The Gazette 1940-44

The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland

[December. 1942

32

and for which he deserved the Society's heartiest congratulations and best thanks. In seconding the resolution, Mr. E. F. Collins said:—He only wished to add to what Dr.'Ouirke had said, that in his opinion this vote should not be limited to the members of the profession who were there that day, He felt that every Solicitor in Ireland owed a deep debt of gratitude to the President for the outstanding way in which he governed the Society, and managed its affairs during a year of unprecedented difficulty. He was quite sure that if it was possible to have a permanent President of the Society, Mr. Overend would be unanimously elected, but the rule was, that a President could only occupy the Chair for one year. This rule, he thought, was based on an old legal maxim, " Nemo bis vexare," which, being literally translated, meant, " Don't break the poor man's heart by giving him a second year of Office." He had great pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks.

He said that, speaking from an experience of thirty years on the Council, he did not know of any President who had to carry such a heavy burden, owing to the death of Mr. VVakely, the Secretary, whom we had all come to regard as almost the permanent head of the profession. Coming from a distinguished family of lawyers, Mr. Overend devoted his hereditary talents whole-heart edly to the best services of the Society. During the interval between the death of Mr. Wakely and the appointment of the new Secretary, he had given all his time and abilities to the interests of the profession. His work was characterised by clear thinking, and his addresses to the Council and the Society, particularly in connection with the controversial clauses of the Draft Solicitors' Bill, were models of lucid exposition. It was unnecessary to say anything of his invariable courtesy and kindness at all times to his colleagues. Above all, was his conspicuous success during the most difficult period in the Society's history, a success which was achieved by a great self-sacrifice,

ALL Communications connected with THE GAZETTE (other than advertisements) should be addressed to the Secretary of the Society, Solicitors' Buildings, Four Courts, Dublin, N.W.8.