The Gazette 1976

GAZETTE

SEP T EM BER 1976

7.5 The additional expenditure involved in the completion of Blackhall Place and in the new educational programme, are investments for the future. The contract work on Blackhall Place is proceeding satis- factorily. Stages 1 and 2 of the contract are well advanced. Stage 1 relates to the refurbishing of the centre or administration block and has been completed. This part of the building will be available to the Society's stafT as soon as telephones are installed. Work is well advanced on Stage 2, which relates to Accommodation for Students, Canteens, Reading Rooms and Members Rooms and Facilities, to include the Library. To date a sum of £152,070 has been paid to the contractors and the estimated cost of completing Stages 1 and 2 is £463,000.00. It is anticipated that by January 1977 a sum of £225,000 will have been paid on account of the contract cost. Stage 3 is in the final stage and relates to work which is required to the Chapel area and it is anticipated that the commencement and completion of work on Stage 3 will not be unduly delayed. A Bank term loan has been arranged which, with the addition of funds already transferred to premises reserve, will provide the greater part of the money required to complete the contract. 7.6 The Society holds a very valuable asset in the Solicitors' Buildings. No decision has yet been taken as to the future of these premises. A decision will be necessary in the next few months. Any sum arising from a sale or leasing of the Solicitors' Buildings, either in whole or in part, would provide a valuable source of capital or revenue towards the expenditure incurred on Blackhall Place. The Finance Committee is conscious of the fact that, with interest rates remaining high, it is essential to keep borrowings as low as possible. Interest must be funded gross by members subscriptions and from revenue. Hence, the Committee has decided to initiate a Private Funding Scheme, which if successful, will go towards the required capital, and thus will substantially reduce overdraft interest and the annual call on members. The scheme will be limited to members of the Society who will be requested to participate and the full co-operation and whole hearted enthusiasm of the members will be essential to its success.

8.1 During the past year the usual wide range of topics and problems came before the Committee for consideration. As usual the question of delays in Government Offices occupied a considerable amount of time and at the present time the Committee is again in communication with the Land Registry regarding the delays in first registration cases and we are also trying to resolve problems that have arisen in the Mapping branch. 8.2 Since the last report of the Committee, after several meetings, agreement was reached with the Accident Claims Association for a new scale of fees to be paid by Insurance Companies for defence and reports arising out of District Court prosecutions and Inquests. Particulars of these new fees were published in the January-February, 1976 issue of the Gazette. 8.3 The President of the High Court referred to the Committee difficulties which have arisen in cases where Solicitors on record for a party in an action wish to withdraw. There is an established procedure under the Rules and Members' attention is particularly drawn to this and the Presidents' observations have been published in the Gazette. 8.4 General advice was given to members during the course of the year on various issues arising as to the scale costs to be charged in leases of new houses and in certain Land Commission matters. Recom- mendations were also made for a new scale of charges on debt collection. 8.5 Discussions took place with the Probate Registrar regarding difficulties and delays members were encountering in the Probate Office. The Probate Registrar, Mr. Waldron, was most helpful and co-opera- tive in all these matters and it is hoped that the position has improved although it is only fair to report that members and their own staff were very often responsible for difficulties encountered. 8.6 The Committee is always ready to advise and report to the Council on any matters relating to costs and Court Offices. Finally as Chairman I would like to thank all my colleagues on the Committee for their attendance and valuable assistance during the year.

C OU RT OF F I CES A ND COSTS COMM I T T EE

Ernest J. Margetson, Chairman

Laurence Cullen Francis Daly

Christopher Hogan Nicholas S. Hughes Francis J. Lanigan Patrick J. McEllin William D. McEvoy Dermot G. O'Donovan William A. Osborne John J. Nash Patrick No o n an Robert McD. Taylor

Ernest J.

Margetson,

Chairman

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