The Gazette 1936-40

10

The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.

QUKE, 1936

adventure of putting on the market two at least most necessary legal text-books. With– out presuming to criticise the Government, I think I am justified in saying that public funds have been devoted to matters of less importance. Many matters affecting the profession as a whole have come under the consideration of the Council in the past half-year, and have been carefully considered and appropriate action taken, and I may here say that the Council is always most ready to consider all questions of importance to the profession and the public to which attention is drawn by our members. While on matters to which the attention of the Council is drawn by correspondents are in the great majority questions involving points of general interest, we do occasionally find that we are expected to interfere in matters entirely outside the purview of the Council. Practitioners may rest assured that the Council will always gladly consider and give careful attention to all matters of general interest to the pro– fession and the public. May I just add that the work of' our Society is by no means confined to the interests of our profession alone, as past experience goes to prove that while safeguarding our own interests for which, no doubt, we primarily exist we can, and do, at the same time in many ways watch over the public interest. As a result of the Final Examination held last month 45 candidates have qualified as Solicitors, and if you add to this 34 at the October Final, you have 79 new Solicitors qualified within a few months. While I heartily congratulate these successful candidates and wish them every success in life, it seems to me desirable that I should sound a word of warning to parents and guardians who have the responsibility of selecting careers for our young people. It must be remembered that these Solicitors nowadays are qualified onlv to practice in the Free State, and I think every-day experience shows that there is a danger that if we proceed at the present rate the pro– fession will ere long be overcrowded, and that after a long period of study and con– siderable outlay the opportunities of earning a livelihood may be sadly lacking. The popular idea that our profession is an easy

road to a comfortable living, and in many cases affluence, has long since been exploded, and I would in all good faith say to those who contemplate entering the Solicitors' profession : " Look before you leap." I realise that in saying this I leave myself open to the charge that existing members view with concern the growth of the pro– fession from a selfish point of view. Nothing could be further from my mind, and I sound the warning that young people may, before embarking on a long and expensive course of training, carefully consider what prospects are available for them to earn a living. I desire to voice the feelings of our pro– fession on the approaching retirement of three prominent and well-known officials connected with the High Court Master Denning, Mr. Healy and Mr. Hollinshead. The first-named, a member of our own profession, filled with great distinction and satisfaction the position of Senior Taxing Master for many years. The discharge of his duties brought him into daily contact with Solicitors, and nothing could exceed the efficiency and courtesy with which his duties were discharged. Mr. Healy for years filled with the greatest ability and satisfaction the position of Examiner, and to him also our profession is under a debt of gratitude for unfailing courtesy and assistance, while Mr. Hollinshead occupied the highly respons– ible position of Official Assignee with great distinction. These gentlemen leave behind them a high record, and we sincerely wish them many happy years to enjoy the rest and leisure they have so well earned. I would like, in conclusion, to pay a well- merited tribute to the care and attention with which my colleagues on the Council watch over your interests ; to the courtesy I have received from those officials with whom my duties have brought me in contact, while nothing can exceed the helpfulness and guidance which I have received from our esteemed Secretary, whose long experience and knowledge coupled with his well-known courtesy and patience is now, as always, an unfailing support to the person who occupies the office of President. The meeting then terminated.