change to the governing body.

A majority at the extraordinary general meeting voted against the removal of five appointees, from founding organisations, on the 13-member council.

It means that the Audubon Society, the Bermuda and St. George's historical societies, the Garden Club and Keep Bermuda Beautiful will continue to appoint members.

But there could be an increase in the size of the council to take in more organisations and more members elected by the membership. At present there are five elected members, three appointed by the Government and the five appointees from the founding members.

A meeting of past presidents of the National Trust had suggested that the five appointees be scrapped leaving 10 elected members and the Government members.

Chairman of the committee Col. Michael Darling said that people in the organisations were often members of the National Trust and in some cases had more than one vote.

Col. Darling said: "There is no good reason for one person to have three to four votes and another person to have only one if we are going to go the democratic way.'' Member Mr. Paul Hubbard added: "No one is saying that the bodies have not been of value to the Trust. They still have a vital part to play.'' Vice President of Bermuda Historical Society, Mr. John Adams said they had decided not to oppose the motion. Mr. Adams said the Trust had to become more democratic because he said that system that exists is "corrupt'' allowing people to get onto the council for their own ego.

Traditionalists heavily outnumbered those in favour of the motion and the St.

George's Historical Society and Keep Bermuda Beautiful were strenuously against being dropped.

Committee member Mrs. Joyce Hall said: "These five organisations are part of the very fabric of the Trust. They are not undemocratic.'' Dr. Wolfgang Sterrer asked: "Do we want to vote the founding fathers out of the house that they built?'' While 21 members voted in favour of the motion the vast majority in the Pembroke Sunday School voted against. The meeting was adjourned.