The Gazette 1940-44

The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland

April, 1942]

The severe dislocation of business on the outbreak of the Great War led to much anxiety on the part of the Council. It was hoped that on the termination of the war the common round of legal activities would be resumed, but a few short years afterwards, the Four Courts were destroyed, including the Solicitors' Buildings, with the consequent temporary removal of the Society to offices in Kildare Street. With the establishment of the Irish Free State, legislation in the Oireachtas has engaged the continuous attention of the Council. In 1929 the Legal Practitioners (Qualification) Act was passed with some considerable modifications obtained as a result of the Council's efforts. Then, followed the reconstruction of the Four Courts, including the re-building of the Solicitors' Buildings, in all of which matters the Secretary took a most active part. Finally in the year 1938, the Council took up the matter of a new Bill for the regulations of the profession, and this Bill, now nearly in its final form, is still receiving the atten tion of the Council. The part played by Mr. Wakely in the history of the profession during the past fifty years was always unob trusive, but his influence was deep, wide spread and lasting. During his term of office the Findlater and Overend Scholarships were founded and the Government began contri buting a yearly sum to the Society in aid of the expenditure incurred by the Statutory Committee. The destruction of the Solicitors' Buildings in 1922 had occasioned the loss of the portraits of over fifty Past Presidents which formerly adorned the hall. Mr. Wakely succeeded in procuring replicas of every one of them, a remarkable feat when it is considered that the first President held office in the year 1842. Last year was the 100th Anniversary of the foundation of the Society. The Council decided that owing to the circumstances at present existing, it would not have any formal celebration. Mr. Wakely was determined to mark the occasion and, along with the Presi dent, Ex-President, and Vice-Presidents, arranged a gathering in the Council Chamber. The Chief Justice attended and congratulated the Society on the commemoration of its centenary. It is impossible for one intimately associ­

ated with Mr. Wakely to speak of him except in terms which might appear exaggerated praise to an outsider, but it is the simple truth to say that he was loved, not only by every member of the Council, but by all the members of the profession. Indeed, this esteem and affection which he inspired so universally was remarkable and can only be explained on the ground that each one saw in Mr. Wakely a living example of those virtues which we all prize most highly. The affection extended to Mr. Wakely by the profession and the deep appreciation of his work and devotion to duty was shown by the handsome presentations made to him on the completion of his fortieth year of office, and again, on the occasion of his fiftieth year as Secretary. The President and the Press have paid their tributes to his character, and they are reproduced elsewhere in this issue. We would like to supplement them. As the" resolution passed by the Council truly states he was in all respects a truly great-hearted Christian gentleman and possessed himself all the Christian virtues- He was most courteous and kind in his dealings with all, and regarded everyone with whom he came in contact primarily as a human being, no matter what his station in life. Needless to say, he was the perfect Secre tary. It is unrecorded that at any time there was any difference of opinion between himself and the Council, nor is it known that his judgment was ever called in question. His only fault, if fault it can be called, was a certain diffidence which restrained him from putting forward his views unless when called on. His views were always sound and were almost always adopted in toto. His methods were always persuasive. He voiced his opinions quietly and unaggressively, but it was extraordinary how often a mere suggestion from him would reconcile opposing views and procure a unanimous opinion from the Council on controversial issues. The Council of Northern Ireland had the benefit of his advice and guidance when their Society 'was first set up in Northern Ireland and they are glad to acknowledge how useful his advice was and how glad they were to have it.