NRA Journal - Summer 2003 - National Rifle Association

Proposed AmendmentsThe Chairman asked that the meeting consider theproposed amendments first. Mr P Hobson and Dr RPizer reviewed their proposed amendments (aspreviously advised to members). Mr Hobson closed thepresentation by saying that both Dr Pizer and hesupported Council, particularly the Chairman. Theamendments were not a criticism but it would be betterto have the safeguards that they were suggesting in placenow.The Chairman thanked Mr Hobson and asked if therewere any questions about the amendments.Mr P Sarony spoke at length about past problems. Hismain allegation was that a small number of people whohad been effectively in control of the NRA for many yearswere determined to promote shotgun shooting to thedetriment of all rifle shooting disciplines.Mr P Sarony then called for a ballot of the members asan alternative to voting on the Resolutions (at the SpringGeneral Meeting).Mr H Watson suggested it would be better to lookforwards. He believed things were beginning toimprove, but members were suspicious. Essentially, hewanted to see the Association prosper and run efficiently.Council had spent a lot of time working on the specialresolution proposals and it should be supported -however, if they do not work, members would be “afterblood”.The Chairman then asked for votes on the amendmentsto the resolutions, taking each in turn (abstentions werenot counted).Amendment 1 - Independence of Disciplinary Body33 rejected the amendment; 16 supported it.The Chairman confirmed that Council would keep thusunder review.Amendment 2 - All officials elected31 rejected the amendment; 16 supported it.The Chairman reminded members of the need to ensurean appropriate balance of professional skills butconfirmed that Council would keep this under review.However, he emphasised that the members would electthe majority of members of the General Council, and thatGeneral Council would, in turn, elect the members ofCouncil.Amendment 3 - Representation of the ServicesPeter Hobson withdrew the amendment on theunderstanding that Council would try to have a Servicerepresentative as a Trustee in due course.Amendment 4 - Voting powers of co-opted membersThere was some discussion between Mr Lowe and theChairman about whether the Charities Actsrequirements for electing a Trustee were at variance withthe requirements of the Association Charter. Mr PSarony commented that only the F&GP (new Council)would be the Trustees and they will not be elected bythe membership. The Chairman pointed out that having46the present F&GP Committee membership as theTrustees was a transitional arrangement before advisingthe meeting that copies of governance documents wereavailable, on request, from the Secretary to Council.32 rejected the amendment; 17 supported it.Amendment 5 - Accountability of NSC35 rejected the amendment; 6 supported it.The Chairman confirmed that General Council wouldsee the minutes of NSC. Whenever NRA becameinvolved in investments, the Trustees were on notice toensure that those investments were secure.Amendment 6 - Voting Procedures36 rejected the amendment; 11 supported it.However, the Chairman noted that there wasconsiderable sympathy with the concerns that promptedthe proposals and hoped that the new administrativeprocedures would go some way to obviate thoseconcerns.Amendment 7 - Fairness of Disciplinary Decisions35 rejected the amendment; 8 supported it.The Chairman confirmed that all the issues would bekept on record and the undertakings given would befollowed through.Resolutions Dated 10 February 2003The Chairman said the old rules had only been amendedin accordance with the Bisley Ltd report (as outlined onpage 3 of the 2002 Winter Journal) and in the light ofvarious things we needed to do in law.Mr Hobson commented that there were only 64 memberspresent. The Chairman pointed out that all membershad had the information and there had been very fewqueries. He asked if there were any final questions,which prompted Mr A Lowe to comment on the practiceof providing liability insurance for the Trustees, whichhe thought iniquitous if the Trustees were not electedby the members.The Chairman asked for a show of hands on theResolutions (abstentions were not counted).Resolution 1 - To replace the existing rules with thenew rules39 voted for the resolution; 3 against.The resolution was passed.Resolution 2 - To act with the Privy Council in relationto the President’s trustee status39 voted for the resolution; 0 against it.The resolution was passed.Resolution 3 - Transitional arrangements for thePresident49 voted for the resolution; 3 against it.The resolution was passed.Resolution 4 (a and b) - Short Term Transitional TrusteeArrangementsDr Pizer objected to some of the named interim Trustees.The Chairman suggested that the meeting should not