15 / 216
JUNE, 1921]
The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland.
'9
unostentatious work not necessary to elab–
orate on an occasion such as this, in connec–
tion with its Statutory functions and with
matters
educational,
disciplinary
and
professional.
A special Committee was appointed to
prepare a report of and draft suggested
amendments on the draft of the new Land
Purchase Bill which met on many occasions,
and devoted much time to this measure in the
interests of the profession and of their clients,
involving interviews with the Estates Com–
missioners, including the new Judicial Corr-
missioner (on whose early elevation to the
Bench we congratulate him), the Congested
Districts Board, the Law Officers of
the
Crown, and others, and after considerable
time and attention a report has been sub–
mitted with suggested amendments passed by
the Council and circulated to all concerned
in the passing of the Bill.
I can only express the hope that generosity
to this country may in result prove a feature
of the Bill, as payment in stock created for
the purpose of financing a measure of com–
pulsory sale, subject as it would be to all the
fluctuations of the market and thrown on the
market necessarily in large amounts from
time to time, and being a Stock Irish in its
conception (not an appreciative factor at the
moment) all these forces must work out great
loss and injustice on Vendors who, unless the
measure be altered in this respect, have to
sell at a price fixed by Statute, and must pay
off all their charges in full in cash.
A Government that hesitates not to subsi–
dize industry in many millions at the expense
of
the
tax-payer,
should
experience no
hesitation in at least paying 20/- in the
£
for
what it takes compulsorily from the subject.
Honesty is a good policy, even when legis–
lating for Ireland.
Our suggested amendments are directed
alike
in the interests of
the owner,
the
chargeants, the tenants and all others con–
cerned, and we approach all such matters
with a full recognition of the fact that one
way and another as a profession we represent
all classes.
If there be any settlement in this country
I trust that more generous treatment under
this head than the draft Bill offers will be a
term of such settlement, and that all con–
cerned will see to it. We have done our part
and are ready to co-operate and do more if
we can.
The Society continues to be a voluntary
one, but it is no exception to the prevailing
condition that expenses are doubled.
Our Subscriptions remain the same.
I
have no mandate from my Council, but I hope
I don't overstep my position if I remind you
the time may come when we may have to
increase them, and I expect a loyal whole–
hearted response should such a proposition
become necessary.
I don't think it is expedient on this occasion
to conjecture as
to our position under
Partition, for at present nothing is very
definite. We, as a Council, are fully alive to
it, and will come to you in General Meeting
if occasion arises, and a Committee has been
set up and has our position under the Govern–
ment of Ireland Bill in consideration. Mean–
time I ask you to accept my assurance that
your interests are watched.
If enforced loss
of income result from this Partition legis–
lation, this Society will have to consider its
position and formulate its claims.
Our War Memorial is almost ready to be
erected.
It has been on view in the Hall of
the School of Art where the Royal Hibernian
Academy Exhibition is now being held, and
may be seen there by all subscribers.
A very special function in honour of our
fallen brethren will be duly organised, to
which I am confident you will .do full justice.
We are short by £70 of the full amount
required.
I commend this fact to your
attention and pride.
In conclusion I would impress upon you
that if the Law Society is to effectually
continue as a guardian of the honour and best
interests of the legal profession it represents,
it must have the whole-hearted support of
those whose cause it advocates and represents.
The work of the Society inures for the benefit
of the profession at large ;
there are never–
theless some who are mean enough to reap
and enjoy those benefits, while at the same
time avoiding the small tax which member–
ship involves, and anyone who takes the
trouble to acquaint himself with the benefits
secured for the profession in the last half-