New Governor Thorold Masefield last night admitted he was still in the dark over Bermuda.

The Governor was scheduled to arrive just before 6 p.m. -- but problems with British Airways flights delayed his arrival on the Island until after nightfall.

Mr. Masefield said after disembarking just after 9 p.m.: "I've come in and I've seen nothing but the dark -- so all the mystique and magic will have to be saved until tomorrow!'' Mr. Masefield and wife Jennifer's delayed DC-10 flight from London's Gatwick Airport touched down to be greeted by a lineup of Island dignitaries.

Mr. Masefield was introduced to Premier Pamela Gordon, Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith, Chief Justice Austin Wood, and Ministers and Senators before being whisked off to his new home at Government House in the Governor's official Daimler, escorted by Police motorcycle outriders.

Also present in the official lineup were Commissioner of Police Colin Coxall, Bermuda Regiment Commanding Officer Lt. Col. David Burch and Cabinet Secretary Leo Mills.

Top politicans at the brief welcoming ceremony included Finance Minister Grant Gibbons, Transport Minister Wayne Furbert, Works and Engineering Minister Irving Pearman, Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Clarence Terceira and Community Affairs Minister Sen. Yvette Swan.

Mr. Masefield, a 57-year-old career diplomat, comes to Bermuda from a posting as High Commissioner in Lagos, Nigeria.

He replaces former Conservative Minister Lord Waddington as the Queen's official representative on the Island. He will be sworn in at an official ceremony in the Senate Chamber at 10 a.m. today.