Bookings for the three months beginning February 1 are up over last year.

However, they remain below figures for the same months in 1991, before the recession hit.

Association president Mr. David Dodwell said the slow booking levels compared to 1991 could reflect the relatively new late-booking habit of the travelling public.

Mr. Dodwell also said there were indications that the winter marketing campaign with its 68 degree temperature guarantee "was helping.'' "It will take at least another year to assess its full impact, although without question, the idea has produced positive reaction in the marketplace,'' he said.

POLICE THREATEN WITH PITCHFORK CTS Police threaten with pitchfork A man who waved a pitchfork at Police officers was granted a conditional discharge in Magistrates' Court this week.

Police were called to the residence of John Crockwell on Cricket Lane in Sandys at 8.30 p.m. on Monday, said Police prosecutor, acting Insp. Rex Osborne.

The door was locked, but officers heard screaming and shouting inside, he said.

Crockwell, 29, eventually came to the door carrying a pitchfork. He said the officers had no business being there and he would "mess them up if they came in,'' Insp. Osborne told the court.

A woman appeared and Crockwell pushed her back, he said.

The man finally opened the door and waved the pitchfork "in the vicinity of the officer.'' Magistrate the Wor. John Judge said he granted the discharge because it appeared there was "a very great deal of provocation involved'' in the dispute with his wife.

"It would appear to me that you and your wife may well be in need of counselling,'' he said.

NEW DEADLINE DGS New deadline The deadline for applications for the $75,000-a-year job of Chief Executive to the National Drug Commission has been extended by two weeks until March 15.

It follows a plea by potential applicants and their families.

And it will ensure qualified Bermudians have a chance to apply for the key position.

Government proposes to put forward legislation this year to set up the new drugs authority.

The Chief Executive will be responsible for managing the group's office, ensuring executive decisions are carried out, and liaising with community organisations and the Press.

OFFICES BURGLED CRM Offices burgled A burglar broke into two adjoining offices on Par-la-Ville Road in Hamilton overnight on Tuesday.

He gained access by smashing a window and escaped with a CD player and three tapes.

Around 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday night Police responded to a call where it was believed someone tried to break into a house on Belmer Drive in Devonshire.

The occupants called Police after hearing banging on the doors.

No one was seen on the property when officers arrived.

BREAK-IN ARRESTS CRM Break-in arrests Three men have been arrested for allegedly trying to break into a Reid Street building.

Police were alerted at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday after the men were spotted on the roof of the Bermuda Hotel Association building.