The Gazette 1985

GAZETTE

APRIL 1985

Where Co-operation is Needed

Whyis ourmanager's dooralways open?

Solving problems is a common role for solicitors, but one problem which has concerned members of the profession for over a hundred years remains unsolved. The problem of adequately funding the Solicitors' Benevolent Association. It is more urgent today than at any time since it was founded in 1863. What happens to a middle-aged solicitor, incapacitated through illness, and his six teenage children when his personal funds are gone? The wife of a solicitor has been deserted by her husband leaving her with two school-going children to support. Where can she go for help? Investment savings of the widow of a long-dead solicitor have dwindled below subsistance level. Is there any aid for her? Those are three problems, a random selection, from the list of needy profession-related people in the current records of the Solicitors' Benevolent Association. They have been given support, and so have many others, but the work of support has been constantly hampered by lack of funds. The Directors do not regard the problems they receive as "cases"; they approach each applicant's problem with an appreciation that the Society was founded longago "For the Relief of Poorand Necessitous Solicitors in Ireland, and Their Wives, Widows and Families" and wherever possible that relief must be given with a generous spirit. Generosity of spirit, however, needs cash to support it. Funds are raised by "Life and Annual Subscriptions and by Voluntary Donations" and while members of the profession express enthusiastic appreciation of the Benevolent Association's work too few express that appreciation in a realistic manner by providing financial support for the work. Every month the Directors act on all new applications. In an emergency the Chairman may authorise the immediate issue of a cheque to meet the problem. Aid is usually on a monthly grant system, but in some cases, such as school and college fees, lump sums are paid. Annual payments are made for special purposes, each decision is made after sympathetic consideration of the application. Sympathetic, but realistic in relation to the limited funds available. Much more should be done to fulfil the aims of the Association and relieve distress, but until there is a substantial and continued increase in funds it is impossible. Throughtlessness or forgetfulness are probably primary reasons why more members of the profession do not give practical support to the Solicitors' Benevolent Association, or maybe they do not realise the scope of its work. With this realisation the Association's Directors would be appreciative of your co-operation in financing the work. By the way, the Association's notepaper carries the Latin tag "Bis dat qui cito dat" which, in case you've forgotten, says "He gives twice who gives quickly". The Solicitors' Benevolent Association has its office, through the courtesy of a Dublin member of the profession, at 15 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Contact: Thelma King. •

ANSWER: We could try to be funny and say it was to let the bank drafts in. But the truth is it's just the way we operate. Personal, attentive service at all times. Total access to the manager. Longer hours than most banks. And higher interest on deposits. They may sound like small things. But when you add up the little things we do and most banks don't, you'll understand why our

18-21 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. Tel. (01) 763502 3 The Crescent, Limerick. Tel. 061-319522

EMPLOYMENT REGISTER

Members are reminded that the Society maintains an Employment Register for Solicitors. Those seeking employment and those Offices with posts to be filled are invited to contact The Education Officer, Mr. Albert Power, The Law Society, Blackhall Place. Dublin, 7.

52