The Gazette 1919-20

DECEMBER, 1919]

The Gaeette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.

13

also in all the expenses connected with the practising of their profession. The matter had been several times considered by the Council during the past year, and they collected a considerable amount of infor mation as to prices, expenses, etc., which made it quite clear that if the members of the profession were to carry on their practice and live they must secure an increase in their remuneration. The English Society passed a resolution claimimg 100 per cent, increase ; but however that might be, it would be the duty of the incoming Council to take the matter up, and to see that such an increase was made in the present scale as the cir cumstances warranted. MR. W. T. SHERIDAN (Vice-President) seconded the adoption of the Report. MR. JAMES BRADY said that having regard to the coming into operation of the Proportional Representation Act he thought that the system of election should be applied to membership of the Council, and he sug gested that the matter should be considered by the incoming Council. With regard to the amalgamation of the two branches of the profession, he quite agreed with the report, and thought that they would only be beating the air with regard to that matter unless they had a strong public opinion behind them. As long as the public tolerated the expense of two branches it was a matter entirely for them. He personally was in favour of one branch only ; but unless there was a strong public opinion it was only wasting time dealing with the matter. In reference to the question of costs, he hoped that the Council would carefully consider the matter. They heard much about " profiteering " and objections to putting the Act in force, but it was a strange thing that they of that profession were the only members of the community whose bills were subject to taxation, while merchants and commercial men were at perfect liberty to furnish bills and demand payment without question. Solicitors were often accused of being " profiteers," but those who made the accusation should now come in with them and subject themselves to the taxation of their bills. He thought it was deplorable that, with a membership of 1,500 Solicitors on the Roll in Ireland, there were only 800 who had sufficient sense of comradeship to join the

Society, and that only 400 came forward to elect the Council. The time had come to compel non-members to join; in fact, arrangements were being made to try and do so. As regards the War Memorial, it was a pity that there should be any difficulty in raising a large sum towards the object which the Council had in view. MR. T. H. R. CRAIG strongly urged upon the incoming Council to consider whether it was not possible to compel all Solicitors to join the Society which was the governing body of their profession. MR. GEOGHEGAN said that during the year the Council did great work, especially for the country Solicitors, and it was unfair that only a comparatively small number of members of the profession had joined the Society. MR. JAMES HENRY stated that com pulsory membership raised considerable difficulties, if compulsion were used, it would correspond to the difference between a volunteer army and an army of conscripts. MR. GAMBLE said he was in favour of the suggestion of compulsory membership. THE PRESIDENT pointed out that it would require an Act of Parliament to carry out the suggested proposal, but he had no doubt that the new Council would consider the question. The Report was unanimously adopted. MR. T. H. R. CRAIG, in accordance with notice of motion, moved :— " That a Committee consisting of nine County Court practising Solicitors and members of this Society (three to be nominated by the Council of the Incor porated Law Society, one each to be nominated by the Dublin Sessions Bar, the Northern Law Society and the Southern Law Association, and three to be co-opted to represent the other local Bar Associa tions in Ireland) be appointed to draft a bill or bills to be introduced into Parlia ment. (1) To give effect to the findings of the recent Commission on Sheriffs and Baliffs, (2) To give effect to the several amendments of County Court practice and procedure recommended to and by this Society within the past twenty years, and (3) Where necessary, to repeal or amend such parts of the Judicature (Ireland) Acts