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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-