country'' in the New Year.

For Governor Thorold Masefield is set to quit Government House for Ireland Island for up to eight months while hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of renovation work takes place.

He will move into the old home of the Royal Navy's senior officer at the former HMS Malabar, The Cottage, while major rewiring work -- likely to cost in the region of $250,000 -- takes place.

Works and Engineering Department Chief Surveyor David Andrews confirmed yesterday: "The Governor will vacate Government House, probably in the New Year and will return hopefully in August or September.'' Mr. Andrews explained that the exact timing of the move was closely linked to renovation of the old Navy house, disused since the last Malabar commanding officer left the Island in 1995.

It is understood that the wiring system at Government House has not been touched for decades.

Mr. Andrews said: "Government House needs complete rewiring of the primary supply, internal wiring and the alarm and security systems -- it will be a big job.

"It's a complete updating. Government House has been recognised as being in dire need of work for some years.'' But Mr. Andrews added that Government House will not close completely.

He said all the Civil Service staff -- except domestic help -- will remain on site as phased upgrades go on around them.

Mr. Andrews added: "They will work on while renovation is going on. Parts of the building will be shut down and the rest will remain in use, with moves around when required.

Deputy Governor Peter Willis said yesterday: "We are discussing rewiring at Government House with Works and Engineering.'' But he said decisions on timing of moves was up to Works and Engineering, which is responsible for the Governor's official residence.

But Mr. Willis confirmed most staff will continue to work from the Pembroke mansion while work goes on.

The Cottage also needs extensive work before it is judged a fit home for the Governor.

But the accommodations belie its low-key name -- the house, once used by Admirals commanding the Royal Naval Dockyard -- boasts 11 bedrooms and a commercial-size kitchen plus a spacious drawing room and lounge either side of the impressive entrance hall.

The house overlooks the Great Sound just west of Dockyard and has a private dock and beach.

A bowling alley in the grounds is reached by a bridge and Prince Charles is among the distinguished guests to have signed his name on its walls.