The Gazette 1964/67

LAND ACT—1965

abolition of the jury, like the abolition of trials in valuation appeals and in workmen's compensation cases was but yet another way for the civil service to takeover the work of the courts. He noted that juries in civil trials had not been abolished in Northern Ireland and in his view such a system which had existed for hundreds of years had received the confidence of the public.

Meaning of Interest Section 45 (2) of the Land Act 1965 provides that no interest in land to which the section applies shall become vested in a person who is not a qualified person except with the written consent of the Land Commission. The word "interest" is expressed by sub-section 1 to include (a) an estate, (b) a leasehold interest or tenancy (inclu ding an interest under a grant for a term of years whether or not reserving a rent), (c) an interest of a mortgagee (including an equitable mortgagee) or chargeant, (d) an interest referable to a per son's having contracted to buy or having con tracted to take a lease or tenancy, (e) an interest referable to a right to become registered under the Registration of Title Acts 1891 and 1942 or the Registration of Title Act 1964, (f) an interest consisting of a right to ratify a contract or other transaction conferred by sub-section (1) of section 37 of the Companies Act 1963 and an interest comprises equitable and beneficial interests as well as legal interests. In a case which is brought to the attention of the Society members acted for the owners of land who held under a lease for 999 years from 1831. The clients' predecessors in title mortgaged the lands in 1860 and members were instructed to pay off the mortgage and obtain a release from the mortgagees who were domiciled and resident in England. Members were advised that it would be imprudent to proceed with the release of the mortgage without the consent of the Land Commission, having regard to the terms of section 45 (1) (c) of the Act. LAND ACT, SECTION 45 (2) (a) The attention of members is drawn to an article which appeared under the above heading in vol. 59, no. 8A—the January issue of the GAZETTE in which reference is made to the form of application for the consent of the Land Commission to the vesting in unqualified persons who have an interest in lands situated in a County Borough, Urban District or Town. It is to be noted that the form of application is available for non-qualified per sons who have an interest in land not situated in a County Borough, Urban District or Town as thev have no need to obtain consent in respect of lands purchased within the areas so specified. LAND CHARGES 89 Arising out of enquiries made by a member of the Society the following information has kindly

COUNTY LAOIS SOLICITORS BAR ASSOCIATION

The following are the Officials and Committee of the above Association for the current year: President, J. E. B. Skelly; Hon. Treasurer, W. J. Ryan; Hon. Secretary, W. R. White; Committee, J. G. Bolger, A. Farrell, P. T. Meagher and H. Turpin. SOCIETY OF YOUNG SOLICITORS A lecture was delivered to the Society on the 24 February 1966 on the "Practice of the Office of Wards of Courts" by Mr. George G. King, B.L., Registrar of Wards of Court. The lecture was delivered in a highly infor mative and interesting manner by the lecturer, who dealt with the practice of his office in a manner best calculated to assist the solicitor who is not accustomed to dealing with the Wards of Court Office. The discussion which followed showed the great interest of the audience in this little known branch of professional activity. The next lecture will be given to the Society on Thursday, 28 April 1966 by the President of the District Court, on "The Practice of the District Court". Other forthcoming lectures include: 26 May: "Preparation and Presentation of a Case for Counsel" by a Senior Counsel. 30 June (provisionally): "Land Commission Practice". 28 July: "Criminal Law Practice" by Herman 29 September: "Office Accounts Systems and Good, Esq., B.A., LL.B., Solicitor. Finance Control" by an Accountant. 27 October: "Insurance and Estate Duty" by an Insurance Specialist. 24 November: "Commercial Law Practice". Intending members should send subscriptions of £1-1-0 to the Hon. Treasurer, 2 Clare Street, Dublin 2. Remittances should be in favour of the Society of Young Solicitors.