The Gazette 1944-46

have shown their great regard and affection for him by electing him either at the top of the poll or, at any rate, high up in the poll. This record is unique in the history of the Society and probably unknown in the history of any other Society and may never recur. The members of our Pro fession decided that this Golden Jubilee of my friend, Mr. Hayes, should not be allowed to pass' unnoticed, and that it should be recorded for future generations of solicitors by the presence of the portrait in the Council Chamber. The members of the Profession have taken up the pro ject warmly and generously. Mr. Hayes was President of the Society in the year 1906-1907. It was in that year that the Gazette was first published and the members all know what an advantage the Gazette is to the Profession. Mr. Hayes has been a most regular member at meet ings ; his advice on every important subject was sought and followed. He is the ideal member. We are delighted to see him here to-day, looking so hale and hearty. WTe hope that for rnany years to come he will be spared to continue the good work as a member of the Council. May the present members of our Profession and those who come after us and look upon this portrait be inspired to follow the example of a great solicitor and citizen. I have now great pleasure in unveiling this portrait." Mr. Hayes, in replying, said :— "I have to thank all those who have kindly presented this portrait associated with the name of the great artist, Mr. Leo Whelan. I have to thank first, our past President who, I think, originated the idea, and the President, the Vice- Presidents and the Committee who kindly ar ranged for the painting of the portrait. I am sorry that at the moment it is the only portrait in the hall. There were many portraits in our old hall of old and respected members of our Profess ion. We should all endeavour to follow in their footsteps. My father and myself, taken together, cover a period of 104 years as practising solicitors,— he, having been admitted a solicitor in the year 1840. I have had the pleasure of transacting business with the great-grandfathers of some members here to-day. For instance, with Mr. David FitzGerald's great-grandfather, Mr. Tom FitzGerald, whom I can well remember as a dear old gentleman, one of the founders of the firm of D. & T. FitzGerald. His grandson, Ned, is now a valued member of our Council. The FitzGeralds are only one of several firms established for over 100 years. The year 1840 seems to have been a remarkable year for the foundation of firms. I

The following members addressed the Meeting on the question of the Land Registration Fee Order, 1944, arising on the Report: Messrs. T. H. R. Craig, Desmond Moran, J. B. Murphy, Clones (representing the Co. Monaghan Bar Association), Scan 6 hUadhaigh, R. Downey (representing the North Cork Bar Association) and Mr. Peter Woods (representing the Co. Louth Bar Associa tion). Mr. Cox, Vice-President, then took the chair and Mr. A. H. S. Orpen proposed and Mr. Scan 6 hUadhaigh seconded a motion that the best thanks of the Society be given to the President for his great services during the year and for his presidential address. The motion was carried with acclamation. The President thanked the Meeting and the proceedings terminated. HAYES. A very pleasant function took place at the Half- yearly General Meeting of the Society, on Nov ember 27th, \vhen the President unveiled a por trait in oils by Mr. Leo Whelan, R.H.A., of Mr. William S. Hayes. The cost of the portrait was subscribed by members of the Profession and the ceremony was largely attended. The occasion of the ceremony was to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of Mr. Hayes as a solicitor and the period of more than fifty years during which he has served continuously as a member of the Council. Mr. Hayes was President of the Society in the year 1906-1907 and during his lengthy period of service on the Council has been one of its most active and untiring members. The portrait, which was unveiled by the President, has been hung permanently in the Council Chamber of the Society. The President, before unveiling the portrait, said: "I have to perform a very pleasant duty. When last addressing apprentices who had passed their Final Examination, I gave them some advice regarding their future life. It is not necessary for me to give such advice to-day, because of the old saying that 'example is greater than precept,' and I now have the pleasure of unveiling the portrait of Mr. Hayes by the great painter, Mr. Whelan, which will be hung in the Council Chamber from this day forth. It is the portrait of a man who became a member of the Profession in the year 1884. He was elected a member of the Council in the year 1894 and in every year of the fifty years that had since elapsed he was re-elected without interruption, and at each election the members of the Profession throughout Ireland PORTRAIT OF MR. WILLIAM S.

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