and Canadian Governments have not yet concluded talks for the repayment of advance rent the Canadians paid the West End Development Corporation for a 32-year lease of housing at Boaz Island.

Under terms of the lease, Government is obliged to pay back about $10 million of the $11 million the Canadians put up.