John Swan to call a date for Bermuda's plebiscite on Independence.

Mr. Colin Curtis, managing director of the Perfumery, wants to hold a referendum of his own.

"I have taken legal advice to the effect that neither the Government nor the Premier has a monopoly on the holding of a referendum,'' Mr. Curtis said in a Letter to the Editor of The Royal Gazette .

"There is nothing, in law, to prevent a private initiative in this regard.'' The Island was "facing a number of serious social and economic issues,'' Mr.

Curtis said.

"We can no longer afford to be held hostage to the whims and caprices of a Premier who, on the one hand, rams an unwanted referendum down our throats and, on the other, does not seem to be able to make up his mind as to when, if ever, he wishes to hold it.'' Under the terms of the Independence Referendum Act recently passed by Parliament, the vote, if held, must take place by the end of this year. Most recently, Sir John has said he hopes to hold the referendum in July or August and announce a date soon.

Mr. Curtis said he was writing to find out if there was enough public support "to permit the holding of a well-administered referendum on the subject of Independence no later than August 15.'' He was looking for those who could donate time and effort, money, or the use of suitable premises Island-wide to use as polling stations.

Whether one was for or against Independence did not matter, he said. "I am personally against it, but I would welcome the participation of persons who fall into the other camp and from the PLP (Progressive Labour Party) -- the essence being that the effort be both bipartisan and non-racial.'' Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade has called on his supporters to boycott Government's referendum.

While some would question whether a private referendum would be binding, Mr.

Curtis felt it would have "a major effect'' on the United Bermuda Party.

"And it would give the business sector a very good indication of where we are headed -- a signal that is needed now if we are to continue to attract and to keep international business.

"Also, an early resolution of this debate might create a feeling of confidence in the future of these islands so as to induce the investment of much-needed capital in our flagging tourist industry upon which so many jobs depend.'' Mr. Colin Curtis