Bermudians have taken a wait and see attitude toward the new Government's policies set out in the Throne Speech.

Plans for truancy officers, scrapping the annual parliamentary registration, and a halfway house all came in for high praise from voters.

Tamika Smith said she had noticed an increase in the numbers of truant students on the streets and was glad to see something being done.

Ms Smith, of Devonshire, said government's housing initiatives are a step in the right direction.

She added: "I support their ideas. Everyone should get a chance to show their abilities. It would be a good idea for more programmes for prisoners so they won't re offend.'' A Devonshire man -- who asked to not be identified -- said his main concern was low cost housing for Bermudians.

"That's what is needed,'' he said. "The old folks' homes do need better monitoring. The old folks are our foundation.'' He added that truancy officers might be the first step in reforming the education system.

Wendell Ebbin, of Warwick, said a halfway house would be good for former prisoners.

He said: "It will help them get back in society.'' Jill Rubinchak said she thought the new PLP Government has "good ideas'' that will work.

"The amount of money they spent for Westgate and not have a halfway house makes it useless,'' she said. "They have a beautiful prison but with more support and counselling they could establish a new life for themselves.'' Ms Rubinchak said her concerns for lower income families having to pay high rents look set to be addressed.

"I remember when the average rent was $400,'' she said. "That impacts on society.'' Ms Rubinchak said the old yearly registration system was inefficient and caused some people to loose their chance at voting and put lives on hold.

"I think they should have a fixed day like in America,'' the Paget woman said. "That's good. That will be easier on us.'' She said she was pleased with the Government's plans for improving transportation problems like congestion and road improvements.

Another anonymous man said he supported the plans contained in the Throne Speech.

"Take the two-day trash pick up,'' he said. "I'm glad they're dealing with the issues that really concern the public. The attendance officers are a good thing too.'' The Warwick man said a halfway house for prisoners was long overdue, adding: "That is something that should have been hand in hand with prison reform.'' And Keith Godfrey said the PLP have a "mandate from the people'' and wishes them well during their first term in Government.

"I have read it. If they implement it in the way they say they will, then we are in good shape,'' he said. "I was not aware of truancy being a problem though.'' He approved of the plan to have a one-time registration for voters rather than the yearly scheme.

"The only time one should have to re-register is when one moves house,'' Mr.

Godfrey said.

He also said plans to include dog bite victims in a compensation scheme was part of a fresh look at many old laws.

Mr. Godfrey added: "Anything that protects the citizen is great. Many things have been overlooked.'' John Hoskins said he was generally in support of the PLP's plans.

"Of course I wish them well, I am in support of the things they intend to do,'' he said.

Truant officers in schools would be of "limited use'' in improving the education system.

"If the parents don't send them to school, it is of limited use,'' the Paget man said.

And Anthony Roberts said he thought the Throne Speech was good and liked how it "dealt with each and everyone''.

"It only shows that Bermuda wants to head toward independence,'' he said.

"Bermuda should look to more exporting rather than importing. I would tell them to look at what the Ethiopian king said, not what the colonial teachers taught us.'' Paul Daniels said he was disappointed there was no mention of independence for Bermuda and little talk of immigration.

"It definitely contained more for the man in the street,'' he said. "I don't know why they avoid independence though.'' A halfway house would be "sensible'' according to Martine Purssell.

She added that a one time voter registration would be very good for the Island, as would improved access to affordable housing.

Ms Purssell added: "Oh yes! I wish them well. They have been given a chance and they should get the time to do it.'' Paul Daniels Keith Godfrey Martine Purssell Tamika Smith