National Trust.

As of yesterday, at least three names had been put forward to challenge the approved slate of five nominees for the National Trust council.

More nominations were expected.

And the rare election for the governing council was triggered by an error in the National Trust's newsletter to members, outgoing president Mrs. Patsy Phillips admitted yesterday.

The National Trust Act states that all motions from members must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the annual general meeting, Mrs. Phillips said.

The Act overrides regulations which state that nominations for council may be accepted until 8 p.m. on the night of the meeting, which is set for Wednesday.

But having advised members by newsletter the late nominations would be accepted, it was felt that position could not be reversed, said Mrs. Phillips.

She plans to introduce a motion to accept all nominations.

The National Trust slate of candidates for the five elected spots on the 13-member council is: Mr. David L. White, Mr. Paul Hubbard, Mr. Tim Marshall, Mr. James Gibbons, and Mr. Wayne Jackson.

Competing nominees include Mr. Maurice Terceira, Mr. Peter Sayers, and Mrs.

Angela Hayward. And, "I hear there are a couple more,'' Mrs. Phillips said.

She added she did not know the reason for the challenges. "We have often been accused of being a white, elitist group,'' Mrs. Phillips said of the council.

"But I can tell you personally that for three years I have worked exceedingly hard to increase the interest and participation of blacks.'' Rather than disturbed at the prospect of the election by ballot, the council is "delighted with the interest that is being taken in the National Trust,'' she said. "It shows what a popular and highly thought of organisation it is.

"The only thing that concerns me is that the nominees don't realise how much work they are expected to do. It would be heartbreaking to have a nominee join the council and then not pull their weight.'' Council members are normally expected to chair committees, and retirements mean the chairs of the environmental and fundraising committees will soon be vacant, she said. Those on the National Trust slate are aware of the amount of work required, she said.

In addition to the current membership of more than 3,000, anyone who purchases a $10 National Trust membership as late as the day of the meeting is able to vote, Mrs. Phillips said.

Asked if she felt the council election was vulnerable to influence by political forces, Mrs. Phillips said: "The Trust has always avoided having any party members whatsoever involved on the council or any committee.

"The Trust is an incredibly large and hard-working organisation. If politics did get involved, I really do think it would be a shame.'' Shadow Environment Minister Mr. Julian Hall MP said the Progressive Labour Party had no intention of getting involved in the council election. However, "I am extremely anxious that a strong working relationship develop between the Opposition and the National Trust,'' he said. "That will require at the very least a National Trust leadership which isn't a kneejerk supporter of the UBP (United Bermuda Party), as has been the case over the years.'' There is no suggestion of political motives on the part of competing candidates named to date, despite a report yesterday such a development was a concern.

Mr. Sayers, an underwriter who has been a Trust member for about nine years, said: "I just thought I could be of help to the Trust and the country by serving on the council.'' Mr. Terceira said he agreed to let his name stand after serving on the properties committee and experiencing great difficulty getting things done.

"I just felt that perhaps a little bit more choice would be a good idea,'' said Mr. Arthur Jones, who nominated Mr. Terceira.