The Gazette 1952-1955

each class o f apprentices sell their books, when their immediate need has passed, to the succeeding class. Even the question o f reproducing some o f the existing works does not seem to be the solution as they are in some respects outdated, and the cost of reproducing them would be altogether out of proportion to their value. While I share to the full the uneasiness o f my predecessors at this lack of books, I feel with great sincerity that I would like to see our apprentices sound in the matters not to be found in books—that they should be taught by precept and example to have a real pride in the profession to which they aspire, to have a full sense o f responsibility towards those they will serve, and to have a sound ethical approach to their duties as well as to their rights. The Solicitors Bill A n d now with the same feelings o f optimism as imbued other Presidents, I introduce King Charles’ head—the Solicitors Bill. For more than a decade each of my predecessors has at a General Meeting expressed the conviction that this important measure was almost ‘ on the stocks ’ (their expression, not mine) and that the profession might shortly expect to see it on the statute book. Such hopes were in vain, and in recent months your Council felt that the Bill was fated to remain ‘ on the stocks ’ indefinitely, despite their constant requests that it be passed. In that set o f facts and with the welfare o f both the profession and the public—each being dependent on the other in this respect—uppermost in mind your Council had considered the advisability of summoning a General Meeting to get powers to amend the Bye-laws, for the purpose o f bringing into effect on a voluntary basis some o f the main features o f the Bill. Let it not be thought that this action was to be taken either to bring pressure on the Government, or to contrive a substitute for the Bill, but merely to effect reforms long overdue as a temporary measure until such time as the Bill would be passed. It is generally known that the Bill, conceived by the profession with a full knowledge for its need, is to provide amongst other things safeguards for the public by giving to the Council wider control over the manner in which solicitors conduct the business entrusted to them, and to provide also where necessary for monetary compensation for members o f the public damnified by the mishandling o f their legal affairs by members of the profession. It is with satisfaction, therefore, that I can report now that the end o f our long agitation may be in sight. The Government which has recently gone out of office has now adopted the Bill, with modifications, and within recent weeks furnished to your Council printed copies o f the Bill for observa­

the same as those upon which the Society’s Lecturers instruct the apprentices here in our own hall. University Law Faculties. T h e result is inevitable. The students lose interest in the lectures given elsewhere, and time which might be profitably employed in practical work in and around the master’s office or in the Courts, is wasted. I am happy to say, however, that this position may in the near future be remedied. The law faculty o f University College Dublin, has designed a new course to lead to a newly established Degree—Bachelor o f Civil Laws—which will provide apprentices availing of it, with an extensive series of lectures in all the theory subjects included in our examination courses. The Society’s lectures will thus be relieved o f the burden o f duplicating instruction given elsewhere, and can devote their time to lecturing in practical subjects essential to the training o f solicitors’ apprentices and on which they will have to face an examination before being admitted to practise. Whether the object o f this Council in thus securing a wider field o f instruction will be successful remains to be seen, but it is a move in the right direction and deserves, I think, to be crowned with success. Since the minimum percentage required to pass our Final Examination was increased from 40 to 50, the number o f successful candidates has declined somewhat noticeably, but I think the ultimate effect o f the change will be to raise the standard all round to the benefit and satisfaction of the profession as a whole. It would be ungracious here not to acknowledge the help, encouragement and desire to co-operate shown towards your Council in this matter by Professor Frances Moran o f T.C.D., and Professors Tierney and McGiUigan o f U.C.D. At the time o f the presentation o f this report, it has not been possible to enter into a like arrangement with T.C.D., but it is hoped to do so in the future. Legal Text Books. I t has been said that our students are handicapped by the lack o f up-to-date text-books in many subjects. This cannot be denied, and the Council has given deep consideration is to how the position could be remedied. The publication o f new books seems to be as far off as ever. What inducement can be given to anyone with the knowledge, desire and time to give his mind to the writing o f a new work on the many subjects on which solicitors and apprentices alike need guidance ? None, unless he can be subsidised from some fund as yet unavailable to the Society. His chance of adequate compensation for his efforts from the sale o f his work is insignificant —his market is small and is limited by the fact that

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