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The Gazette of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland
[DECEMBER, 1938
the confidence of litigants;
I think it is
reducing the dignity of the office, and it
appears to me, as I believe the facts would
bear out if I had a suitable accountant to
work out the figures, that the salaries of the
County Registrar are more than discharged
by the monies received as fees, poundage
or otherwise on
the collection of
these
decrees.
If there is one thing more important than
another it is that justice should not appear
to be
tainted or suspected. While
the
present conditions, as I see them, and I
think I understand them, continue, it would
be impossible to avoid in the mind of the
ordinary litigant, the suspicion that he is
not
receiving
fair play.
I believe
the
Solicitor profession will be doing a service
to themselves, and a still greater service to
the public they have to serve by seeking a
redress of the condition
to which I have
called attention. For one thing, it means the
loss of a reasonable right of expectation
that Solicitors might be appointed to the
office of Sheriff. For another, it appears to
me
to
be
placing
on
the
County
Registrars, duties not in keeping with the
dignity of their office, and not likely to
facilitate them in the discharge of the duties
which were contemplated when County
Registrars were appointed.
I have to thank my Vice-Presidents and
my colleagues for their kindness and great
assistance to me during my year of office,
and I beg to move the adoption of the Report.
Mr. Blake, (Vice-President), seconded the
adoption of the Report, and the resolution
was passed unanimously.
Mr. Blake, (Vice-President), having taken
the chair, on the motion of Mr. Charles
St. G. Orpen, seconded by Mr. T. G. Quirke,
a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the
President with acclamation.
The President, having returned thanks,
the meeting terminated.
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.