The Gazette 1914-15

QUNE, 1914

The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.

Meetings of the Council.

made by the country members was a most reasonable and a most logical claim. With reference to the bargain made in 1888, it was recognised by the Society that country mem bers were entitled to different treatment, in the matter of subscription, to town members. The offensive remarks about twopence a week and fourpence a week were out of place, and not likely to smooth matters. It was not a question of subscription, it was a matter of principle. It was said to the country member: " You are a full member, but we wont allow you to have the vote—you must buy the vote." It was an irritating point with the country solicitor. There were seven hundred or eight hundred solicitors in the country standing aloof, and this was probably the cause. MR. CUSSEN said it was admitted that they were anxious to secure the membership of solicitors in the country. Many say : " the " reason we did not join so far is that we don't " consider we get sufficient advantages for 10s. " We believe to join is a duty ; but if we join " we have absolutely no voice in the manage- " ment, of the Society." The election of country delegates gave them no power in the management of the Society, which was abso lutely vital. Those who transacted the busi ness were only those who resided in Dublin. The very most attending would be two or three, and they did say that they should have a voice in controlling affairs. By the charter they could only speak through the Council, and all the property was vested in that Council. MR. ROONEY, in winding up the debate, said it was obvious he was going to be beaten. He could tell the meeting, however, that he had taken the trouble to secure the opinion of Counsel (Mr. Sergeant Sullivan), and Counsel's opinion was that the bye-law in question is ultra vires, and that everyone that paid 10s. a year could vote whether the Council liked it or not. THE PRESIDENT.—We have Sir Francis Palmer's opinion to the contrary, obtained in 1908. Mr. Rooney then read the opinion of Counsel. The motion of Mr. Rooney was put to the meeting and declared lost. Upon the motion of Mr. Fry a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the President, and the proceedings terminated.

May 6th. Retirement of Master Tandy and Master Goff.

LETTERS were read from both of the Taxing Masters who have retired, expressing their thanks for the resolutions of good wishes of the Council in their retirement. Resident Magistrates. A letter was read from Mr. O'Shee, M.P., in reply, in reference to the answer of the Chief Secretary to his question upon the subject of the recent appointment of aMilitary officer as Resident Magistrate, and also stating that he was about to- introduce his Bill dealing with appointment of Resident Magistrates. Criminal Justice Administration Bill. A letter was read from Mr. O'Shee, M.P., requesting the Parliamentary Committee of the Council to consider this Bill, and to favour him with any amendments they might think desirable to be made. The Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Committee. Costs Committee. A report from the Costs Committee upon the following query, "submitted for decision to the Council, was adopted :— Query.—What is the scale fee payable to lessor's Solicitor for preparing lease and counterpart of premises for 61 years ; rent, £4 10s. Od. ; poor law valuation, £5 ; and are certain items for preliminary attendances, perusals, etc., payable to lessor's Solicitor by lessee, in addition to the scale fee ? Answer.—The Committee are of opinion that the costs of the lease should be drawn as of a long lease not at a rack rent; accordingly the scale fee payable by the lessee to lessor's Solicitor is £5 ; and the Committee are also of opinion that the lessor's Solicitor is not entitled to any of the preliminary items.