The lawyers representing the Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza met yesterday with officials from the Governor's office to find out what was happening with the stalled case.

The outcome of the meeting, which is believed to have been called at the request of the Baron's lawyers, was not known at the time of going to press.

On Tuesday Justice Denis Mitchell quit the epic trial which has cost an estimated $100 million so far to try in the Bermuda Supreme Court.

And now Bermuda authorities could face huge legal bills for tens of millions of dollars, according to a statement issued on behalf of millionaire the Baron, who has been suing his eldest son over a fortune worth an estimated $2.7 billion in Bermuda.

Yesterday The Royal Gazette revealed the judge had been asking for $1,500 a day to stay, plus a settlement fee of $100,000. Governor Thorold Masefield rejected the proposal and did not extend the judge's three-year contract, which ends at the end of November, 2001.

More on the Thyssen trial, Page 5 Bermuda could face huge legal bill A decision on what will happen about appointing a new judge is unlikely to be looked at before Easter, as Chief Justice Austin Ward, the man who would make any further decisions on the case, has gone on holiday.

If and when a new judge is found it could take months for them to be brought up to speed on the trial.

So far 32 local and English lawyers have been working on the case around the clock for a year and a half, plus two years of legal wrangles before it even got to court.

A statement issued on behalf of the Baron Thyssen said: "The Bermuda authorities are... exposed to a substantial compensation claim by the Baron, and, if they chose to make it, the other parties as a result of the departure of the judge.'' And the lawyers for Heini Junior or Georg the Baron's son, said that the judge quitting reflected badly on Bermuda.

David Kessaram, managing partner at Cox Hallett and Wilkinson who represent the 49-year-old son, said: "... there is a danger that Bermuda's ability to provide a satisfactory mechanism for the resolution of disputes will be questioned.'' Mr. Mitchell said on Tuesday he was quitting the case stating he had been under considerable strain both physically and mentally and blamed the Governor for not seeking a resolution to the problem and for not finding another judge for the case.