He was accused of enjoying the food and drink of the Corporation of Hamilton's 200th birthday bash -- and repaying the favour with insults.

With the Governor and other VIPs looking on in the City Hall this week, Mr.

Wade had waded into the Corporation.

He called for its sessions to be in public and voting power extended.

But Government Ministers at the House of Assembly on Wednesday rounded on the Progressive Labour Party leader.

Cultural Affairs Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons said he had blushed at Mr.

Wade's remarks this week.

"I sat with some embarrassment at the City Hall. Having been invited to the birthday party and having the guest criticise the host, I was embarrassed for the leader of the Opposition.

"You don't accept someone's kind hospitality, enjoy their food and criticise them.'' Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said the Corporation had served Bermuda remarkably well.

And he rapped Mr. Wade for using the City Hall as a platform for his criticisms.

These should have been made on the floor of the House, said Sir John.

Sir John claimed the PLP were not the "originators of the franchise vote''.

"The Opposition keep trying to rewrite history,'' he said.

Sir John said the PLP should look at its own method of choosing candidates.

"It is not democratic. It's `you, you, and you. You go there'. The Opposition better clean up its own act first.'' Delegated Affairs Minister the Hon. Sir John Sharpe : "I would just say the Corporation has been very well managed.'' And poking fun at the Opposition, he said if the PLP wanted the next Government to look into the Corporation's franchise he would give this undertaking: "We can do that.'' But Mr. Wade was robustly defended by his political colleagues.

Shadow Transport Minister Mr. Walter Lister congratulated his leader.

"He pointed out the problems that have existed for 200 years. He said that the franchise of the city should be broadened. Sessions should be open to the public. They pay taxes.

"I feel when Mr. Wade spoke a breath of fresh air was expounded at that function. This is how the PLP will get into the picture by chipping away at these things which have been in place for 200 years.'' Some Government MPs asked why he did not run for the Corporation.

Mr. Lister retorted that the Corporation was undemocratic. "It's a closed shop before you even get in.'' Mr. Eugene Blakeney, PLP MP for Hamilton Parish West, said Mr. Wade had picked exactly the right place to make his remarks.

"He was imploring the Corporation to come into the 20th century. I know there is a limited franchise, and I think it should be open to all citizens who are 18 or over.

"Even though there is a limited franchise, one thing I have noted is that the Corporation only requires registration once.

"It is the most progressive thing in 200 years, but more progressive than the Government of the Country which requires people of this Country to register every year.'' Mr. Blakeney said a PLP Government would make the necessary changes.