"Mingston'', go under the auctioneer's hammer this weekend, it will be to fulfill the Devonshire resident's dearest wish -- to better the lives of Bermuda's youth in a meaningful way.

Under the terms of his will, all proceeds from the auction will go into an educational trust fund established in Mr. Ming's name, which is to be administered by a board of governors.

"It is a wonderful way to give something back to the community from a man who has already given so much to Bermuda, which he loved,'' said auctioneer Mrs.

Judiann Smith.

According to a spokesman for lawyer Mr. Michael Mello, executor of Mr. Ming's estate, the trust fund will be used for "broad educational purposes''. A board of governors will soon be appointed to set out the guidelines under which the fund will be administered.

"Mr. Ming expressed the desire that the trust fund be used in the near rather than the distant future,'' the spokesman said. "He suggested that the funds might actually be used within the next 25 years. He wanted people to benefit from them immediately rather than have them languish in a bank account.'' Saturday's auction is expected to generate a great deal of interest, particularly among collectors. An avid traveller and dedicated Bermudaphile, Mr. Ming's home was renowned for its Bermuda cedar furniture, antiques, crystal and Wedgwood collections.

Among the many cedar pieces on offer will be an antique chest, side board, coffee and serving tables, and a large collection of miniature doll's house furniture.

Mahogany items will include a Pembroke table and D-end tables, a pedestal dining table and eight shield-back dining chairs.

There will also be extensive collections of crystal, silver and Wedgwood dinner services, as well as jade pieces which Mr. Ming gathered from all over the world.

"All of the collections are as flamboyant as Mr. Ming's personality,'' Mrs.

Smith noted. "And the commemorative Wedgwood collection is the biggest I think I have ever seen.'' The auction will take place at St. Mark's church hall beginning at 10 a.m.

Preview times are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow and noon to 6.30 p.m. on Friday.

MING LEGACY...Auctioneer Mrs. Judiann Smith, right, and assistant Mrs. Robin Sheppard arrange treasures from the home of the late Mr. Reginald E. Ming for auction.