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shall have to consider what steps we can take to
make effective some o f its more important provisions
as far as members o f this Society are concerned.
It may well be that we shall have to convene an
Extraordinary General Meeting during the coming
year to put before the members, proposals whereby
some o f the more vital provisions o f the Bill can be
worked by the Society in application to its members
without a new Statute.
“ During my period o f office I have endeavoured
to attend as many meetings as possible o f the
Superior Courts Rules Committee, and let me say
that I have always been received and listened to
with the greatest courtesy, but I regret that no
suggestions, that I put forward, were accepted, except
in my capacity as a keen grammarian—and here I
cannot resist recommending to the legal professions,
and indeed to the general public, but in particular to
draughtsmen, two interesting publications
—The
A.B.C. o f Plain Words
and
Plain Words—a Guide to
the Use o f English,
both written by Sir Ernest Gowers
and both published by Her Brittanic Majesty’ s
Stationery Office at 3/- and 2/- respectively. And
now I must mention one order that was made during
the past year by the Rules Committee. I mean the
order shortening very slightly the period o f the
long vacation, and the reversion o f the Easter and
Pentecost vacations to correspond with the variable
dates o f the Christian festivals. I supported those
changes very strongly on behalf o f the Society.
“ During the year, the revision of the Supreme
Court Rules has been under consideration. Actually
I gather that the revision of these rules, made nearly
fifty years ago, has been under consideration for
quite a little time, and during my year as a member
of the committee I must admit that some progress
was made, but judging by the speed o f the com
mittee’s work, I should fancy that Everest will be
conquered many times again before the revised
rules are published.
“ I put forward another broad suggestion with
regard to the alteration o f the rules, namely, that
certain applications, which in England and elsewhere,
are made in Chambers or by application to a Regis
trar, but which in this country have to be made in
open court by Counsel, might here be dealt with by
a Registrar’s Order or Fiat, but I was informed as
I knew, that any such changes in the Rules of Court
would be contrary to the Constitution, or at least
would need legislation under Article 37 o f the
Constitution, giving the committee power to make
such changes in the rules. However, the committee
were not prepared to consider any such suggestions.
I must say it does seem to me archaic, and the cause
of needless delay and woeful extravagance that a
plaintiff must make application in open court by
counsel for liberty to serve an Originating Summons
outside the jurisdiction, and incidentally, I think
I am right when I say that such applications can
only be made on certain days during the Sittings.
“ When I last spoke to you, I started by referring
to the social side of our activities, and I now close
on that note. I am happy to know that the proposal
which I put forward six months ago, is going to be
fulfilled. To-night’s dinner will, I hope, be the first
of many similar occasions. I will say no more on
that subject just now.
“ Before I sit down, I want to say a few words—
words I can assure you said in no prefunctory or
merely conventional manner. I want to thank Mr.
Plunkett and his staff for their great kindness and
help extended to me during the past year. But for
their assistance, I just could not have carried out my
duties, and I may say that for me they converted
many duties into pleasures.
“ Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you, and may
the Society continue to flourish and to maintain its
splendid tradition and dignity to the end.”
Mr. John R. Halpin seconded the motion for the
adoption o f the report which was carried
unanimously.
Mr. Cornelius J. Daly proposed and Mr. John R.
Halpin seconded the following motion:—“ That
the following members o f the Society be appointed
as the Society’s representatives on the Nomination
Committee for the Cultural and Educational Panel
pursuant to section 22 of the Seanad Electoral
(Panel Members) Act, 1947 -Arthur Cox, Desmond
J. Collins, Francis J. Gearty, Patrick F. O’Reilly and
John J. Sheil.”
The motion was put to the meeting and carried
unanimously.
It was decided that the half-yearly General Meeting
should be held on 13th May, 1954 and the next
Annual General Meeting on 25th November, 1954.
On the motion of Mr. George A. Overend, Mr,
Carrigan, Vice-President, took the chair, Mr,
Overend then proposed a vote o f thanks to the
President for his distinguished service to the Society
during his term o f office. The motion was carried
with acclamation. The President replied and the
proceedings terminated.
SPECIAL EXAMINER IN LAW
A
pplications
are invited from members of not less
than seven years standing for the post o f Special
Examiner in Law in succession to the late Dr.
Vincent D. Keirans. Particulars o f the sajary.and
conditions o f appointment may be obtained from
the Secretary.
PRESENTATION OF ADMISSION
CERTIFICATES
O
n
26th November the President, before presenting