The Gazette 1921-25

'9

JUNE, 1921]

The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.

unostentatious work not necessary to elab– orate on an occasion such as this, in connec– tion with its Statutory functions and with matters educational, disciplinary and professional. A special Committee was appointed to prepare a report of and draft suggested amendments on the draft of the new Land Purchase Bill which met on many occasions, and devoted much time to this measure in the interests of the profession and of their clients, involving interviews with the Estates Com– missioners, including the new Judicial Corr- missioner (on whose early elevation to the Bench we congratulate him), the Congested Districts Board, the Law Officers of the Crown, and others, and after considerable time and attention a report has been sub– mitted with suggested amendments passed by the Council and circulated to all concerned in the passing of the Bill. I can only express the hope that generosity to this country may in result prove a feature of the Bill, as payment in stock created for the purpose of financing a measure of com– pulsory sale, subject as it would be to all the fluctuations of the market and thrown on the market necessarily in large amounts from time to time, and being a Stock Irish in its conception (not an appreciative factor at the moment) all these forces must work out great loss and injustice on Vendors who, unless the measure be altered in this respect, have to sell at a price fixed by Statute, and must pay off all their charges in full in cash. A Government that hesitates not to subsi– dize industry in many millions at the expense of the tax-payer, should experience no hesitation in at least paying 20/- in the £ for what it takes compulsorily from the subject. Honesty is a good policy, even when legis– lating for Ireland. Our suggested amendments are directed alike in the interests of the owner, the chargeants, the tenants and all others con– cerned, and we approach all such matters with a full recognition of the fact that one way and another as a profession we represent all classes. If there be any settlement in this country I trust that more generous treatment under this head than the draft Bill offers will be a

term of such settlement, and that all con– cerned will see to it. We have done our part and are ready to co-operate and do more if we can. The Society continues to be a voluntary one, but it is no exception to the prevailing condition that expenses are doubled. Our Subscriptions remain the same. I have no mandate from my Council, but I hope I don't overstep my position if I remind you the time may come when we may have to increase them, and I expect a loyal whole– hearted response should such a proposition become necessary. I don't think it is expedient on this occasion to conjecture as to our position under Partition, for at present nothing is very definite. We, as a Council, are fully alive to it, and will come to you in General Meeting if occasion arises, and a Committee has been set up and has our position under the Govern– ment of Ireland Bill in consideration. Mean– time I ask you to accept my assurance that your interests are watched. If enforced loss of income result from this Partition legis– lation, this Society will have to consider its position and formulate its claims. Our War Memorial is almost ready to be erected. It has been on view in the Hall of the School of Art where the Royal Hibernian Academy Exhibition is now being held, and may be seen there by all subscribers. A very special function in honour of our fallen brethren will be duly organised, to which I am confident you will .do full justice. We are short by £70 of the full amount required. I commend this fact to your attention and pride. In conclusion I would impress upon you that if the Law Society is to effectually continue as a guardian of the honour and best interests of the legal profession it represents, it must have the whole-hearted support of those whose cause it advocates and represents. The work of the Society inures for the benefit of the profession at large ; there are never– theless some who are mean enough to reap and enjoy those benefits, while at the same time avoiding the small tax which member– ship involves, and anyone who takes the trouble to acquaint himself with the benefits secured for the profession in the last half-