reasons and was not fired or encouraged to leave, chairman Mr. Ward Young insisted yesterday.

"He hasn't told us why he resigned -- but he wasn't sacked,'' Mr. Young said.

The general manager, American Mr. Tom Wall, announced his resignation last month after just six months at the Corporation. But Mr. Wall agreed to remain until a replacement was found, and is still on the job.

Mr. Young said the Corporation wants to find a Bermudian to replace him, and disputed allegations the Corporation had no commitment to Bermudianisation.

He said he was angry at a Bermuda Times article last week that suggested Mr.

Wall was fired for incompetence, and that the Corporation gave short shrift to Bermudians.

Mr. Young said the Housing Corporation board of directors was totally committed to the Bermudianisation of its staff of about 28 people.

"In the next three months there will be three non-Bermudians leaving and, except for the general manager if Tom Wall is still there at that time, the entire place will be staffed by Bermudians or people who are spouses of Bermudians.'' While it is advertising overseas as well as Bermuda, he said, the goal is to find qualified Bermudians who are working abroad.'' So far, Mr. Young said, advertisements in overseas publications had put the Corporation in touch with at least two possible Bermudian applicants.

Mr. Young said he was distressed at the claim Mr. Wall was forced out of his position.

"I can tell you that is totally untrue,'' Mr. Young said. "Tom Wall resigned for personal, private reasons. That was all he told us.''