292 / 328
In this article important advice is given
regarding the modernisation and simplifica
tion of Accounting and Recording methods
in Solicitors' offices. However, any Solicitor
who is contemplating modification and altera
tion should avail of the opportunity
to
examine stationery and methods designed by
specialists in the field of form design. A frank
consultation with an
expert
in modern
Accounting procedures, who can apply the
forms to the problems of a particular office is
an asset to a busy Solicitor.
In addition, where a new system is adopted,
it is essential that staff are trained in its use,
and
the procedures fully explained by
a
competent demonstrator.
Interesting specimen records are available
for
inspection from
the Business Forms
Library, and the service described is available
free, and entirely without obligation, upon
application to :
DAVID MILLARD LTD., 19 Westland Row,
Dublin 2.
Tel.:
67256/7/8
Finally, if the possibility of error is to be reduced
to a minimum an add/listing machine must be
brought into use
in
the cash office. There are
many cashiers who consider that the introduction of
such a machine reflects adversely on their capabilities.
This is not so, and to reject a machine which eases
the burden of calculation in the cash office is as
foolish as using a quill pen in preference to a
•typewriter for drafting. The cashier who can add
up three columns at a time as quickly as an average
person can read one of them is very rare indeed.
Yet many machines are available which do so with
complete accuracy and it is a waste of time and
energy if one is not used. Such a machine can cost
less than £40.
A simple modern system designed to replace an
existing' conventional system will be much more
easily understood than a system which uses an
unnecessarily large number of books.
Thus, the
loss of the cashier, either because he leaves the firm
or falls ill, need no longer be a major catastrophe.
Nearly all the advantages of machine accounting
can be achieved by carbon-copy ledger-posting
systems at a fraction of the capital cost of mechanisa
tion. The hand-written system described here can
be installed for less than £100. Moreover, the day-
to-day running costs of modern accounting systems
are considerably less than those of conventional
systems because loose-leaf stationery is very much
cheaper than bound books.
Any solicitor who feels that his cash office is
overloaded with work and that the solution to the
problem lies in modernising its procedures should
call on the services of someone who is properly
qualified to recommend a system which is specifically
designed to suit his requirements.
[The above article, composed by the Office
Advisory Service, has been reproduced with the
kind permission of the Law Society, London.]
STAMPS BRANCH—POSTAL SERVICE
The attention of members is drawn to the fact
that while the Revenue Commissioners regard the
procedure for stamping documents on personal
attendance as a facility provided for solicitors who
wish to complete transactions without delay there is
no rule against using the post office. Many Dublin
and country solicitors do in fact transact business
with the Stamps branch by post. Having regard
to the delays which sometimes occur in stamping
documents at the counter, members are reminded of
the postal facilities. Postage should be pre-paid on
mailing the documents to the Stamp Office. The
stamped instrument is returned by registered post.
The solicitor presenting the instrument for stamping
has the option of sending it in for assessment before
payment or forwarding the instrument accompanied
by a guaranteed cheque or cash for the amount
of the stamp duty.
If any query arises on the
instrument or the amount of the duty the solicitor
will be notified. Solicitors who wish to avail of this
service will no doubt consider the advisability of
themselves insuring instruments against loss both
ways.
Registration is little more than proof of
posting.
STOCK TRANSFER ACT, 1964
The Act provides for a new form of stock or
share transfer printed in the schedule to the Act.
The adoption of the new form is optional and the
parties may continue to use the ordinary form of
stock transfer. The principal features of the new
procedure are that (i) the execution of a stock
transfer in the new form need not be attested,
(2) where the transfer has been executed for the
purpose of a stock exchange
transaction (i.e.,
between members of the stock exchange acting for
clients) a special form is provided.
(3) The new
procedure may be used for fully paid up registered
securities of any description except securities of a
company limited by guarantee or an unlimited
company. Shares which are not fully paid up must
be transferred in accordance with the old procedure.