provisions were made for the creation of a Corporation.

Then, as now, its body consisted of nine unpaid members -- the Mayor, three Aldermen and five Common Councillors, who must meet all obligations on a budget of approximately $10 million.

"They are responsible for the administration of the City,'' explained Corporation Secretary, Roger Sherratt. "The members serve on several Corporation committees as well, each of which is chaired by an Alderman...The various committees make their recommendations to the full Corporation which then makes final decisions on policy. The Mayor has the right to veto any decision by the Corporation, but no mayor has ever exercised his veto powers.

"The powers of both the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George are contained in the Municipalities Act, 1923. Each Corporation is empowered to pass certain ordinances, but any ordinance designed to collect fees or raise revenue must first be approved by Parliament. The Corporations do, however, have the power to raise taxes by a small amount each year without seeking Parliamentary approval.'' Streets, wharves, parks, property, wastewater, sanitation, finance and the City Hall are all looked after by various committees.

"The Street Committee, for example, is responsible for the maintenance of the City's streets and sidewalks, parking areas, the siting and installation of traffic signs and lights, street lighting, etc. The Sanitation Committee is responsible for the collection of garbage and street sweeping.

"The Property Committee is responsible for buildings owned by the Corporation including City Hall, Hamilton docks, the two cruise ship passenger terminals, the Ferry terminal, and the Visitors' Service Bureau. The Property Committee also reviews all planning applications to build or to renovate property in the City, and makes recommendations to the Planning Department.

"Sometimes it's the Corporation that recognises we have a problem in a certain area, such as the need for a new pedestrian crossing or more traffic lights, other times they might hear of concerns through complaints made by a member of the public. The Corporation will often invite someone with a concern to meet with the committee involved to discuss it. Once the Corporation decides what action to take, they then let the person know what has happened.'' The Corporation receives no financial assistance from Government. Taxes on businesses and homes in the City account for 40 percent of annual revenue, 35 per Dedicated to their jobs revenue including fees from car parks. The body, which is elected every three years, was once comprised solely of those Hamilton property owners who could vote. The laws have since changed, enabling all householders, residents and owners of either commercial or business buildings within the City of Hamilton to vote and also to run as Corporation members. According to Mr. Sherratt, the Corporation operates with a full-time staff of 105 which includes an executive body of four and an office staff of ten, with the remainder are divided between engineering, sanitation, parks and the docks. "But many of our staff might be called `Jacks-of-all-trades' because they handle a wide variety of duties; from servicing the City sewer system to cleaning and maintaining the pool and fountains in front of City Hall. The City is fortunate to have a loyal and dedicated staff, many of whom have been working with the Corporation for 20, 30 and 40 years.'' That dedication he said, goes so far that some of the street sweepers -- required to be at work at 6 a.m. -- will volunteer to come in at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. to do their job because the streets are quieter then. And on May 24, a team of men followed behind the annual Bermuda Day Parade, clearing up the bulk of the garbage immediately. " The Corporation is very conscious and is also at the forefront of helping Government with recycling schemes. Many of our staff do the kind of work that everyone takes for granted. It shows that they do a great job as people generally only take things for granted when they are running smoothly.'' PHOTO Helping keep the City clean GOVERMENT GVT 100 YEARS ANNIVERSARY ANN