Last month 52,709 used them compared to 49,881 in September 1992, a six percent increase.

On the Paget/Warwick route figures rose from 23,495 to 24,891.

And on the Somerset/Dockyard run numbers went up from 26,386 to 27,818.

During the month, 4,911 three and seven-day passes were bought.

SHOPLIFER GIVEN A STERN WARNING CTS A 30-year-old man who shoplifted a bottle of Scotch and broke into two Hamilton stores was fined $200 and given suspended prison sentences yesterday.

Ernest Smith, who is in Casemates Prison on another matter, pleaded guilty to stealing the bottle of Dewars from the Church Street MarketPlace on August 25.

Prosecutor Sgt. Ken James said staff at the supermarket saw him on closed-circuit television stuff the $12 bottle down his trousers.

They watched him walk out of the store without paying for it and then confronted him.

Magistrate the Wor. John Judge fined him $25.

The following month, Smith targeted two stores in the area of Brunswick Street, Sgt. James said.

He broke into Zaki's Bakery by removing the air conditioner from the window and stole $28 from the cash register.

And he forced open the door of Abuwi's Gift Case and stole 36 bottles of perfume valued at $437.

The offences were reported to Police on September 5 and 6 and Smith was arrested. He took Police to an abandoned house on Court Street where most of the perfume was found.

Mr. Judge fined him $200 and sentenced him to nine months and three months prison, but suspended the terms for for two years.

"If you commit any more crimes when you get out of jail you will be starting off with a one year prison term,'' Mr. Judge warned him.

MAN RESCUED BY PUBLIC AFTER ATTACK CRM A 27-year-old Pembroke man needed hospital treatment after being beaten up early yesterday.

But he was spared from a more savage beating by public-spirited people who came to his rescue.

The incident occurred just off Court Street at about 4.30 a.m.

The victim was treated at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for bruises and soreness to his chest and back, but later released.

Police inquiries are continuing.

BERMUDA'S ELVIS APPEARS IN COURT CTS Elvis Presley did not have to go to the county jail yesterday after he pleaded guilty to defying an order barring him from his wife's property.

Appearing in Magistrates' Court, the 39-year-old Bermudian Presley said he wanted to find out why his wife had not paid their lawyer for initial divorce proceedings.

Prosecutor Sgt. Ken James said Presley's wife called Police on the morning of October 23.

Officers saw Presley at the door of his wife's Fractious Street, Hamilton Parish home.

He admitted he had received the letter, Sgt. James said.

Presley told the Court, "She promised to pay for divorce proceedings but our lawyer said he hadn't received any money and I wanted to find out why.'' Magistrate the Wor. John Judge gave Presley a conditional discharge and warned him not to defy the order again.

RAIN CAUSES A NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AC Motorists fell foul of the skid-pan conditions on Monday which caused six road crashes.

But Police said nobody suffered serious injuries in the rain-related accidents.

"There are always a lot of minor accidents when it rains,'' said Police spokeswoman Sgt. Roseanda Jones.

Marine Police also warned boaters about the dangers of flooding.

Some vessels were in danger of sinking after becoming filled up with rainwater.

Said Sgt. Jones: "We would like to urge people to pump out their boats.'' Surprisingly, firemen were not called out to deal with any floodings.

Up to 1.84 inches of rain fell yesterday, bringing the monthly total to 5.36.

Forecasters have warned people to brace for further showers today.

SERIES OF WAR DRAWING TO BE FEATURED ART Memories of the Second World War will be rekindled by a series of drawings in the Cathedral Hall during Remembrance Week.

The drawings by Mr. Sam Morse-Brown will be exhibited between Saturday, November 6, and Saturday, November 13, after the exhibition is opened by Governor Lord Waddington.

All the 100 drawings were completed direct from life under active service by Mr. Morse-Brown while serving in the British Army as an adjutant in North Africa and as a major on the staff of the Allied Command in Rome and Florence.

Many have gained additional historical interest by being autographed on the spot by a soldier, sailor or Battle of Britain fighter pilot.

A spokesman for the Cathedral Hall said: "The sole purpose of this exhibition is to pay a tribute to our War Dead and to re-kindle memories of the leaders and men whose names were household words during the Second World War.'' The exhibition is being held with the permission of the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda the Rt. Rev. William Down. Admission is free.

AIMING TO BRING IN TOP REGGAE ACTS ENT Music promoter Mr. Choy Aming will bring in legendary Jamaican entertainers this weekend.

The Mighty Diamonds and Frankie Paul will perform at the New Clayhouse Inn on Friday and Saturday.

Formed in 1969, the Mighty Diamonds have had a tremendous impact on the Jamaican and international music scene. They have released more than 30 albums and have performed all over the world.

Frankie Paul, who has been a favourite with audiences since he was eight, has become a household name with his blend of reggae and soul.

The artists will be supported by the international Calabash Band, and local reggae group Jah Life.

Also appearing will be one of New York's hottest DJs -- Captain Remo.

Tickets for the show, which begins at 11 p.m., are available at Clayhouse Inn and Sound Stage. They are $25.

ACCIDENT WOMAN SUFFERS BROKEN LEG AC A woman who was knocked off her bike by a drunk driver suffered a broken leg, Police reported.

The 27-year-old woman was riding her motorbike on Sound View Road in Sandys Parish at about 6 p.m. on Thursday when a car pulled out in front of her at the junction of Scotts Hills Road.

The 36-year-old male driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving when Police arrived.

When tested on the breathalyser, he failed.

Both vehicles were extensively damaged and the woman is now resting on a general ward in hospital. The man was uninjured.