Adopt a neglected infant
Constitutional feedback
ne of the problems of not having a central operating
base or restoration workshop is the accumulation of
donated items in urgent need of attention. Action is required
to prevent them deteriorating further till we are in a position
to take positive preservation measures. One such item is this
9.5 mm Baby Pathe which was literally dumped on our
doorstep.
uring the past year in which new regional branches
were established, emphasis was placed on developing
compatible Constitutions for both the national and regional
associations. This was to provide standardised documents
which would be common to all regional branches and enable
our unity of operations and purpose within all sectors of our
network. Operating procedures and policies have been
established and refined over the past seven years based on
accepted associations practices and proven museum
disciplines. During this time they have been modified and
refined as our organisation evolved and embodied useful
input from our interstate members. To familiarise all
committees and members on these policies and procedures,
an Induction Manual has been produced and multiple copies
sent to all regional presidents for distribution to their team.
Unfortunately the projector is now starting to grow white
powdered corrosion on the cast alloy body and the other
exposed metal is beginning to rust and is reaching the point
where it may be un-restorable. Fortunately the machine was
left with its operating manual and other material depicting
the unit in its former glory and is a good reference point for
restoration. While there are obviously other examples of this
model with collectors around Australia, it would be a pity if
this sad object became another victim of landfill.
If you think you have the time, interest and expertise to
arrest the decline of this once treasured home movie
machine, or several other items in similar condition needing
some TLC, please contact Daryl Binning on 08 9310 3377
or
dbinning@iinet.net.au
The documents were supplied on the basis they are a starting
reference point, to which further input was expected from
the expanding membership on how they would like to see
our association develop. A request has been made to all
regional presidents to ask their committees to recommend
changes or improvements to both the Induction manual and
Constitution. It is becoming obvious that there are several
areas in that document that need attention, as was discovered
at the recent Western Region AGM. Unfortunately the
committees have over the years failed to take note of a
clause which stated that nominations for office bearers must
be in writing to the Secretary 14 days before the meeting.
This clause was adopted along with others in the “model
rules for an association”, as supplied by the various State
regulatory bodies. It had been the practice, albeit incorrect,
to call for nominations from those at the meeting. Without
prior forewarning, members were denied the opportunity to
follow their previous practice of nominating themselves or
others at the meeting. This and similar edicts need to be
scrutinized to ensure they reflect the thoughts of the majority
of our members.
As an interesting aside to the above, was to note the sole
Australian distributors of this machine and possibly of the
entire Pathe range, was Home Recreations Ltd., 388 George
St. Sydney, and sold to a local home movie enthusiast in
Perth by Thomsons Ltd in Murray Street.
Consultative feedback has constantly been requested from
appropriately qualified members on contentious policy
issues such as Conflict of Interest and Accession and De-
Accession procedures etc – matters which impact on many
community volunteer based museums. The national
committee is very much aware of strong feelings some have
on what exists in our current version of the manual, but
without constructive positive feedback from those affected,
nothing will change. A special team is being set up by the
national committee consisting of representatives from every
branch to collate input from all members. Their
recommendations will be put to the national committee who
will call a special general meeting to discuss, and if
necessary, implement the recommendations. Members are
invited to inspect the documents which are available from
the regional secretaries, and note any changes or concerns
they may have over what is currently in place.
Members are urged to make every effort to ensure our
association functions the way they expect.
The promotional booklet with the projector is in quite good
condition considering its age and evidence of a minor termite
attack, but there is no information to verify the year of the
sale, possibly soon after the introduction of the model in
1924. In Sydney the unit cost £6/10/- and in Perth where it
was purchased, the price had risen to £7/10/-, possibly due to
the £1 freight charge across the continent. Once properly
stabilised, these documents will be recorded and placed in
our technical archives, with copies to be available to all
AMMPT members.
Staying in touch
f members know of others who are not receiving their
newsletter or membership cards etc. it could be due to
some teething problems with communication between the
new branches and the national database. Please advise the
national secretary
foysterp@iinet.net.au
if you think there
could be a problem.
Page 11
O
D
I
