delegates conference would have held up the party's election drive.

The conference has been adjourned by a unanimous vote of the delegates to a date to be fixed by the PLP's central committee.

"It was felt since an election is pending, and we are on an election footing it would have been a misuse of time to have gone ahead with the conference,'' Mr. Wade said. "Even a week is vital if there is an election pending.'' Mr. Wade said party candidates wanted to spend the week canvassing, and drumming up support.

He added tonight's meeting at Alaska Hall would focus on the PLP's draft election manifesto.

Meanwhile, the United Bermuda Party yesterday waded into the PLP's list of candidates.

It attacked the party for failing to attract new white or Portuguese members and said the Opposition had managed to attract only seven new candidates -- despite the 18 it had promised.

"Not one new face has been placed in any of the considered PLP safe seats,'' said UBP spokesman Mr. Joe Gibbons.

He added the UBP would be replacing five of its sitting members -- all in safe seats -- at the next election and had introduced an additional five new faces in other consituencies.

"Bermuda is successful today through the hard work of all Bermudians, and the careful management of the United Bermuda Party -- the only party which can bridge the gaps between the private, public, and social sectors of our society.

"Exchanging this successful formula on emotion, and for the same team as yesterday, would be unfortunate for our future, and the future begins with your support.'' Mr. Wade also stamped on suggestions the PLP would pull its election punches in United Bermuda Party strongholds.

The PLP has so far announced just one candidate for constituencies where it has previously performed badly.

But Mr. Wade stressed the party had not announced its full slate.

"We want to find out what the other two parties are doing first. No final decision has been made,'' he said.

Thirty-one PLP candidates have so far been announced in 19 constituencies.

Mr. Wade said single candidate constituencies were not necessarily a sign of lack of party confidence.

He pointed out lone PLP candidate Shadow Education Minister Miss Jennifer Smith had triumphed in St. George's North in 1989.