drop in visitor arrivals compared to 1996. ---- Page 3 FAMILIES IN PLP SPOTLIGHT PTL Families in PLP spotlight Families and environmental issues were in the spotlight at a Progessive Labour Party rally on Wednesday night. ---- Page 5 HUBBARD RULES OUT FOR EVENT CYC Hubbard ruled out for event Elliot Hubbard isn't going to the World Championships after all. The Island's top cyclist, now riding professionally in Europe, learned he had failed to qualify because he had not earned enough points in designated World Cup races.

---- Sport, Page 13 TOUR PRO IN OPEN FIELD GLF Tour pro in Open field The Gillette Challenge won't be the only place to find top-flight professional golf on the Island next month. Barely one week after the inaugural one-day tournament at Mid Ocean wraps up, more than two dozen other overseas pros will hit Port Royal to take part in the Bermuda Open. ---- Sport, Page 13 GORDON CALLS FOR PARTNERSHIP BUC Gordon calls for partnership Premier Pamela Gordon yesterday sent a clear message of support to the international business sector, declaring that its successful partnership with Government was vital to Bermuda's economy. ---- Business, Page 34 SURGE IN CONSUMER SPENDING BUC Surge in consumer spending Consumer spending surged ahead by 3.1 percent in real terms in July compared to July last year, an indication perhaps that brighter days are ahead for Bermuda's troubled retail sector. In July 1997 consumers spent $2.5 million more -- for a gross total of $50.7 million-- than in July 1996. That's an increase of 5.1 percent. After adjusting for a year-over-year inflation rate of two percent in July, consumers spent 3.1 percent more in real terms in July. ---- Business, Page 37