Page:Bourinots Rules of Order 1918.djvu/23

 other bodies, by a formal recording of yeas and nays— and finally adjourn the meeting when the business in concluded. This chairman is called by various title according to the usage, rule or law that governs particular assemblies and bodies. The time-honoured name of speaker, which has come down to us from the ancient parliaments of England, is still used with rigid formality in all legislative bodies. President is generally the name of the presiding officer of synods, societies and companies meetings, appointed or elected for a fixed interval. Prolocutor is the old English title of the president of the lower house of a church of England general or provincial synod in Canada. Moderator distinguishes the presiding officer of the Presbyterian courts. Warden, mayor and reeve, are the titles derived from old English local institutions, for the presiding officers of municipal councils. The Masons, Odd Fellows and other fraternities have designations peculiar to themselves. In addressing these several officers, it is usual to call them by their special title, Mr. Speaker, or Mr. Moderator, or Mr. President, Mr. Mayor, though each is simply a chairman in the general sense of the common law that governs all assemblies. Frequently, provision is made for a deputy-speaker, or vice-president, or other officer, to supply the place of a presiding officer during his temporary absence.