Assembly will visit Bermuda this month.

The standing committee for Political Affairs -- consisting of 12 representatives from all four political parties -- will visit with Portuguese nationals and organisations here, the Governor, the Premier and other officials from June 25 to 30.

This marks the first time the committee has visited Bermuda.

The Azorean government, which has also recently changed, hopes to establish ties with the new Government of Bermuda.

EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE BOOK WORM CLB LIB BUC Early bird catches the book worm The early birds will catch the bookworms as children gather for a big read at a Hamilton park at the weekend.

Up to 1,000 youngsters are set to converge on Victoria Park on Saturday to take part in a massive reading festival.

And those who make it there early will be treated to a free book.

It is all part of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority event organised by Aderonke Bademosi and Jana Lambert.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., children, from infants to age 12, will be able to listen as adults read stories or will be able to select books to read to themselves.

In addition, there will be a writing and drawing workshop, as well as the chance to join the Bermuda Youth Library.

The event, sponsored by BTC, aims to encourage parents to read to their children and to stimulate children's interest in the written word.

Every 15 minutes on Saturday there will be a new story being told. In addition, there are 1,000 books to be given away to those attending.

291-1676. Organisers anticipate the event being held next year. Ms Bademosi said: "We are excited that BTC has joined us and recognises the importance of encouraging reading in Bermuda.'' THIEVES TARGET VISITORS CRM Thieves target visitors Two female visitors were the victims of theft and attempted theft in separate incidents late Tuesday night and early yesterday morning.

Both cases involved handbags and occurred in Pembroke, reported a Police spokesman.

At 11.30 p.m. on Tuesday, a visitor was walking along Pitts Bay Road toward the Hamilton Princess when a man riding a red motorcycle pulled in close to the kerb.

The woman was carrying a small velvet purse on her wrist which the man grabbed before speeding down Rosemont Avenue.

The thief is described as being a black male of medium build, wearing a black helmet and dark clothing. The purse contained a black Nikon camera and case.

At 1.45 a.m. the following day, a visitor carrying a handbag on Front Street was thrown to the ground by a ginger haired, five-foot, 11-inches tall light skinned male after he tried to take her handbag.

The man, who was wearing a brightly coloured sweat top, tried to take the bag, but the woman fought back and was pushed to the ground, sustaining minor abrasions to her left arm.

Meanwhile the would-be thief fled the scene and was chased to Bermudiana Road by friends of the victim who then lost him.

SHIPS MAKE FOR BERMUDA HARBOUR RAO Ships make for Bermuda harbour A yacht which left Bermuda at the weekend is sailing back after its skipper ran into trouble in the North Atlantic.

The Margarettaville was expected back on the Island today, after an emergency alert involving US Coastguard on Monday evening, about 150 miles north. A Harbour Radio spokesman said the vessel had set off its emergency beacon and the one man aboard reported a steering failure and jaw injury.

Meanwhile, a cargo vessel, the Papuaenergy is enroute to Bermuda after a crewman suffered a deep wound to the head. It is expected to arrive by the end of the week.

CONVERTIBLE'S ROOF SLASHED CRM Convertible's roof slashed A Volkswagen Golf convertible car was damaged to the tune of $1,500 while it was parked outside its owner's residence in Devonshire. Police reported the Boundary Terrace resident awoke yesterday morning to find that the car's canvas top had been slashed around the rear windscreen in what seemed to be an unsuccessful attempt to steal it.

POLICE INVESTIGATES BREAK-INS CRM Police investigate break-in's Two thefts which netted $2,500 in cash and a pair of costume earrings from separate residences are under investigation.

A Police spokesman reported yesterday a residence on Acacia Lane in Sandys Parish was unlawfully entered on Tuesday and the inexpensive earrings were taken.

Also on Tuesday, an apartment on Clarendon Road in Smith's Parish was entered and the sum of cash was taken from the bedroom.