Election pistols were put back in their holsters hours before the 1 p.m.

deadline passed for nominations.

As expected, former United Bermuda Party senator Reginald Minors and ex-banker and Sportseller owner Mr. Sutherland Madeiros became the new Corporation faces.

They grabbed the two common councillor vacancies.

Business and Professional Women's Association president Mrs. Dolores Darrell -- who had put her name forward -- withdrew from the fray.

She had already hinted at pulling out if a third candidate came forward.

The reason? Not to stand in the way of Miss Sonia Grant's attempt to return to the Corporation.

Miss Grant was the first women elected to the 201-year-old organisation.

And, as anticipated, Miss Grant was returned, along with fellow councillors Mr. James Jardine, Miss Sonia Grant, and Mr. Tommy Dickinson.

There were no surprises, too, in the aldermen department.

Senior councillors Lawson Mapp and Knick Knack owner Mr. David A. White moved up to fill the two vacancies.

Mr. William Frith held on to the third alderman's post.

Old hands and new at the Corporation were sworn in at a simple City Hall ceremony shortly after nominations closed.

Now the attention switches to April 19 for a historic battle.

That is when senior alderman and deputy Mayor Mr. Bill Boyle takes on the 78-year-old Rt. Wor. Cecil Dismont for the Mayoralty.

It is the first such contest in 60 years.

Both challenger and defending champion -- described as good friends -- were at yesterday's ceremony.

Said Mr. Dismont: "I would like to congratulate the old members of the Corporation, and welcome the new.'' He pointed out the Corporation went about its business effectively.

It also did so quietly -- although this sometimes infuriated critics, he laughed.

And he appealed to new members: "Enjoy your stay with us.'' Mr. Dismont also paid tribute to alderman Mr. Neville Conyers who stepped down from the Corporation after 22 years.

His departure opened up one of the aldermen vacancies. The other followed Mr.

Boyle's Mayoral challenge.

"I'm sorry to see Mr. Conyers leave us. He has been a very loyal member of the Corporation,'' said Mr. Dismont.

NEW TEAM -- The Mayor of Hamilton the Rt. Wor. Cecil Dismont sits at his desk surrounded by the Corporation class of '94. Pictured, from left, are councillors Mr. Reginald Minors, Mr. James Jardine, and Miss Sonia Grant; aldermen Mr. Lawson Mapp, Mr. William Frith, and Mr. David A. White; and councillors Mr. Sutherland Madeiros, and Mr. Thomas Dickinson.