Royal Gazette editorials for lack of credibility, comparing them to Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and "Alice in Wonderland''.

He slammed the editor for writing: "We have heard that the PLP wants cabinet ministers to be paid $125,000 a year''. This was "utter balderdash'', Mr.

Allen said.

He also criticised Mr. White for questioning managerial experience in the PLP.

People joining the party cannot expect to rise to the top in the banks, or in firms like Triminghams and BF&M, said Mr. Allen.

It was shameful to blame the victims of institutionalised racism in this way, he said.

Shadow ministers, PLP backbenchers and lay party members had paid the penalty for speaking out for working people, while UBP blacks were tokens.

"They have done the bidding of the establishment,'' he said. "They are being rewarded for selling out the grass roots of the ordinary Bermudian man and woman.

'' The Gazette was owned by "UBP interests and members of the inner circle of the UBP,'' he charged.

Mr. Allen said it was the UBP Government that was incompetent. He said Government was to blame for cost overruns at the Airport, "squandered'' architects' fees for the National Stadium, $90,000 spent on an education video that was only shown twice and an increase in the number of GP cars.

Such cars had been used for private business and family trips, he said. "I have seen these cars in past years being used on the hustings in Warwick West.'' UBP and PLP polls say Government cannot count on 20 or more seats, he said. He added: "I am a white member who joined this PLP 27 years ago. I don't mind being called black -- I think it's a compliment. I have had no trouble making my views known.

"There is a kind of terrorism that goes on in this community when even those whites that have fairly progressive ideas are terrorised into being sheep, marching in anonymous columns behind the UBP.'' When the PLP formed the Government at the next election, he said, it would end the lie that blacks, given a voice in proportion to their numbers, cannot manage the country competently.

Shadow Environment Minister Mr. Julian Hall was delighted that Mr. Hayward had brought up the subject of child abuse.

"It is a matter that has given this side of the House very grave concern,'' he said.

Mr. Hall revealed he represented some of the parents concerned at the lack of progress of the investigation into sex abuse allegations.

But he added he did not want the probe rushed.

"I am aware of the difficulty of gathering evidence. I don't believe in throwing the baby of justice out with the bathwater of expediency.'' Mr. Edness, however, needed to be aware of the growing concern of parents, said Mr. Hall.

He suggested Government should deflect some of the millions of dollars it apparently spent on public relations to "dealing sympathetically and openly'' with such valuable organisations as the Coalition for the Protection of Children, and community activist Mrs. Sheelagh Cooper.

Mrs. Cooper had devoted hours of time to the cause of parents for free.

Mr. Hall said he had heard reports that Mr. Edness had said some "unpleasant things'' about Mrs. Cooper and the organisation.

This should stop, and Government should perhaps even consider establishing a commission of inquiry into the allegations.

Turning to the Bermuda National Trust, Mr. Hall said he had become a member and attended its annual general meeting.

He held aloft a plaque which the PLP had been given for its thoughtful restoration of Alaska Hall.

Mr. Hall said he had been struck how different meetings of the Trust and PLP were.

There had been very few blacks among the "vast sea of faces'' at the Trust's meeting.

"I almost felt like I was in South Africa,'' said Mr. Hall, stressing he was not trying to disparage the Trust.

It was, however, important to encourage the Trust to stop its "knee-jerk'' support for the UBP.

There was a perception of UBP Government interference in the Trust -- this was strengthened by the Trader's Gate controversy.

"There needs to be two-way communication between the PLP and the National Trust,'' said Mr. Hall.

Mr. Hall continued by emphasising there had been no truth in the rumour he was starting a campaign to prevent The Royal Gazette Editor Mr. David L. White from becoming Trust president.

And he had been struck by the way Mr. White had used a front page Royal Gazette article to state he was tipped to become president.

If only the PLP had a paper which carried stories tipping the party to be the next Government, Mr. Hall remarked wryly.

Mr. Hall added he hoped Mr. White did not become National Trust president.

"I hope he does not get elected, but I want to make it very clear I want to encourage the National Trust. I want it to become stronger.

"I want to see as many blacks as whites. Blacks are just as concerned as whites, and probably more about issues concerning the Trust.'' UBP backbencher Mrs. Grace Bell took Mr. Hall to task over the number of blacks on the Trust.

She said there was a large number -- many of them junior Trust members.

Mrs. Bell focused on child abuse, saying every right thinking person in the Country should be concerned.

"I would hope we don't lose sight of the fact we need to look seriously at child abuse in general.

"I am sure there are literally hundreds or thousands of adult victims, or former victims, in this Country.'' Mrs. Bell said she knew of one lady in her late 40s who was a victim, and now suffered from flashbacks.

It was time for the churches to get involved in the problem, she added.