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.’