ABSTRACT
It is customary for any committee at intervals, sometimes at rather long intervals, to express appreciation of the services of their Secretary. A Secretary's duties can be considered under three broad headings. First, it is his duty to make all arrangements for a committee meeting so as to give the greatest chance that the meeting will proceed efficiently and smoothly. Second, during a meeting, the Secretary has to act as understudy to the Chairman. Finally, in preparing minutes or a report, the Secretary has to exercise, not only skill in drafting, but also judgment. At a committee meeting, the Secretary must make sure that he knows what decision has been reached on an item before the next one is taken. He should make full notes, but demands for a verbatim report may indicate that the group spirit is poor and that members no longer trust each other.
