The Gazette 1949-1952

expenses since 1939, and these increases in overhead expenses have been offset neither by an increase in the volume o f business nor in the level o f solicitors, remuneration. Apart from private practice, a young solicitor has the alternative o f seeking employment as a solicitor in the Government service or as a qualified assistant to another solicitor. I have no hesitation in saying that either alternative gives a very poor return for the time and money spent in becoming qualified. Present standards o f pay in the non-legal ranks in the Civil Service (which is a risk-free occupation) are far more rewarding than the prospects o f remuneration o f a young solicitor of equivalent intelligence and ability. I f a young man has an equal chance o f getting a Junior Adminis­ trative position in the Civil Service on the Solicitors’ Final, I would advise him, on grounds o f remuneration—“ go for the Civil Service.” The checking o f the Solicitors’ Bill in the various departments o f the State is, I understand, almost complete and it is hoped that by the end o f this session it will be in the hands o f the Government with a view to its introduction in the Dail. I will conclude this address, I am sure to your relief, with a brief summary o f some o f the principal matters which are or have been engaging the Council’s attention since November last. Certain difficulties arose in connection with the procedure on completing sales, where an advance was made by the Dublin Corporation under the Small Dwellings’ Act. I am glad to say that after discussions between my predecessor, Mr. Boyd and Mr. Walsh, the Law Agent to the Corporation, the difficulties were largely overcome. A detailed case for improved salaries for solicitors in the legal offices in the State Service was submitted to the Minister for Finance. I cannot say that the reply received was entirely satisfactory, but the matter is still under consideration by the Council. Negotiations have also taken place with the Department o f Local Government concerning the salaries and conditions o f service offered for the position of wholetime solicitors to local authorities. In the Land Registry the continual delay has been the subject of many representations by the Council and members may rest assured that the Council will make every effort to have the position remedied. The Council have also under consideration the question o f a uniform scale o f mortgagee’s costs where loans are granted under the Small Dwellings’ It has been suggested by a local Law Society that a scheme should be established and operated by the profession itself for insuring members against

liability for professional negligence and this proposal is being examined. I mention these as examples o f the kind o f problem with which the Council has to deal, apart from the day-to-day work o f the Society. In this way, the members o f the Council endeavour to justify the confidence which you have reposed in them by electing them to represent you. Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for coming here to-day and for the patience with which you have listened to me. ” The following resolutions were then proposed by Mr. Cox and seconded by Mr. J. J . Hickey and, having been put to the meeting, were carried unanimously :— That the following new bye-law be adopted : “ 29A . The Council shall in each year appoint a final date (in either October or November) for receipt of nominations of candidates for election to the Council, and the date (in the month of November) of the poll or election. Notice o f such dates shall be sent by post to each member not later than ten days before the final date for receipt o f nominations. Each nomination paper must be received by the Secretary, by post or other­ wise, at his office not later than four o’clock p.m. on the date first mentioned.” That the last sentence in bye-law 30 be deleted. That bye-laws 33 and 34 be amended by deleting the words “ on or before the 14th day o f November” where they appear in each bye-law and by substituting the words “ at least one week before the date o f the poll or election.” That bye-law 36 be amended by deleting the words “ on the 21st of November in each year ” in lines 1 and 2 and substituting “ in each year on the date appointed by the Council under bye-law 2 9 A ” , and by deleting the words “ 2jst o f November ” in line 18 and substituting the word “ date.” Mr. T. Desmond McLoughlin, speaking on behalf o f the solicitors in the State service, thanked the Council and the Secretary for the work they had done on behalf o f these solicitors. Mr. Hayes proposed, and Mr. Henry St. J. Blake seconded a vote o f thanks to the Chairman for his address, and his conduct o f the meeting, which was carried with acclamation. The President replied and the proceedings terminated.