Historical Society's finances, it was learned yesterday.

Society president Mr. Terry Bowers told The Royal Gazette he called in detectives last month because he believed there was money missing from its bank account.

A Police spokesman confirmed yesterday: "The Fraud Squad is presently investigating irregularities with regards to the funds of the St. George's Historical Society.'' It is understood a former official in the Society is under investigation. Mr.

Bowers said he had gone to the bank to see what funds were available for some long-term maintenance plans he had in mind for the Society's museum on Featherbed Alley.

Mr. Bowers said: "I almost had a heart attack when I looked (in the account).'' But he quickly pointed out, "We may not be missing any money at all at the end of the day.'' The self-employed St. George's architect said as he had not dealt with the Society's finances, he was not sure if the money thought missing was there in the first place.

Mr. Bowers, who has headed the Society for five years, added he was dissatisfied with the way its financial books had been kept.

He said the Society usually earned around $15,000 a year and spent about $14,000.