night, optimistic that something would be done about their lack of work.

Acting Minister of Home Affairs the Hon. Michael Winfield, musicians union representatives and some of the Island's top performers met for more than an hour to thrash out concerns that foreign entertainers were thriving here while locals found it hard to get a night's work.

The meeting was a result of a 30-name petition presented to Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Mr. Ernie Owen earlier this week.

In that petition musicians demanded, among other things, a freeze on work permits for foreign performers in pubs, restaurants, and hotels between November and March.

They also called for overseas musicians to only be allowed a permit for up to two weeks.

While neither Sen. Winfield or local musicians would discuss details of yesterday's meeting, Sen. Winfield said: "We had a long and fruitful discussion. And we agreed to meet within the next week''.

President of the Bermuda Federation of Musicians and Variety Artistes Mr.

Lloyd Simmons agreed, saying: "We're here to see that these people are given a fair deal and not victimised by greedy pub, restaurant, and hotel employers.'' Job-hungry Bermudian musicians are also backing plans for a waterfront Hamilton nightclub.

They believe the club featuring local entertainers would help bring them work.

The proposed club will be at the lower level of Number 6 Shed, currently used as a cycle park.

The Corporation of the City of Hamilton said it would lease the shed on the condition it featured local entertainment.

Corporation secretary Mr. Roger Sherratt said he hoped the move would help Bermudian musicians.

It follows meetings between the Corporation, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, and Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge.

As well as boosting the lot of local musicians, it will also spruce up night life for tourists.

Musician Mr. Tony Brannon, the spokesman for the musicians, welcomed the club scheme, saying his public opposition earlier this week to the club was based on a misunderstanding.

Mr. Brannon said he initially thought the plan was some sort of Government quick fix to placate musicians.

"I was speaking on my own behalf at the time, but now the proposal has been clarified to me I now support it.

"I now say that anything that is going to be for the benefit of local musicians is a plus.

Former president of the Bermudian musicians' union, Mr. Hubert Smith also praised the club idea.

He said it would go a long way to solving the problems of local musicians.