travelling salesman'', Tourism Minister David Allen would know all about airport check-in times...but apparently not.

Last week the Minister caused a stink down at the Delta desk by arriving just minutes before the flight was due to leave -- and several minutes after staff had closed the gate and vacated the terminal.

No matter the inconvenience caused to airport staff -- he was on his way to a tourism conference in the Caribbean by the way -- the Hon. demanded to be let through and, after the gate was opened up especially, was eventually ushered onto the aircraft and into his plush business class seat.

And sources whisper to Hester that it is not the first time the wanderlust minister has arrived late for a flight and caused havoc until he got his own way...Like to see you or I try that one down at Kindley Field.

Hester likes to go on the Internet when her busy social life allows and she is always interested in new local websites.

So she was very happy when one of her colleagues passed on a post card from accountants Ernst & Young's managing partner Jan Spiering which announced that the firm had launched a new website and promised: "Stay in touch...Register online and receive our latest industry reports, updates and publications. We'll keep you posted .'' How they plan to do this is uncertain, since the postcard did not include the name of the website.

Now Madam Premier might like to think of herself as `The People's Premier' but Hester thinks she has some way to go if she wants to beat her predecessor for the title.

Customers at the Esso gas station on Par-la-Ville Road couldn't fail to notice Pam Gordon queuing up with the hoi-polloi late one night last week. And when a certain street gentleman started walking down the line asking for "a dollar for a cup of coffee'' it was the leader of the Opposition who stepped forward, purse in hand.

But not content with buying the down-and-out just a nutrion-free cup of brown liquid, Ms. Gordon picked out a tub of macaroni and cheese and a healthy fruit drink for the hungry chap -- and then willingly footed the bill without batting an eyelid.

Hester's source is not sure if Pam asked her new acquaintance if he was on the electoral register before she parted with her cash.

Speaking of Madam Premier , Bermuda may not have had a Royal visitor for some time, but that hasn't stopped supporters of our leader doing their bit to keep certain regal traditions going -- but unfortunately this one is likely to result in a people's revolt.

Twice recently Hester has learned that all that power may have gone to someone's head. At a recent tour of facilities in the east of the Island, the assembled masses were informed that, when Ms Smith arrived, they should all stand to attention, just like us simple folk do for the real Queen. This request did not go down well with those present, most of whom kept their bottoms firmly on their seats.

Apparently, one of her aides tried the same thing at another event -- resulting in something of a farce as some stood and others stuck to their principles...and their seats.

It seems that The Commish is desperate to give newly arrived recruits from overseas a warm Bermuda welcome -- but not at any cost.

Hester hears that when a new batch of boys in blue arrived on the Island several weeks ago, no expense was spared in making them feel at home. As well as there being a stack of dignitaries to meet them at the airport, a special Police vehicle -- with chauffeur -- was laid on to ferry the rookies around their new home.

Alas, the Commish was none too happy after finding out that the busy chauffeur clocked up hundreds of dollars in overtime within a matter of days, so keen was he to give his charges a thorough tour of the Island.

Not surprisingly, when a second contingent of recruits arrived, the chauffeur service had been scrapped.

And a good thing too, thinks Hester. After all, isn't it about time we saw more of our defenders of the law carrying out their duties on foot rather than racing around the Island in four-wheeled modes of transport?