The Gazette 1907-8

The Gazette of the Iric6rpoi?ated Law Society of Irelatid.

fcd,"1907]

THE PRESIDENT said he thanked them most sincerely. He had done his best, and he hoped he had pleased them. He Was loyally supported by an excellent Council and two most energetic Vice-Presidents, whom he consulted on all possible occasions. The proceedings terminated. Meetings of the Council. THE Council met on Wednesday, the i3th November, the President (Mr. W. S. Hayes) in the chair, and twenty-six other members present. A further letter was read from a country solicitor in reference to the preparation of forms by clerks of petty sessions on behalf of publicans requiring renewals of licences, and the charge by clerks of petty sessions of a ^s. 6d. fee for the preparation of each form. It was decided to ask for the views of the Northern Law Society and the Southern Law Association upon the matter, and its further consideration by the Council was adjourned. A letter was read from a solicitor to a District Council, enclosing a copy of cor respondence between the District Council and the Local Government Board, from which it appeared that the Board had refused to sanc tion the proposal of the District Council to remunerate the solicitor in the matter of a scheme under the Labourers Act, at the rate of £6 per site, for all the legal work in connec tion with the scheme ; and it appeared that the Board had informed the Clerk to the Council that he was bound to discharge the duties referred to in Article 45 of the Labourers Order, igo6. The solicitor stated that the District Council would adhere to the agreement made with him, and would fight the question out with the Local Government Board. A reply was directed to be sent to the solicitor, stating that they were prepared to proceed under 27 Victoria, cap. 8, for recovery of penalties against unqualified persons who, for remunera tion, act as conveyancers, in cases where the evidence submitted would, in the opinion of counsel, justify proceedings being instituted. A letter was read from a solicitor inviting an expression of opinion from the Council upon the action of another solicitor in communicating direct with the client of the solicitor who wrote to the Council, in a matter in which the interests of the clients of the respective soli citors were opposed. The Council decided to

wo'uld be a most unfortunate thing if it got out that they were opposed to reform. So far As he was concerned he approved of reforms, but he did not want to be reformed out of existerice (laughter). MR. GEOGHEGAN said that whereas the vast majority of the members of the Society belonged to the junior grade, they returned a majority on the Council belonging to the senior grade. Certainly that was rather a compliment to youth, and it showed that they deliberately chose not those of their own standing, but those who by time and experience had learned what was for the best interests of the profession (hear hear). There was a feeling that the , junior members were not sufficiently repre sented ; but he certainly would not like to see them represented to the enorrnous extent that would take place if Mr. Rooney's proposition were carried. If the outgoing President was made an ex-officio member, say for a term of five years, they would have his assistance assured to them for five years at all events. By that means a certain amount of new blood would automa tically get into the Council. He thought if any amendment was contemplated it should be of that character rather than the nature pro posed. THE PRESIDENT said he thought they had had a very free discussion, and he was sure the Council would carefully consider all that had been said. If members had any further suggestions to make, they should send them in to the Secretary. • MR. HENRY having been moved to the second chair, SIR GEORGE ROCHE proposed a warm vote of thanks to the President, not only for presiding at the meeting, but also for his services during his past year of office. Mr. Hayes had devoted almost the entire of his time, energy, tact, and ability to the discharge of the duties of President. MR. M. J. O'CONNOR seconded the motion, and said there was no truth in the suggestion that any member from the country would not receive the best satisfaction in any matter submitted to the Council. The best test of the President's work during the year was afforded in the fact that he had been returned at the head of the poll. MR. P. J. BRADY said he desired to associate himself most cordially with what had been said. The vote of thanks was passed with acclama tion.