But it is believed an announcement could be delayed until after the election.

The Royal Gazette has been told the PLP opposes Mr. Maddocks' appointment. A PLP Government would put forward its favoured candidate, legal sources claimed yesterday.

One source said the Opposition wanted a black Bermudian successor. But last night PLP leader Mr. Frederick Wade countered: "I am not going to get into personalities.'' Mr. Wade said he had discussed candidates with Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, and race had not been an issue. "It is a question of providing the best available candidate for the job.'' Speculation over a successor to Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood has abounded.

Sir James' last working day is October 1 -- and some eyebrows have been raised that no new appointment has been announced. He is retiring on his 70th birthday, and it is thought he may become an Appeal Court judge.

One of the Supreme Court judges could become Acting Chief Justice until a replacement is decided upon.

Under Bermuda's constitution, a successor is appointed by Governor Lord Waddington after consulting with the Premier. Sir John has to confer with Mr.

Wade. Britain's Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd then rubber-stamps the appointment.

Other tips for the job include Puisne Judges the Hon. Mr. Justice (Austin) Ward and the Hon. Mrs. Justice Wade, and lawyers Mr. Saul Froomkin and Mr.

John Ellison. Barrister Mrs. Patricia Dangor, daughter of Bermuda's first Premier, the late Sir Edward Richards, was also once thought to be in the running.

One local lawyer stated: "The talk among legal circles is that Walter Maddocks will be getting the job. The word in the Bermuda Bar is that that is going to happen.'' He added: "There is a feeling, however, any decision will be made after the election. It is a very sensitive issue.'' Another legal source said there had been conflict between Mr. Wade and Sir John over Mr. Maddocks as a candidate. "The PLP wants a black candidate,'' the source added.

Mr. Maddocks yesterday said: "The matter has not been discussed with me, and nor would I expect it to be discussed with me.''