bench last week because his replacement has not been appointed yet.

But he said he was leaving for a vacation today and would "not be back'', leaving the Supreme Court a judge short.

When asked if he was surprised to have been invited back, Sir James said: "They've had years (to find a replacement). But nothing surprises me -- I'm too old.'' Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward has been appointed Acting Chief Justice by the Governor until one is found.

Deputy Governor Mr. John Kelly assured yesterday that the name of the new chief justice would be announced in the next few weeks.

"The process leading up to the appointment of the next chief justice has not been fully completed,'' Mr. Kelly said. "It involves a fair amount of consultation, which was held up because of the election. But the matter is now on the point of conclusion.'' Mr. Kelly would not comment on whether the new chief justice would be a Bermudian.

Attorney General Mr. Walter Maddocks is tipped for the position.

Announcements in the Official Gazette this week said Sir James had been appointed to "act'' as chief justice from October 4 on. And Mr. Barrie Meade has been appointed to serve as Acting Attorney General from October 7-13.