The Gazette 1924-27

DECEMBER, 1925]

The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.

25

our profession. First, I would desire to refer to Mr. W. J. Shannon, a past President of this Society and one who for many years took an active and useful part in the work of our Society. Mr. John H. Walsh had been for some years a member of the Council and a Vice-President. Mr. Thomas Healy had retired from active practice for a few years past. There are also Mr. Atkinson, Mr. Rogers, Mr. O'Hea, Mr. George Knight, Mr. Everard Hamilton, Mr. Daniel Purcell, Mr. MacNab, Mr. Richard Martin, Mr. Lockhart, Mr. W. B. Hardman, Mr. R. J. Jones, Mr. McCarthy, Mr. McCay and Mr. Long. The Annual Report of this Council for the year which ends to-day has been in your hands for some time, and I feel sure has been read by you with the attention it deserves. I think its perusal will show you that the Council has not been negligent in the interests of Solicitors throughout the Irish Free State, and it is the custom that in addition to moving the adoption of this Report, the President should say a few words to you as to some special points which would appear to require further explanation or amplifica– tion. In the first place, I would wish to con– gratulate the members of the Society on being at last in occupation of temporary quarters which are consistent with the prestige and dignity of the Society, and I would wish to remind you that throughout the negotiations which have taken place between ourselves, the Benchers, and the Government, we have made it quite clear that these premises are only for our temporary occupation, and that our per– manent premises will be in that place where the Courts of Justice are to be carried on. It is now almost certain that the Four Courts will be rebuilt, and that we will be back again in our old home. In respect of our claim for compensation for the destruction of furniture and effects at the Four Courts, we have received a substantial sum which is enabling us to furnish our premises in Kildare Street in an adequate way, and care has been taken that the furniture purchased shall be such as shall be of use when we return to our re-built habitation. You will see that the membership of the Society has slightly decreased during the

year, following a large increase last year, and you will see that for the first time the majority of the Council last year and next year are Provincial Solicitors ; and I should wish now to impress upon you the good service and loyal support given by the Provincial Members of the Council through– out the year to me as President and in the best interests of the Society and the profession. The Rules under the Courts of Justice Act of last year have now been submitted to the Minister. There are many and great changes in procedure rendered necessary by that Act, and in this regard I would particularly wish to inform you of the good work done by Dr. Quirke and Mr. Seales in drafting Schedules of Costs ; Mr. Gordon Bradley and Mr. Horgan, in connection with the Circuit Court; and Mr. E. H. Burne and Mr. Gaffney with reference to the District Court Rules. Amongst other matters which engaged the attention of the Council at considerable length during the year was the Colonial Solicitors Act and its adoption by this country. The non-adoption of this Act puts a Free State Solicitor who wishes to become a Solicitor in England at a considerable disadvantage. I am glad to say that His Majesty's Government have informed the Free State Government that the}' were ready to take into consideration, in consulta– tion with the appropriate authorities, the question of the issue of an Order in Council applying to the Irish Free State the Colonial Solicitors Act, with such modifications as might appear to be necessary, as soon as the additional necessary legislation has been passed by the Free State Parliament. In the month of August last a reply to a com– munication from the Council was received from the Attorney-General, stating the Executive Council had again considered the matter, and that they were not at present prepared to promote the legislation requested by the Council, and, therefore, the matter still remains in an unsatisfactory position. In connection with the Local Government Act of 1925. The Bill as introduced repealed Section 8 of the Local Government Act of 1919, but did not include in the list of Pensionable Officers the Local Authority