Dr. Steeven's Hospital Act 1729

On vacancy, the governors (5 at least) shall elect in 3 months.

II. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That upon the death of any person or persons, whose name is herein particularly before mentioned, whereby a vacancy of a governor shall happen, that then the governors of the said hospital, or the major part of them, five at least consenting, shall within three calendar months after the death of such person elect some other fit person to be a governor in the place or stead of every such person so dying; and as often as any vacancy shall happen in the place of any of the persons hereafter to be elected to succeed therein, some other person or persons shall in like manner be elected; which said person so from time to time elected shall to all intents and purposes be deemed and taken to be governors of the said hospital, as if their names were herein particularly inserted.