A story in yesterday's newspaper incorrectly identified St. George's Alderman Mr. Ross Smith as Mr. Ronald Smith.

The same prize at stake, the same two opponents...and who would bet against the same result? Today's Henry Hayward-Gladstone Trott match-up for the Mayoralty of St.

George's promises few thrills.

And, bar something between a shock and a miracle, no spills.

The Wor. Henry Hayward runs up against Mr. Trott for the third time in a row, with the odds seemingly stacked in his favour.

Timing in politics is everything, according to the old saying.

And with St. George's about to get its own cruise ship, Mr. Hayward appears to have the trump card for a hatrick of victories.

His hand is further bolstered by a $500,000 Government boost for the Old Town, coupled with a major road repaving project.

Not that the 58-year-old St. George's-born and bred Mr. Hayward is making any predictions.

After 27 years on the Corporation of St. George's, and a spell as a United Bermuda Party MP (1980-85) he has far too much political savvy for that.

"I think my record speaks for itself,'' is the furthest he will go to a forecast.

He even waters that down, by adding: "I've learned never to take anything for granted in politics.'' Perhaps that lesson explains the surprising buoyancy of his 75-year-old opponent.

Retired contractor and businessman Mr. Trott is not put off by his 1991 and 1988 losses at the hands of Mr. Hayward.

Three years ago he missed out by 65-176 votes, although in his first attempt the margin of defeat was just 30. "I am confident. I wouldn't be running if I didn't think I had a chance of winning,'' he said.

Polls open at the Town Hall between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., with 314 eligible St.

George's voters having the chance to put their man in.

Six candidates are also vying for five seats as common councillors.

Mr. Kenny Bascome, Mr. David Raine and Mr. Louis DeSilva have challenged incumbents Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams, a Progressive Labour Party MP, Mr. E.

Michael Jones and Mr. Terry Roberts.

Aldermen Mrs. Noela Haycock, Ms Lois Perinchief and Mr. Ronald Smith were unopposed in their bids for re-election.

Mr. Hayward has been Mayor for the last six years.

There have, of course, been several changes to the Old Town since he took over the prestige post.

But he is keenest to point to the latest developments.

The cruise ship Royal Majesty -- set to arrive next Monday -- is the result of years of pressure, he says.

"It will bring an additional 1,500 people to the town, 1,000 in the form of passengers, and 500 in the form of crew members.

"It should make a really big difference, providing quite a surge of business.

We are trying to make the town as attractive as we can for these new visitors.'' Efforts to spruce up the area have been helped by a $1 million injection.

Roughly half of that sum is the result of major tax restructuring, including revenue from ship wharfage.

The balance comes from a four-year $540,000 Government injection.

Extra money has enabled the town to prepare a new image, including horse and carriage rides, a new Town Crier, cobbled sidewalks and old-fashioned lampposts.

Mr. Hayward also notes a new town plan which is to be drawn up.

The plan would be a blueprint for the area, picking out land for development.

"We are still at the talking stage,'' he says.

Mr. Trott says he has been encouraged to stand again by St. George's residents.

Mr. Trott has drawn up a list of ideas should he take over, including giving frustrated motorists a break.

Some merchants have gone out of business in Water Street because there are no parking spaces, he says. He also calls for a parking lot off Rose Hill Street, and lighting from Fort St. Catherine to Cable and Wireless, Barry Road.

"Let's spend your grant wisely,'' he tells voters.

The Wor. Henry Hayward Mr. Gladstone Trott.