overseas arbitrators in Bermuda.

"I don't know where we get them from,'' Mr. Wade scoffed.

Two arbitrators were in his line of fire -- Mr. William Hobgood, and Prof.

Ronald Haughton.

Mr. Hobgood was recently announced an arbitrator in the BIU-Bermuda Telephone Company contract row.

The Progressive Labour Party was deeply "uneasy'' at the appointment -- even though the BIU were satisfied with it, Mr. Wade said.

He claimed Mr. Hobgood's handling of conflicts in Bermuda's hotel industry left a lot to be desired.

His rulings were imprecise and open to interpretation, and had caused upheavals in the industry which the country was still suffering from.

"We felt it was incorrect to appoint Mr. Hobgood. It is a bit scary,'' said Mr. Wade.

"We felt it was a mistake. In the past relations between Telco and the union have been good.'' Mr. Wade said he had spoken to BIU leaders about his concerns.

"They are satisfied his presence is okay with them, and I leave it at that.

"They know him better than I do, although I know what rulings he has written.

"They are satisfied Mr. Hobgood was clear enough in his rulings and are not prepared to object to his appointment.

"They are not going to boycott the hearings or anything like that. We, however, felt a fresh person was needed who would better articulate his decisions.'' Mr. Wade understood the union had no choice in accepting Mr. Hobgood, as under legislation Government picked a panel to arbitrate disputes.

He continued by taking a swipe at America's Prof. Haughton, who has also ruled on hotel disputes.

Prof. Haughton's rulings had been open to interpretation as well, leading to confusion.

"These people come here and cause problems,'' said Mr. Wade.

Last night BIU president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons was unavailable for comment.