its 100 years of existence.

And where many might argue that such change is only a natural progression; the result of a more business-oriented city and the many technological advances of this century, there are those such as archivist John Adams and historian Joyce Hall, who believe that Hamilton's natural charm need not be sacrificed.

"Today, one has to look much harder to find tradition and charm in Hamilton,'' said Mr. Adams. "Bits survive in stretches of Front Street, pockets of Queen, Reid and Burnaby streets, and in isolated patches of (North Hamilton). Some of these pockets of charm are destined for demolition in the near future.'' It was in a past issue of Bermuda Business magazine that he lamented that such destruction would spoil Bermuda, not only for Bermudians, but visitors as well.

"If Hamilton's appearance is to be enhanced, it is obvious that beautiful and historic sections must be preserved, and the issue of compensating owners must be investigated. It is also essential that large new office buildings of the City be as attractive as possible.

"There is no reason, however, why international business need to be housed in ugly buildings. Yet most of the structures built for them -- and for local enterprise -- are overbearing, dull and brutish in appearance.'' According to Mrs. Hall, Hamilton was once a charming town and care must be taken to preserve what is left for future generations.

"At the end of this century, developers, in the view of some of us, have gone too far, too fast. It is important, in continuing the expansion and growth of the City, to remember that in doing so, one must not destroy all of its historic features. We do have to change some buildings due to the nature of our growing international business. However, they often can be converted.'' Fortunately, both agreed, there are those exceptions which are in keeping with traditional design.

"My favourite traditional-style building, is the Cable and Wireless building,'' said Mr. Adams. "Not only does this structure have a Bermuda roof, sash windows and shutters, but its facade is a careful balance of horizontal and vertical elements....'' Stressed Mrs. Hall: "Front Street should be hands-off without a doubt. It's one of the most delightful harbourside streets that anyone would like to visit. Queen Street also, is an area that needs to be treated with the greatest of care, as does Reid Street -- particularly Reid Street west of Burnaby Street.

"The corner of Reid Street, where Bermuda Railway was, used to be a very historic building and was formerly the Royal Gazette offices. (Its demolition is) somewhat alarming and one is made to wonder if it's the beginning of an attack on Reid Street west.'' Other sites worth saving she said, are the Cathedral on Church Street and also many within the area of North Hamilton.

Within the centre of Hamilton, she said, the Masonic Hall on Reid Street, Perot's Post Office on Queen Street, the Sessions House, the Cabinet Building and the Bandstand in Victoria Park "must never be demolished''.

"There is always a plea for more room, and developers might be tempted to tamper with these buildings. I think tourists greatly enjoy Hamilton, not only for the goods on offer, but for the ambiance created by its architecture.'' There are modern buildings, Mr. Adams argued, which have preserved a bit of `old Bermuda'.

"Reid Hall (home of the Phoenix Centre on Reid Street), is another building that quotes from Bermudian tradition.

"The easiest way for an office building to harmonise with its old neighbours is, of course, to have the scale and features of old Bermudian architecture.

"If one can combine those features with building materials that are close in appearance to traditional local ones, the end result is likely to look attractive and Bermudian. In my opinion, the American International Building on Richmond Road is an example of large structure with good proportions and an attractive appearance -- but built with materials that do not relate to the environment in which it is placed.'' Global House on Church Street, is another large building which positively add to Hamilton's appearance, he said.

"Its south facade also manages to blend in with older buildings near it. This visual harmony comes in part from the arches that front the building, which echo the shapes of the Methodist Church windows next door, and in part, because the walls of the building are covered with a crisp, white finish not unlike limestone in appearance...

(And), while the south facade of Global House fits in pleasantly with the streetscape, all its features are entirely modern.'' Jardine House, he added, is a large building with beautifullly incorporated Bermudian features.

"If building continues in this spirit, our capital city will remain an attractive, comfortable place for businesses, tourists and present and future generations of Bermudians.'' Global House on Church Street is one example of an office building which blends with the City's style The Cabinet Building is one building which must be preserved GOVERNMENT GVT 100 YEARS ANNIVERSARY ANN