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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1932. Volume 3. Number 4.

The Constitution Meeting

The Constitution Meeting.

Dark doings were in the air. The Executive Committee were again proving the truth of the local proverb: "Nulla executa sine constitutio."

The main amendments embodied in this latest and most wonderful of Constitutions are:—
(1)The powers and duties of the Executive and officers are properly defined.
(2.)Authority is given for the appointment of a paid office assistant to do purely clerical work.

The Haeremai Club, asked for its opinion, though to that the money would be better spent on beer, and offered to assist at any ceremony inaugurated with this end in view. (It has been ascertained that at present wholesale prices 7.142 "handles" could be supplied to every man, woman, and member of the Haeremai Club in the College, so their contention seems reasonable).

(3)The Exec, may appoint an assistant treasurer, who shall thenceforth become a member of the Exec.
(4)The Blues' constitution is revised.

At the meeting the Secretary murmured a quiet prayer over the minutes, which were duly confirmed.

The indefatigable Charlie moved that the old constitution be repealed, and that the new one be adopted in toto (amendments "in the Gym.," lost on the voices). The chairman ruled out of order a motion aimed at considering the Constitution clause by clause. The meeting thought this class legislalution with a vengeance, and accordingly agreed to disagree with the chair. Discussion then started by C. Plank explaining that certain clauses were there purely for the guidance of future Executives—(voice: "Why all this trouble over posterity?")—and were not rules in the ordinary sense. The chair appealed for intelligent discussion, free from frivolous amendments. (Applause and cheers).

The elections clause was explained. Ray Reardon objected to women voting for the men's Vice-President (and vice versa). It was suggested to him that the men's Vice-President was the second figurehead— (voice: "They're all figureheads!")—the second figure-head (you mean "blockhead")—of the College, and it was necessary for him to be satisfactory to all members of the Association. The amendment was carried.

It was unsuccessfully suggested that the salary of the office assistant be cut 20 per cent. Resolved that fifty voting members form a quorum. To a proposal that no graduate over 25 years of age should hold office, Pen. modestly suggested that some of the best brains on the Exec, had passed that sweet but immature age. A motion that unsuccessful candidates be appointed to fill casual vacancies was lost. In speaking to the motion, Bob East made history. "I am absolutely satisfied with the work done by the Exec," said he, "and have no quarrel with the members." The Exec, and the meeting were so affected that only the presence of several special cops prevented a riot.

The office assistant clause was adopted after some slight opposition. No further contentious points were raised, and the remaining clauses were adopted with few amendments.

The most remarkable features of the meeting were its businesslike manner and the small attendance.