The Gazette 1961 - 64

For a selection of recommended reading see the published syllabus for the first, second and third law, and book-keeping examinations. The lecturer will not necessarily undertake to cover the entire field in each subject, or lecture out of any particular text book. He will advise the class as to its reading and will assume that each student will have read on the lines advised, in advance of each lecture, on the subject matter of the lecture. The aim of lectures will be to guide students in their work and to illustrate, explain and supplement their reading. Fee : 10 guineas for each course except Course G for which there is no fee. Apprentices should take the first law examination before attending any of the above lecture courses. The lecture courses for each term have been arranged to coincide as closely as possible with the University terms. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF ADMISSION On July zoth the President, at a ceremony in the Society's library, presented Certificates of Admission to the undermentioned solicitors. In his address the President said : Ladies and Gentlemen, We are gathered in this simple ceremony for the purpose of handing to a number of young men, certificates of their admission to our profession, one of the pleasanter duties which falls to the President's lot to perform. These certificates bear the signature of a very distinguished lawyer—our Chief Justice—a man who began his career as a solicitor and who, having reached the position of Chief Justice, has never forgotten his connection with us nor has he ever lost interest in our wellbeing. I hope that his example of courtesy and consideration may be your example in the days that lie ahead. It is not unnatural, perhaps, at a time like this, that my mind should go back to my own earlier days and that I should recall some of the changes which have taken place since I was admitted a solicitor. In those days an office boy was always a boy— almost every task in the office from there up was performed by male clerks. It was men who answered the telephone and received the clients, kept the books, wrote out the deeds by hand, did the court work and above all else every office boasted a Chief Clerk who in many cases was more knowledge able than his master. I owe much, and I am sure many ofmy colleagues would say the same, to faithful and knowledgeable male clerks of days gone by.

To-day the girls have taken their place and every boy wants to be a solicitor—I am not now passing comment but stating a fact and indeed as I have paid tribute to the male clerks of yesterday I could equally well pay tribute to the girls of to-day who are taking their place. Other changes include the mechanisation of our offices and from the type writers and totting machines we have passed to dictaphones and photocopying. This is the age of the jet plane and television—it is not unusual, having finished one's post in the morning to transact one's business in London and be back in Dublin for dinner. The pace of life has increased and with it has increased the burden on every professional man who is doing a personal job—life is harder, competition is greater and expenses often seem insuperable. If the increase in the numbers of our profession throughout the country had only been in accord with an increase in population all would be well but unfortunately while our numbers have risen— population has fallen. You are entering a profession in which few die rich as the world understands riches, but many have won the confidence, regard and affection of a wide circle of friends whom it has been their privilege to work for and serve. I have no doubt you will see changes in the next twenty years in which I hope you will be ready and willing to play your full part. You will see changes— much needed indeed—in our educational system. You may see changes in the relationship between our profession and the Bar. You will see, I hope, a continuing of the work of law reform so well begun. Finally, may I say that the success or failure in life of these young men is not entirely in their own hands. We, their colleagues, have our part to play in helping and encouraging them as often as we meet them. You have a right to look to us and to our Society for guidance and I hope you will not find us wanting. You, their parents and friends, have your part to play—they will need your help and encouragement in the next few years more than ever before and I hope you will play your part. It is with pleasure that I, on behalf of our Council and Society, welcome you to our ranks and wish you God's blessing on your efforts which I hope you will always exert according to the highest standards, for nothing less is worthy of the profession to which you now belong. The following solicitors received certificates : Michael J. Browne, B.A. (N.U.I.), Shop Street, Westport, Co. Mayo (Special Certificate); Oliver J. Cordon, 73 Leinster Road, Rathmines, Dublin; James J. Dennison, Convent Street, Abbeyfeale,