340 SECRETARIAL PRACTICE 
the minutes should record the fact that the chairman declared 
the resolution carried by the requisite majority. 
A form of resolution, happily not of frequent occurrence in 
shareholders’ meetings, is for a shareholder to move ‘the 
previous question.” This is sometimes done where a dis- 
cussion upon a particular subject is carried to inordinate 
length, and the meeting desires to close such discussion. 
By far the better way, when a shareholder desires that a 
particular motion shall not be put to the vote, is for such 
shareholder to move ‘That the meeting do proceed to the next 
business.” These words convey the exact intention of the 
motion, and if seconded and carried, have the same effect 
as the moving of ‘the previous question.” It is customary for 
a motion of this character to be put to the vote without debate. 
The minute should read: ‘Mr. A. B. moved and Mr. C. D. 
seconded, that the meeting do proceed to the next business. 
This was put to the meeting and declared by the chairman 
to be carried. The meeting accordingly proceeded to the 
discussion of the next item on the agenda.’ 
Or: ‘Mr. A. B. moved and Mr. C. D. seconded, that the 
meeting do proceed to the next business. This was put to 
the meeting and declared by the chairman to be lost. The 
discussion of the subject under consideration was then con- 
tinued.’