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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.
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
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.
Ernest J.
Margetson,
Chairman
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