The Gazette 1955-58

and justice, for the dignity and freedom of the individual. In the fight for freedom lawyers are in the front line. We have to deal with people at their worst and know the necessity of a legal order; we also see people at their best and so retain our faith. In this country happily we are not concerned with major issues, but we must be forever vigilant to safeguard the foundations and to object at all times to any effort to substitute for the rule of law, a rule of administrative direction. It is only right that I should commend on this occasion one of our colleagues who at his own expense has successfully contended before the Supreme Court, that a solicitor employed in the service of the State is not a civil servant, and that the status of a solicitor of the Supreme Court has its origins in the ideals and traditions of the legal profession. Before I close, I want on behalf of the solicitors of Ireland, to convey a message of thanks and appreciation to our good friend and colleague, Mr. William Norman, who, to our everlasting regret, has found that the ties of advancing age have precluded him from continuing as a member of the Council. For over 20 years he has been a most active and enthusiastic member. He has been a most distinguished President and on this occasion I thank him on your behalf for an unequalled record of devotion and service to the profession. Finally, if I may be permitted to end on a personal note. It has been a pride and privilege for me to be your President. My task has been made easy in that I had two Vice-Presidents, who have gone out of their way on every occasion to help me. Both already distinguished solicitors in their own right, will I know in years to come ornament the profession and enhance their already high reputation. I have had the help of a Council who have been generous to me in every way and who have worked during the year in complete co-operation and harmony. I have had the sympathy and help of numerous colleagues and friends in all parts of the country. And above all I have had at my side, my guide, philosopher and friend, Eric Plunkett, and the unstinted help and assistance of his most efficient and ever willing staff. Senator Cox seconded the motion proposed by the President for the adoption of the report. Messrs. Frank Connolly, T. D. McLoughlin, Donough O'Donovan, Desmond Moran and F. R. Tully also spoke. It was decided that the next Annual General Meeting of the Society would be held on zist November, 1957.

On the motion of Mr. Sean O 'hUadhaigh, Mr. Walker, Vice-President, took the Chair. Mr. O 'hUadhaigh then moved a vote of thanks to the President for his distinguished services to the Society during his year of office. Mr. D. B. Gilmore seconded the motion which was passed with acclamation. The President replied and the proceedings terminated. MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL. NOVEMBER IST : The President in the Chair. Also present Messrs. Desmond J. Collins, James R. Quirke, John R. Halpin, A. Cox, John J. Nash, George A. Nolan, Niall S. Gaffney, John Carrigan, Dermot P. Shaw, D. J. Mayne, James J. O'Connor, Ralph J. Walker, Reginald J. Nolan, Derrick M. Martin, F. X. Burke, John J. Sheil, P. R. Boyd, Cornelius J. Daly, R. McD. Taylor, Peter E. O'Connell, F. J. Gearty, Thomas A. O'Reilly, Francis J. Lanigan, Joseph P. Tyrrell, Charles J. Downing, Patrick F. O'Reilly, Sean O'hUadhaigh. The following was among the business transacted: Solicitors to local authorities. THE Secretary informed the Council that at an interview with officials of the Department the Society's representatives were informed that sanction would be issued immediately to local authorities who had requested permission to place whole-time salaried solicitors in the local government service on the same salary scales as county medical officers and county engineers. Legal Costs Accountants Association. THE Council considered on a report from a Com mittee a draft scales of charges submitted by the Association, providing for a commission on gross costs drawn and taxed including both professional fees and disbursements. It was decided that the Society should not discuss any scale which proposes to charge fees on disbursements as distinct from professional charges. Solicitors and Auctioneers. IT was decided to approach the Auctioneers' Association on representations received from a Bar Association pointing out the difficulties from the solicitor's point of view under the Professional Practice Regulations from any practice of auctioneers of directing clients towards particular solicitors and suggesting that the Association and the Society should consider the matter jointly. Local Authority. Sales to tenant purchasers. MEMBERS who act for Town Commissioners were asked by the Commissioners to state the amount