can't stop the postmaster?

This is probably a question more appropriate on a gentoo mailing list,
but I'll ask anyway as it obviously has to do with postgresql and I've
a feeling someone will probably know: can anyone explain what is it
that happens here when I try to stop the postmaster? What can I do
about it?

# /etc/init.d/postgresql stop
 * Stopping PostgreSQL ...
start-stop-daemon --stop --pidfile /var/lib/postgresql/data/postmaster.pid
--retry -TERM//-INT//-QUIT --oknodo
/sbin/start-stop-daemon: invalid schedule item (must be
[-]<signal-name>, -<signal-number>, <timeout> or `forever'
Try `/sbin/start-stop-daemon --help' for more information.                [ !! ]


TIA,
t.n.a.