1 CONSTITUTION

1.1 NAME Back to Table of Contents

1.1.1 The name of the Association is: The Cat Association of the Northern Territory (Inc) and shall be known as The C.A.N.T. (Inc).

1.1.2 The Association shall be all those clubs interested in the welfare, breeding and showing of cats.

1.1.3 The office of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) shall be:

Post Office Box 3870
Darwin, NT, 0801.

1.2 OBJECTS Back to Table of Contents

1.2.1 To promote in every way the general improvement of the standard, breeding and the exhibition of cats.

1.2.2 To draw up and provide rules, with reference to the A.C.F. (Inc) rules, under which The C.A.N.T. (Inc) or any duly appointed Committee or Sub‑Committee may grant permission to hold Championship Shows and other exhibitions.

1.2.3 To regulate any such shows and other exhibitions.

1.2.4 To conduct, control and manage shows and exhibitions of cats and to approve the holding of shows and exhibitions of cats by others, for any purpose connected with the objects of The C.A.N.T. (Inc).

1.2.5 To train judges and other officers as required by The C.A.N.T. (Inc) from time to time.

1.2.6 To protect the interests of exhibitors at shows and other exhibitions.

1.2.7 To keep a Register of Cats and ownership thereof, litters and Prefixes and to make regulations.

1.2.8 To compile and publish stud books. To publish a periodical to be known as "Mews of the NT.", copies to be made available to all financial members or subscribers, 50% per annum from each member's annual subscriptions shall be set apart for the periodical.

1.2.9 To draw up rules for the affiliation of kindred bodies and grant or withhold affiliation in accordance with the rules of The C.A.N.T. (Inc).

1.2.10 To either give or contribute towards prizes, medals and awards in connection with shows and other exhibitions. To promote and support displays and entertainment.

1.2.11 To afford the means of reference for the amicable settlement of disputes and to prevent illegal, discreditable or dishonest practices

1.2.12 To purchase, hire, make, provide, and maintain, all kinds of real and personal property for the carrying out of any or all the objects of The C.A.N.T. (Inc).

1.2.13 To subscribe to and become affiliated with, any other bodies whose objects are kindred in the objects of The C.A.N.T. (Inc).

1.2.14 To legislate, to make rules, regulations and/or by‑laws, and to do all other acts, matters and things as may be necessary or expedient to promote all or any of the objects of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) or matters incidental thereto.

1.2.15 To levy fees for membership, registration of cats, litters, prefixes, transfers of ownership, or for any other purpose which is considered desirable to carry out the objects of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) or any of them.

1.2.16 To award Challenge Certificates, Award of Merit Certificates, Championships, to allot titles and to make regulations thereto.

1.2.17 To hear appeals from exhibitors or from members of affiliated bodies, owners of cats who are themselves, or whose cats have been disqualified or penalised by affiliated bodies.

1.2.18 To appoint Committees and Sub‑Committees and to delegate such powers as are considered expedient for the carrying out of the objects of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) or any of them, and pursuant to the Constitution and Rules of The C.A.N.T. (Inc).

1.3 MEMBERSHIP Back to Table of Contents

1.3.1 The C.A.N.T. (Inc) shall consist of Full Members, Life Members and Junior Members:

f any person shall be eligible to be submitted for election as a Full Member to The C.A.N.T. (Inc) on payment of a sum determined from time to time by the Committee.

f Life Members shall be persons who in the opinion of the Committee have given Special Service to The C.A.N.T. (Inc). A Life Member shall retain the voting rights possessed before election to honorary status and retain all privileges of full membership of The C.A.N.T. (Inc). If not previously a member of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) such rights as the Committee shall determine.

f Junior Members shall be members under the age of 16 years. Membership fees shall not include the periodical "Mews of the NT". On attaining 16 years, a Junior Member shall automatically be elected a full Member of The C.A.N.T. (Inc).

1.3.2 Application for membership shall be made on such form or in such a manner as prescribed by the Committee.

1.3.3 The name of every person applying for membership shall be submitted to the Committee for election or otherwise, but any three members of the Committee may demand a ballot, and if such ballot be held, a simple majority shall exclude such person from membership and his or her subscription shall be refunded.

1.3.4 The Committee shall have power to refuse application for membership without assigning any reason

1.3.5 On election, the applicant shall become possessed of the rights and privileges of membership until following the Annual General Meeting of members held in the month of February. The privileges of membership shall include the right to vote for the election of the Committee of The C.A.N.T. (Inc), and shall be issued with a Membership Card and Number. This shall be replaced annually.

1.3.6 No person who is a resident of the Northern Territory may hold a Cattery Prefix, unless he or she is a financial member of The C.A.N.T. (Inc).

1.3.7 All members subscription shall become due and payable on the first day of February each year. When a new member joins The C.A.N.T. (Inc) after the annual due date of fees, said person is to pay pro‑rata fees as set by the Committee for each calendar month until the next annual due date for fees and the annual subscription.

1.3.8 A financial year shall end on the 31st day of December.

1.3.9 Any person whose subscription shall be unpaid for three months shall be deemed an un-financial member and shall not be entitled to any privileges of membership. Such persons must re‑apply for membership and pay nominated fees as determined by the Committee.

1.3.10 Any member desiring to resign as a member of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) shall do so by written notice to the Secretary, but no such resignation shall relieve any member from payment of any subscriptions in arrear or other moneys due by him/her to The C.A.N.T. (Inc) at the date of his/her resignation.

1.3.11 A register of the name and address of each member shall be kept in the office of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) and shall be open to inspection by such persons and upon such conditions as The C.A.N.T. (Inc) may from time to time determine.

1.3.12 In the case of a person suspended or disqualified or otherwise ineligible to take part in shows or exhibitions held under the rules of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) he or she shall cease to be a member for the term of such suspension, disqualification or ineligibility, or for a longer period as the Committee shall decide.

1.3.13 The Committee shall grant Life Membership to any members of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) who has rendered outstanding or special service. In the cases of a Family Membership, where one member is a Life Member, the annual subscription shall be the difference between a family membership and a single membership

1.3.14 The privileges of membership shall include the right:

f to nominate for the elected Committee of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) such nominations to be seconded by a current financial member of The C.A.N.T. (Inc).

f to attend meeting and upon attaining the age of 16 years or 14 years in the case of an approved breeder, to vote for and be elected to the Committee of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) except where there are already two members of the same family on the Committee.

1.3.15 The Association may from time to time fix a fee payable by Affiliated Clubs. Each year Affiliates fees shall be payable in advance on the 1st day of February, and if any affiliate shall fail to pay such fee prior to the 1st day of March of that year, it shall be deemed un-financial until otherwise determined by The C.A.N.T. (Inc), and shall not be entitled to any of the privileges to which any Affiliate is entitled under this Constitution, but shall be subject to all obligations of an Affiliate.

1.3.16 Each Affiliate shall annually following each Annual General Meeting of the Affiliate Club furnish to The C.A.N.T. (Inc) a certified copy of the Club's Balance Sheet for the preceding year and a list of current Office Bearers and a report of activities.

1.3.17 Each and every Affiliate shall be bound by the Constitution, Rules and Regulations of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) and shall observe the provisions thereof.

1.4 DISQUALIFICATION Back to Table of Contents

1.4.1 Any person whether a member of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) or not, may be disqualified by The C.A.N.T. (Inc) if in the opinion of the Committee such has:

f taken part in promotion of an unrecognised show or exhibition

f entered a cat for an unrecognised show or exhibition

f exhibited a cat at any unrecognised show, or has had a proprietary interest in any cat when such cat was being shown at an unrecognised show

f acted as Judge or in any other official capacity at any unrecognised show

f knowingly employed any disqualified person in any capacity whatsoever, in connection with cats

f been found guilty of wilfully stealing, poisoning, maiming or otherwise disfiguring any cat. The disqualification in this case is for life and shall prevent such person from holding a Prefix and breeding or registering any cats with The C.A.N.T. (Inc)

1.4.2 Before imposing any disqualification or other penalty, the person charged shall be given an opportunity to answer the charge and shall be given 14 days notice of the meeting of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) at which the charge will be considered.

1.4.3 Notice in writing sent by registered letter addressed to the person concerned at his/her usual or last known place of abode or business, shall be deemed to be service of the notice, which shall be deemed to have been served 48 hours after being put in the post.

1.4.4 A disqualification shall have the following effect except where otherwise provided, from the period of the disqualification:

f the person disqualified shall not be permitted to take part in any recognised show whether as a competitor or judge or other official

f the person disqualified, if a member of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) shall cease to be a member.

1.4.5 The Committee shall have the power to disqualify for life or for any period of time or make any specific provision to modify the effect of any disqualification imposed by it and may subsequently remove or modify the effect of any disqualification. It may in lieu of disqualification impose a fine not exceeding $20.00. The Committee may remove a disqualification on the compliance of any condition imposed by it.

1.4.6 The Committee shall be the final Court of Appeal in all questions or disputes of any kind whatsoever.

1.5 MEETING OF MEMBERS Back to Table of Contents

1.5.1 The Annual General Meeting of members at The C.A.N.T. (Inc) shall be held in February each year.

1.5.2 A circular summoning such Annual General Meeting shall be sent to each member at his/her last known address or place of abode not less than 21 clear days before the day appointed for such a meeting. Such summons shall contain the date, time and venue of such meeting as well as listing the business proposed to be transacted. A report of proceedings of the past year, and an Audited Balance Sheet and Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the past financial year shall be distributed at the Annual General Meeting.

1.5.3 Notice of business for discussion at this meeting must be lodged in writing with the Secretary before the 1 January of that year.

1.5.4 A Special General Meeting of members of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) may be summoned by the Committee and shall be so summoned by them at the request of the President or five members of the Committee.

1.5.5 The Secretary and his/her deputy shall convene the said Special General Meeting within 21 days after the receipt of a requisition for such a meeting, and each member shall have posted or delivered to his or her last known address a circular summoning the said Special General Meeting not less than seven (7) clear days before the day appointed for such a meeting. The summons shall be by notice in writing stating the business proposed to be transacted.

1.5.6 Quorum for any General Meeting shall be 15 or 3/4 of the paid membership, whichever is the lessor.

1.5.7 The President, the Vice President, a member of the Committee, or, in their absence, a member from amongst those present, may in this order be elected to the chair of any General Meeting.

1.5.8 If within one hour after the appointed time from the commencement of a General Meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened upon the requisition of members, shall be dissolved; and if any other case it may stand adjourned to the same day in the next month, at the same time and place (unless another place and time is specified by the Chairman of the Meeting at the time of adjournment or by written notice to members given before the day to which the meeting is adjourned), and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within one hour after the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting, the meeting shall be dissolved.

1.5.9 All such General Meetings shall have power to adjourn the proceedings from time to time to any date fixed by such Meeting.

1.5.10 At all General Meetings of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) no business shall be considered or discussed other than that of which notice has been on the circular summoning the Meeting, or any business which, in the opinion of the Chairman of the Meeting, shall arise out of such business.

1.5.11 At all General Meetings of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) when questions of order or practice arise, the ruling of the Chairman of the Meeting shall be accepted as final, and in all cases of equality of voting on any question the Chairman shall have the casting vote.

1.5.12 At all General Meetings of The C.A.N.T. (Inc) the Chairman of the Meeting and Secretary shall not have a vote.

1.5.13 Breeds for Registrars are to be defined at the Annual General Meeting.

1.6 OFFICERS OF THE COMMITTEE Back to Table of Contents

1.6.1 The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) Committee shall consist of the President and a minimum of fourteen (14) and a maximum of eighteen (18) elected members.

1.6.2 The Committee comprises:

a) President, Vice President, an Immediate Past President, Secretary, Minute Secretary, Status Clerk, Treasurer, Registrar, Prefix Recorder, Editor, Sub‑Editor, Chief Steward, Policy & Procedures Manager and Committee Members.

b) Member (s) may also be appointed to act as Publicity Officer, Honours Recorder, Membership Secretary, Show Coordinator, Breed Liaison Officer and Trainee Registrar. These are honorary appointments and therefore ex officio members of Committee. These positions do not carry any voting rights.

c) A Member of the Committee may hold two (2) positions.

d) Each Affiliate Club shall elect a delegate at the Affiliates Annual General Meeting. Delegates represent the Affiliate Clubs interests at meetings of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.). The delegate from each Affiliate Club shall be ipso facto a member of the Committee, such Committee Member shall have voting rights.

1.6.3 Financial Members shall nominate or be nominated for the Committee by November 30^th each year and a member of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) must second such nominations.

1.6.4 Election of the Committee, where there are two (2) or more nominations for a position, shall be by postal ballot of the financial members before the 1^st February. Declaration of the ballot shall be at the Annual General Meeting of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.). Two impartial scrutineers shall be elected to oversight the counting of the ballot. Where a tied vote occurs the ballot will be re-conducted till a decision is obtained.

1.6.5 Any vacancy on the Committee may be filled by a nominee appointed by the Committee. Such nominee shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting, when such position shall be filled by election.

1.6.6 The responsibilities of the positions on the Committee are as shown in clauses 1.6.7 through to 1.6.24

1.6.7 The President shall:

a) Chair Meetings; and act as Public Officer;

b) be contact (Liaison Officer) with other bodies (e.g. Darwin City Council, RSPCA, RAS NT etc.) and attend meetings as required;

c) be initial of contact on issues of dissatisfaction from members;

d) sign general correspondence in absence of the Secretary.

e) on retirement, ensure that the new incumbent is fully briefed on matters and all current business is handed over.

1.6.8 The Immediate Past President shall be an honorary position conferred on a retiring President who no longer retains a position on the Committee. When conferred the Immediate Past President shall:

a) remain in such office until the current President vacates office.

b) at Committee Meetings, does not have a vote.

1.6.9 The Vice President shall:

a) be second-in-charge to President and shall take on the duties of the President when the President is unable to do so;

b) assume the position of President if the position of President becomes vacant during the year until a permanent President is appointed by the Committee or until the next General Meeting whichever is decided by the Committee.

a) keeping proper accounts of all moneys received and disbursed and shall make such records available to the Committee, as required,

b) receiving and receipting all moneys of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) and paying or causing to be paid all moneys of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) into the bank account of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.);

c) passing all accounts for payment, before the Committee prior to payment; and paying all accounts exceeding $5.00 by "Order" cheque signed by President or Secretary and countersigned by the Treasurer;

d) providing for and meeting sundry items by means of petty cash or cash advance cheque as required.

e) meeting the requirements of the Corporations (Northern Territory) Act and New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 as applicable;

f) in accordance with the financial year ending 31 December, closing the books of the C.A.N.T. (Inc.) and having them audited by the CANT (Inc.) Auditor in time to allow presentation of the signed Auditors report at the AGM Meeting in February;

a) keep and maintain records of all things pertaining to the operation of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.), and generally perform all such duties as are usually performed by any such officer in an a like position;

c) have the power to delegate any part of their duties or functions, herein, to a deputy except such power of their delegation.

a) keeping accurate minutes of the business of all Committee Meetings and any other meeting as requested and shall distribute the minutes to all Committee Members, Affiliate Clubs and members of sub-committees etc.;

a) keeping, and maintaining a record of all Challenges/AOM/ACF A of E issued and status gained in such a manner as may be from time to time prescribed by the Committee and in accordance with the Rules and Regulations thereof;

b) issuing of Status Certificates and/or plaques or other forms of award /or status.

a) keeping and maintaining a register of all cats bred and/or domiciled in the NT and information of ownership in such a manner as may be from time to time prescribed by the Committee and in accordance with the Rules and Regulations thereof.

a) keeping and maintaining a Register of Prefixes, in such a manner as may be from time to time prescribed by the Committee and in accordance with the Rules and Regulations thereof.

a) training of Stewards in such a manner as may be from time to time prescribed by the Committee and in accordance with the Rules and Regulations thereof;

a) keeping and maintaining all official documents of the C.A.N.T. (Inc.) (i.e. Constitution, Rules & Regulations, Forms etc.) for distribution as required.

1.6.20 The Publicity Officer shall be a honorary member and responsible for :

a) promoting The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) in accordance with the Objects of the Constitution.;

1.6.21 The Membership Secretary shall be a honorary member and responsible for:

a) maintaining a Register of members, in such a manner as may be from time to time prescribed by the Committee and in accordance with the Rules and Regulations thereof.

a) keeping and maintaining a Register of Annual Awards, in such a manner as may be from time to time prescribed by the Committee and in accordance with the Rules and Regulations thereof.

a) the overall coordination of the Championship Cat Show Program for each 12 month period, in such a manner as may be prescribed from time to time by the Committee and in accordance with the Rules and Regulations thereof.

1.6.24 The Breed Liaison Officer shall be an honorary member and responsible for:

a) acting as hostess at Shows, providing advice to members and the public on breeds etc. and where necessary, directing the inquirer to a relevant source of information/advice.

1.7 POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE Back to Table of Contents

1.7.1 The affairs and undertakings of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) shall be managed by the Committee in accordance with the Constitution and Rules.

1.7.2 The Committee shall have the power to make, repeal, vary or add to any rules, By-Laws or Regulations, for the carrying out of the objects of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) or any of them, including power to make regulations or rules governing any matters referred to in the Constitution as subject to, or governed by, and Rules and/or Regulations.

1.7.3 The Committee shall have power to appoint Sub-Committees to deal with any object, matter or things within the Constitution, and to delegate to such Sub-Committees any of the functions and powers of the Committee relating thereto on any terms satisfactory to the Committee.

1.7.4 The President and Secretary shall be ex-officio members of all Sub-Committees.

1.7.5 All acts done by members of the Committee or of a Sub-Committee duly authorised on their behalf shall, notwithstanding that it afterwards be discovered that some person or persons were ineligible to act on such Committee or Sub-Committee be as valid as if such person or persons were eligible to act on such Committee or Sub-Committee.

1.7.6 Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore or hereinafter stated, the Committee of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) may in absolute discretion temporarily suspend the operation of the Rules or any one of them at any time.

1.7.7 The Committee shall have absolute power from time to time to fix the amount of the Annual Subscription payable by members.

1.7.8 The President, the Secretary, or any two members of the Committee, shall have power to call Committee Meetings.

1.7.10 The President or Vice President shall take the chair, in that order and in their absence, the members of the Committee shall elect a Chairman from those present.

1.7.11 Accurate minutes of the business of all Committee Meetings shall be recorded and within fourteen (14) days such minutes shall be distributed to all Committee Members and Affiliated Clubs. Such minutes shall be received for discussion, at the Meeting, confirmed or otherwise, and the Chairman of the Meeting shall sign his/her name and the date of such confirmation, and the Committee shall then transact such business and discuss such matters as may be brought forward by the Secretary or any member present.

1.7.12 No resolution affecting the Constitution or Rules and Regulations of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) shall be submitted at a Meeting of the Committee unless fourteen (14) days prior to the date of that Meeting a copy of the resolution has been lodged with the Secretary.

1.7.13 If in the opinion of the Chairman of the Meeting any matter of urgent importance has arisen which required immediate discussion a member may, with the consent of three-fifths of the members present, propose any motion without having given the notice required in Clause 1.7.12.

1.7.15 All members of the Committee present at the Meeting, except the Chairman, Immediate Past President, and the Secretary shall be entitled to vote, and the Chairman at the Meeting shall have a casting vote in all cases of equality of voting on any question.

1.7.16 The ruling of the Chairman of the Meeting on any matter of order or practice shall be considered final.

1.7.17 The Secretary shall convene at least one meeting of the Committee each calendar month provided there be business to warrant the calling of such meeting, or as often as deemed necessary and each Committee Member shall be informed of such meeting in writing, seven (7) clear days before the meeting if such Committee Member was absent from the previous meeting, or at least twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting if they attended the previous meeting.

1.7.18 Members of the Committee missing three consecutive meetings without apologies will be asked to explain why they should retain their office.

1.7.19 All property, real or personal, owned by The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) shall be vested in the Committee of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) for the time being in office as trustees of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.). An Asset Register, shall be kept current, of all property owned by The C.A.N.T. (Inc.). A stock-take shall be undertaken in January of each year and any discrepancies shall be reported at the Annual General Meeting.

1.7.20 When a Committee meeting fails to get a quorum then the meeting may be held, but any decisions made must be ratified by a full quorum when available, before they can be implemented.

1.8 AMENDMENTS OF CONSTITUTION Back to Table of Contents

1.8.1 This Constitution shall come into force forthwith and shall be the Constitution of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) and no part of the Constitution shall be varied, altered, repealed or amended save at a General Meeting of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) by a resolution on that behalf carried by a majority of seventy-five (75%) percent of the members present.

1.8.2 No Association or individual shall have any proprietary right or interest to any of the funds or property of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.). Such property and funds shall be devoted to the promotion of the objects of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.) and in the event of the winding-up of that body shall be devoted to the promotion of objects similar to those of The C.A.N.T. (Inc.).