BROWN (Angela Eliza Emily), Pittville Lawn Villa, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. June 1: Winterbothams and Gurney, solicitors, Cheltenham. BRUZAUD (Charles James), 93, Holland rd. Kensington, gentleman, formerly a member of the firm of S. and P. Erard, of London. May 31; E. Hilder, solicitor, 36, Jermyn-st, St. James's. BAXTER (Jonathan). 21, Ingal-rd, Barking, formerly 22, Mincing-la, commercial clerk. May 7; Rooke and Sons, solicitors, 45, Lincoin's-inn-flds. CROUCH (Arthur Job), formerly of Brooklyn, Kings, New York, U.S. of America, late of 34, Haydon's-rd, Wimbledon, Surrey, builder. May 20; A. E. Copp, solicitor, 36, Essex-st, Strand. COOPER (Sarah Ann), formerly of Southern-ter, Mottram, Longdendale, Cheshire, late of Wheelock-ra, Sandbach. Cheshire, spinster. May 7; J. S. Eaton, solicitor, Townhall-chmbrs, Ashton-under-Lyne. CECCONI (Eugene). 2 to 4. Arundell-st, hotel proprietor. May 10; Roscoe and Crailsheim, solicitors, 155, Fenchurch-st. CRALLAN (Margaret Elizabeth), Bruce Vale, Hamilton-rd, Boscombe, Hampshire, spinster. May 10; Bannister, Williams, and Ram, solicitors, 13, John-st, Bedford row. CROCKER (Emma), 57, Padwell-rd, Southampton. wife of Charles Crocker. May 6; Paris, Smith, and Randall, solicitors, Lansdowne House, Castle-la, Southampton. DOMONE (Jane), Ringwood, Southampton, widow. May 10; Davy and Jackson, solicitors, Ringwood. ELLIOT (Mary Ann), 123, Camden-rd, widow. May 10; F. W. Faulkner, solicitor, 7, Chandos-st, Cavendish-sq. Fox (William), Darlaston, Staffordshire, pork butcher and bacon curer. May 21; Slater and Co., solicitors, Darlaston, Staffordshire. FIELD (John), Stubbings Farm, Bisham, Berkshire, and of Nethercote and Manor Farms, Lewknor, Oxfordshire, and of Downley, Buckinghamshire, farmer. May 24 Parker and Son, solicitors, High Wycombe, Bucks. GIBBS (Richard), Cockham Dean, Berkshire. May 15; J. Hall, the agent for the administratrix, Lodway, Pill, Somerset. O'Donoghue and Anson, solicitors, 6, St. Stephen's-av, Bristol. GODDARD (Rowland). Ashberry House, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, cattle dealer. April 30 H. Goddard, sole executrix, Ashberry House, Melton Mowbray. HAYWARD (William), formerly of the British Tar. Milton-rd, Milton-next-Gravesend, Kent, licensed victualler, late of 49, Darnley-rd, Gravesend, retired. May 1; Carr and Martin, solicitors. 11 and 12, Great Tower-st. KEATE (Sarah), Greenbank-villas, Wells, Somerset, spinster. May 31; Abbot, Pope, Brown, and Abbot, solicitors, Shannon-ct, Bristol. MORTON (Willlam), 71 and 73, Wandsworth-rd, Vauxhall, and of the Arches, Alaskast, Lambeth, hay salesman. May 1; G. Reader and Co., solicitors, 1, Chapel-pl, Poultry. MITCHELL (Mary Ball), Heavitree, Devonshire, widow. May 25; J. and S. P. Pope, solicitors, 25 and 26, Gandy-st, Exeter. MARTIN (John). Bottlesford, North Newton, Wiltshire, gardener. June 1; P. Delmé Radcliffe, solicitor, Devizes, Wilts. MASSEY (Hon. Mrs. Emily), 7. Great Cumberland-pl. solicitors, 51, Lincoln's-inn-flds. May 8; Leman and Co., MASTIN (John), Laneham, Nottinghamshire, cottager. April 22; T. Bescoby, solicitor, East Retford. MURRAY (William Vaughan), Clarence-chmbrs, Marylebone-rd, and of the Royal London Yacht Club, Savile-row, gentleman. May 10; H. G. S. Williams. solicitor, 3, Spring-grdns. NORTHWAY (William), Queen's Head hotel, Tavistock, Devon, licensed victualler. May 28: Chilcott and Chilcott, solicitors, Tavistock. REID (Sarah Ann), 27, Lorn-rd, Brixton, Surrey, wife of John Reid. April 30; E. C. Carr, solicitor. 11 and 12, Great Tower-st. RICHARDSON (William Radford), Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, brassfounder. May 3; G. H. Hibbert, solicitor, Mansfield. SHERLIKER (Joseph), West Strand View, Preston, Lancashire, butcher. May 24; W. and J. Cooper, solicitors, 9, Lune-st, Preston. SNOOK (Louisa Maria), Woking, Surrey, widow. May 15; J. W. Barton, solicitor, 6, Lombard-st. SMART (Emma Matilda), 3, Portland-rd, Stoke, Devonport, Devonshire, spinster. WHISH (Anne Methuen), 14. Lansdown-parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, spinster. WALL (James Cresswell), Redland Lodge, Bristol, gentleman. April 26; Baker and Langworthy, solicitors. Bank-chmbrs, Corn-st. Bristol. WHISKER (William Percival), 24. Stock-st, Salford, Lancashire, retired brass moulder. May 1; G. L. Vaughan, solicitor, 24, St. Petersgate, Stockport. WRENTMORE (Francis), 34, Holland-villas-rd, Kensington, gentleman. Wrentmore and Son, solicitors, 29, Bedford-row. May 24; WELLS (James), 159, Long-la, Bermondsey, and of 10, Pope-rd, Bromley Common, Kent, carman and contractor. May 14; C. and E. Woodroffe, solicitors, 18, Great Dover-st. WOOD (George), Ackworth, Yorkshire, doctor of medicire. April 27; Claude, Leatham, and Co., solicitors, Chancery-la, Wakefield. WOOD (Elizabeth Mary). Lower Bradshaw Farm, Mellor, Derbyshire, spinster. May 1; Johnsons, solicitors, County-chmbrs, Stockport. LAW SOCIETIES. GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE BAR. THE last annual general meeting of the Bar was held in the Old Dining On the motion of Mr. Cozens-Hardy, Q.C., M.P., seconded by Sir Edward Clarke, Q.C., M.P., it was unanimously resolved: "That this meeting of the Bar desires to express its sense of the great services rendered to the Profession by Mr. Lofthouse, who has for more than twelve years discharged the duties of hon. secretary, first of the Bar Committee and afterwards of the General Council of the Bar." Messrs. Levett, Q.C., Kenyon S. Parker, and Yarborough Anderson were appointed auditors for the ensuing year, an audit of any two of them to be sufficient. At the election of members to serve on the Council fifty candidates were nominated to fill twenty-four vacancies. The following twenty-four candidates were elected :---Queen's Counsel: Mr. Montague Crackanthorpe, Mr. A. M. Channell, Mr. F. O. Crump, Mr. H. B. Buckley, Mr. E. Tindal Atkinson, Mr. Joseph Walton, Mr. C. Swinfen Eady, Mr. Vernon R. Smith, Mr. L. A. Kershaw, Mr. J. V. Vesey Fitzgerald. Outer Bar: Mr. George Sills, Mr. T. Tindal Methold, Mr. O. L. Clare, M.P., Mr. R. H. Spearman, Mr. H. Bargrave Deane, Mr. C. F. Gill, Mr. J. Alderson Foote, Mr. Edmund W. Garrett, Mr. Yarborough Anderson, Mr. John Scott Fox, Mr. C. A. Russell, Hon. Alfred Lyttelton, M.P., Mr. H. Erle Richards, Mr. Walter B. Lindley. The number of voting papers sent in was 1965, of which thirtysix were rejected. At the first meeting of the Council, held after the election, Mr. CozensHardy, QC., M.P., was appointed chairman, Mr. Channell, Q.C., vicechairman, and Mr. Wolstenholme, treasurer. By virtue of Regulation 4, Mr. Aspinall, Q.C. (Admiralty Court), Mr. Wolstenholme (conveyancer), and Mr. H. Lushington Stephen (South Wales Circuit) were appointed additional members of the Council. Mr. Yarborough Anderson resigned the office of auditor upon his election to the Council. : The following standing committees were appointed :-The Executive Committee Mr. C. M. Warmington, Q.C., Mr. Joseph Walton, Q.C., Mr. T. T. Methold, Mr. Eldon Bankes, Lord Robert Cecil. The Committee on the Business and Procedure of the Courts: Mr. Montague Crackanthorpe, Q.C., Mr. F. O. Crump, Q.C., Mr. G. Pitt Lewis, Q.C., Mr. C. Swinfen Eady, Q.C., Mr. W. English Harrison, Mr. C. A. Russell, Mr. W. B. Lindley. The Committee on Court Buildings: Mr. C. M. Warmington, Q.C., Mr. R. A. McCall, Q.C., Mr. James F. Oswald, Q.C., M.P., Mr. W. W. Knox, Mr. H. Bargrave Deane, Mr. J. Scott Fox, Mr. Hugh Fraser. The Committee on Matters relating to Professional Conduct: Mr. J. P. Murphy, Q.C., Mr. F. A. Bosanquet, Q.C., Mr. E. W. Byrne, Q.C., M.P., Mr. O. L. Clare, M.P., Mr. C. F. Gill, Mr. H. D. Bonsey, Mr. R. F. Norton. The chairman and vice-chairman of the Council are ex-officio members of all the standing committees. During the year vacancies occurred on the Council owing to the resignation of Mr. Murphy, Q.C., and the appointment of Mr. Byrne, Q.C., M.P., to be one of Her Majesty's judges. By virtue of Regulation 19, the Council appointed Mr. Cripps, Q.C., M.P. and Mr. Levett, Q.C., to fill the vacancies so caused upon the Council, whilst the vacancies upon the Professional Conduct Committee were filled by the appointment of Mr. Joseph Walton, Q.C. and Mr. English Harrison. : In accordance with Regulation 8, which provides that one half of the elected members shall go out of office at the time appointed for the close of the election in 1897, the following members will then go out of office: -Queen's Counsel: Mr. Marston C. Buszard, Mr. H. H. Cozens-Hardy, M.P., Mr. F. A. Bosanquet, Mr. C. M. Warmington, Mr. G. Pitt Lewis, Mr. R. A. McCall, Mr. James F. Oswald, M.P.; Mr. C. A. Cripps, M.P., Mr. E. L. Levett, appointed and retiring under Regulation 19. Outer Bar Mr. W. W. Knox, Mr. W. Graham, Sir H. Elphinstone, Bart., Mr. W. English Harrison, Mr. A. J. Ram, Mr. H. D. Bonsey, Mr. H. F. Manisty, Mr. J. Eldon Bankes, Mr. R. F. Norton, Mr. James E. Hamilton Benn, Mr. J. F. P. Rawlinson, Mr. Hugh Fraser, Lord Robert Cecil, Mr. F. W. Pember, Mr. T. Dalton Lawrance. Under Regulation 4 Messrs. Aspinall, Q.C., Wolstenholme, and H. Lushington Stephen, having been appointed by the Council as additional members, will go out of office at the close of the election. All the above gentlemen so retiring are eligible for re-election as members of the council. The election will be held as soon as possible after the annual general meeting of the Bar, which is fixed for Tuesday, the 4th May next (being the second Tuesday in Easter Sittings), in the Old Dining Hall, Lincoln'sinn, at 4.15 o'clock. Under Regulation 10 every candidate for election shall be proposed in writing, and his proposal form, signed by at least ten barristers, shall be sent to the secretary within one week after the annual general meeting of the Bar. Proposal forms may be obtained from the secretary. LEGISLATION. The attention of the Council has been called to the following Bills before Parliament:-High Court of Justice (Lancashire Sittings Bill), Light Railways Bill 1896, Benefices Bill 1896-7, Military Manoeuvres Bill 1896, London Valuation and Assessment Bill 1896, Evidence in Criminal Cases Bill 1896, Law of Evidence (Criminal Cases) Bill 1897, Agricultural Land Rating Bill 1896, Criminal Law Procedure Bill 1896, Conciliation (Trade Disputes) Bill 1896, The Boards of Conciliation Bill 1896, Companies Bill 1896-7, County Courts (Right of Audience) Bill 1897, Land Transfer Bill 1897, Marine Insurance Bill 1897, Court of Criminal Appeal Bill 1897, County Courts Bill 1897, Election Petitions Bill 1897, Estates Tail Bill 1897, Juries Detention Bill 1897, Law of Libel Amendment Bill 1897, Merchant Shipping Acts Amendment Bill 1897, Unlawful Possession Bill 1897, The Rules Under the Judicial Trustees Act 1896. Upon several of the above Bills special committees have been appointed to report. HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE (LANCASHIRE SITTINGS) BILL. The Council having, at the request of the Lord Chancellor, further considered this proposed Bill, made the following further report, which was communicated to the Lord Chancellor, to Her Majesty's judges, and to the Press. 1. We repeat the reasons which led us to the conclusion which we stated in our report of June 1895, to the effect that, "with regard to the assize system, the committee believe that the arrangement of four assizes a year at Manchester and Liverpool, and two at Lancaster, if properly carried out, gives ample provision for the wants of the suitors in the localities and for the disposal of the business." The business to which we referred was the ordinary business of the assizes, and with regard to such business we see no reason to alter our report of last year. We pointed out some of the inconveniences which arise from the way in which the assize system is at present carried out, and we might in this connection refer to the unequal periods between the assizes at Liverpool and Manchester. Thus at Liverpool the dates at which the assizes commence are 14th Nov., 9th March, 18th April, 6th May, and 25th July. 2.We do not think that any arrangement, made merely for the purpose of giving more frequent opportunities to suitors in Lancashire for trial of their cases, is at all necessary, or would in any way satisfy the claims which have from time to time been put forward in favour of Lancashire. 3. It can, however, scarcely be doubted that if there were a judge of the High Court sitting continuously in Lancashire, always ready to make arrangements for the speedy trial of actions, and to deal summarily with commercial disputes, a considerable convenience would be afforded to Lancashire suitors, especially to those engaged in trade and commerce, and there would probably be a large increase of legal business in the district. 4. We think, and we have reason to believe, that the members of the Bar generally concur in the opinion that it is undesirable in the interests not only of the Bar, but also of the public, to establish a district court of the High Court, presided over by a judge resident in the district. This objection might, however, be to some extent obviated by an arrangement that the Lancashire business should be assigned to a small rota of judges, one of whom should be always in Lancashire, or at any rate be there at short and regular intervals for the purpose not only of the trial of actions, but also of dealing with other matters arising in the same causes, judges on this rota being relieved from other circuit business. It would, however, be essential to the successful working of any such arrangement that the judges upon the rota should not be frequently changed. An arrangement such as that contained in the draft Bill would, without doubt, entail serious consequences. For instance, it would put an end to the Northern Circuit in its present form, and would, to some extent, affect the North-Eastern Circuit. The feeling of the circuits is naturally against such a change. The members of the Northern Circuit, resident in Lancashire, are, we believe, divided in opinion, but probably, on the whole, the majority are in favour of some such proposal as that contained in the Bill. Further, considerations similar to those which are urged in favour of Lancashire, apply with nearly if not quite equal force to other districts; and if facilities such as are contemplated by this draft Bill are given to Lancashire, they would undoubtedly be demanded by other districts, and it is difficult to see how they could be refused. Care must, therefore, be taken that more important and general public interests are not sacrificed to the convenience of suitors of a particular district. 6. The General Council of the Bar has already recommended the strengthening of the Bench by the addition of a judge to the Queen's Bench Division. It is clear that no arrangement for continuous sittings or more frequent sittings in Lancashire can be carried out without such an addition to the Bench. LIGHT RAILWAYS BILL. BENEFICES BILL.-MILITARY MANŒUVRES BILL. LONDON VALUATION AND ASSESSMENT BILL. The attention of the Council was drawn to the fact that these Bills contained provisions intended, or at any rate calculated, to prevent or restrict the employment of counsel in the several proceedings to which the Bills related, and it was observed that Parliament had already sanctioned a precedent for the provisions in question, namely, sub-sect. 11 of sect. 9 of the Local Government Act of 1894, which sub-section is in the following terms: "At any inquiry or arbitration held under this section, the person or persons holding the inquiry or arbitration shall hear any authorities or parties interested by themselves or their agents, and shall hear witnesses, but shall not, except in such cases as may be prescribed, hear counsel or expert witnesses." The Council having considered the matter reported as follows: "It will be in the recollection of many members of the Council that the attention of the Council was called to this enactment in Oct. 1894, and that the matter was referred to a committee. The committee supposed that the Local Government Board would regard it as their duty to proceed to prescribe the cases in which counsel might be heard. The board were accordingly requested to give notice to the Council before they made any rules; and the committee drew up, and the Council adopted and forwarded to the board, in May 1895, certain recommendations as to the cases in which liberty to appear by counsel ought to be given. From that day to this no rules have been prescribed by the board, and the consequence is that no one has a right of appearing by counsel in any proceedings under sect. 9 of the Local Government Act 1894. The Council are of opinion that the proposals under consideration, following upon the enactment to which they have just referred, are indications that the view has been adopted in influential quarters that the employment of counsel, in many classes of proceedings at any rate, is contrary to the public interest. The Council fully recognise that there are cases, of which some of the proceedings contemplated by the Military Manoeuvres Bill would be instances, in which it would not be right to restrict the right of audience to counsel or solicitors; and they also recognise that it may be proper in many cases to give to a tribunal full power to refuse to allow, as between party and party, the cost of appearing by counsel. But the Council are of opinion that enactments like sect. 9, sub-sect. 11, of the Local Government Act 1894, which have the effect of prohibiting the parties, in proceedings of a judicial character and in cases where evidence has to be taken, from appearing by counsel, if they choose to do so, are prejudicial alike to the interests of the public and the Bar. Any oppressiveness from the liability to pay costs which may result from the employment of counsel can always be prevented by giving to the tribunal a power of control over costs." Copies of this report were sent to the Lord Chancellor, the law lords, the Counsel to the Speaker, Government officials, and to all practising barristers who were members of Parliament. The Council are glad to notice that in the case of the only one of the above Bills which has at present become law, viz., the Light Railways Act, the suggestions of the Council would seem to have been considered reasonable, inasmuch as the sub-section to which objection was originally taken now reads as follows:- "The Board of Trade may, with the concurrence of the Lord Chancellor, make rules fixing a scale of costs to be applicable on any such arbitration, and may by such rules limit the cases in which the costs of counsel are to be allowed." Since the passing of the Act, the Council have been in communication with the Board of Trade with regard to the proposed rules to be made under the said subsection, and have been assured that before such rules are made an opportunity will be given to the General Council of the Bar of making any representation which they may desire to offer upon the draft rules. QUEEN'S DIAMOND JUBILEE, 1897. The Council have taken steps to secure, if possible, some accommodation for members of the Bar at the Royal Courts of Justice on the occasion of Her Majesty's Commemoration on the 22nd June. MATTERS RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETIQUETTE. The attention of the Council has during the past year been drawn to very numerous matters relating to professional conduct and etiquette, and the Council has taken such steps in reference thereto as upon consideration appeared advisable. The following are among such matters : (1.) RETAINER, RULE 21.-Owing to a letter which appeared in the Times newspaper, signed "An Unwilling Litigant," the attention of the Council was directed to the true meaning and construction of Rule 21 of the rules regulating the practice as to retainers of counsel, which is as follows: "21. No counsel can be required to accept a retainer or brief or to advise or draw pleadings in any case where he has previously advised another party on or in connection with the case, and he ought not to do so in any case in which he would be embarrassed in the discharge of his duty by reason of confidence reposed in him by the other party, or in which his acceptance of a retainer or brief or instructions to draw pleadings or advise would be inconsistent with the obligation of any retainer held by him; and in any such case it is the duty of the counsel to refuse to accept such retainer or brief, or to advise or to draw pleadings, and in case he has received such retainer or brief inadvertently, to return the same. The complaint was investigated by the Council, who were satisfied on the explanation of the counsel that there was no ground of complaint. The Council were of opinion, however, that counsel should act in accordance with the spirit of this rule rather than its letter, and that in cases in which counsel is aware that confidence has been reposed in him by someone not his client, but who has been assisting his client with information, counsel should not afterwards act against that person in any matter to which the information so given would be material. There can, however, be no such duty towards a person who has not been the client of the counsel unless the fact of confidence having been so reposed is clearly made known to the counsel. (2.) OPINIONS, &c.-Complaints having been made to the Council with regard to the practice of certain newspapers publishing the names of counsel in connection with opinions printed in their columns, the Council made representations as to the matters complained of, and are glad to state that in each case immediate effect was given to the expression of the Council's opinion, and alterations at once made with a view to meeting the wishes of the Council. (3.) CLERKS TO PUBLIC BODIES.-The Council, observing that it appeared to be becoming common for persons occupying the position of clerks to boards of guardians, town clerks, and others to be called to the Bar and to practise thereat whilst continuing to hold such offices, and considering that such a custom was likely to lead to inconvenience and mischief, resolved: "That a barrister holding the office of town clerk, clerk to guardians, or any similar public body, ought not to practise at the Bar, and that it is undesirable that a person holding any such office should be called to the Bar." A copy of this resolution was sent to the masters of the Bench of each Inn of Court, and the Council understand that the matter has been referred to, and is engaging the attention of, the Standing Joint Committee on the duties and discipline of the Bar, with a view to the amendment of the Consolidated Regulations. (4.) QUARTER SESSIONS.-A barrister, having asked the opinion of the Bar Council as to his right within two years of his call to the Bar to hold a brief at a sessions on a circuit which he had not yet joined, but intended to join, the Council were of opinion that a gentleman recently called to the Bar who has not joined a circuit, but who has a bona fide intention of joining any particular circuit upon the earliest possible opportunity which the rules of that circuit permit, may attend sessions held upon such circuit and accept briefs thereat before he shall have actually been elected a member of that circuit. (5.) COLLECTIVE FEES.-A barrister having asked the Council whether at brewster sessiors it is allowable to accept a brief from a solicitor to oppose a number of applications for new licences, or whether there must be a separate brief and fee for each opposed application, the Council replied that, in their opinion, it is not allowable for counsel to accept a collective brief from a solicitor to oppose a number of applications for new licences made by different applicants, but that counsel must have a separate brief marked with a separate fee to oppose the application or applications of each separate applicant. (6.) Re A BARRISTER, A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRACTISING AT ASSIZES AND SESSIONS.-(A) A junior of a circuit having asked the opinion of the Council as to whether a barrister ought to practise in the Crown Court at the assizes for the county for which-(1) he is an acting magistrate; (2) he is an acting magistrate and deputy-chairman of quarter sessions. The Council replied that they knew of no rule of the Profession to prevent a barrister holding such a position from so practising, but that there are many cases in which it is undesirable that he should do so, as for instance it would be objectionable for a magistrate to appear as counsel in a case when the prisoner had been committed for trial at the petty sessions where such magistrate is in the habit sitting. (B) A barrister, the chairman of a district council, and therefore ex officio a magistrate for the county in which the district council is, desired to know whether by reason of being a magistrate for the time being for the county, he is precluded by the rules of the Bar during the time that he is a magistrate, from practising before the quarter or petty sessions of such county; and further he asked whether upon ceasing to be a magistrate he will be able to practise before the Bench on which he had previously sat as a magistrate ? The Council were of opinion that there is a generally understood rule of the Profession that a barrister should not practise either at petty or quarter sessions in the county of which he is a magistrate, but that after he has ceased to be a magistrate he is no longer precluded from so practising. (7.) FEES, &c.-A barrister, a member of the house committee of a private hospital, the affairs of which are managed by governors and the house committee, requested the opinion of the Council as to whether he was entitled to take fees (1) for advising the hospital through their solicitor as to their position in certain matters; (2) in litigious business. The Council were of opinion that the mere fact of his being a member of the house committee of the hospital in question should not prevent his advising or holding a brief for the hospital, provided he is instructed on the usual and proper professional terms in cases in which his own actions as a member of the committee are not in question; and further that he is entitled to take fees both for advice and litigious business. (8.) REFRESHERS.-The question having been referred to the Council as to whether there is any rule of proportion between refreshers paid to leading and to junior counsel, the Council were of opinion that the rules set forth in the report of the 9th May 1890 on counsel's fees applied to refreshers equally with brief fees, and consequently that a junior counsel is entitled to a refresher fee of two-thirds of the refresher received by the leader. (9.) RETAINER RULE 20 (COUNTY COURTS). The Council having been asked whether rule 20 of the rules as to retainers of counsel applied to the following cases: (1) An action remitted to the County Court in which counsel has drawn pleadings or advised (?); (2) a County Court action in which counsel has advised (?) were of opinion that rule 20 does apply to such cases, and that in such cases counsel who has drawn pleadings or advised is entitled to a brief at the trial of the action in the County Court if counsel is engaged. (10.) Re THE ETIQUETTE OF COUNSEL ACTING FOR OR ADVISING CLIENTS WITHOUT THE INTERVENTION OF A SOLICITOR.-A barrister requested the opinion of the council as to whether there was any objection to his advising from time to time a business firm in non-contentious matters without the intervention of their solicitors, and further assuming that there is no such objection, he asked what is the proper method in which to charge for such advice? whether by asking a separate fee on each occasion, or by accepting an annual payment to cover all such advice? The Council replied: (1) That although there is no rule of the Profession against a barrister giving his opinion in non-contentious matters without the intervention of a solicitor, yet the Council consider that it is an undesirable practice to introduce; and (2) that if the barrister should so give his opinion, and should take fees therefor, such fees must be marked and paid in the usual way and upon the ordinary scale, and not by way of any annual payment or salary. RETAINER RULES. Numerous applications have been made to the Council during the past year, more especially with regard to the meaning and enforcement of rule 20 of the rules for regulating the practice as to retainers of counsel. Rule 20 is as follows: "20. Counsel who has drawn pleadings or advised, or accepted a brief during the progress of an action on behalf of any party shall not accept a retainer or brief from any other party without giving the party for whom he has drawn pleadings or advised, or on whose behalf he has accepted a brief, the opportunity of retaining or delivering a brief to him, but such counsel is entitled to a brief at the trial, and on an interlocutory application where counsel is engaged, unless express notice to the contrary shall have been given to him with the instructions to draw such pleadings or advise, or at the time of the delivery of such brief. Provided always, such counsel shall not be entitled to a brief in any case where he is unable or unwilling to accept the same without receiving a special fee." The Council accordingly appointed the following committee to consider the retainer rules and the effect and working thereof and to report to the Council thereon: Mr. A. M. Channell, Q.C.; Mr. E. W. Byrne, Q.C., M.P.; Mr. Joseph Walton, Q.C.; Mr. C. Swinfen Eady, Q.C.; Mr. O. Leigh Clare, M.P., Mr. E. W. Garrett, Mr. H. D. Bonsey, Mr. H. F. Manisty, Mr. R. F. Norton. Upon the appointment of Mr. Byrne, Q.C., M.P., to be one of Her Majesty's judges, the Council selected Mr. Methold to fill the vacancy so caused upon the committee. The committee have not as yet reported. COUNTY COURT JUDGES AND RECORDERSHIPS. During the year the Council resolved: (1) " That it is desirable that there should be a uniform rule either compelling recorders to resign, or permitting them to hold their recorderships on being appointed County Court judges"; and (2) "That it is desirable that County Court judges should resign their recorderships upon their appointment to the County Court Bench." BAR CLUB OR INSTITUTION. The Council have had under their consideration various schemes for the establishment of a club or institution for the use of members of the Bar. The Council, whilst fully recognising that such an institution might probably be of considerable use and advantage to the Profession, have been so far unable to indorse the schemes which have been laid before them as practicable or likely to succeed. BAR READING AND WRITING ROOM. Referring to last year's annual statement, the Council are glad to report that the suggestion therein contained for the acquisition of Room No. 719 in the Royal Courts of Justice as a reading and writing room for the use of the Bar was favourably entertained by the Lord Chancellor, and a scheme has been approved by him under which the room is now used jointly as a reading and writing room for the Bar, and as an addition to the Bar library. The regulation of the room (except so far as it shall be used as an addition to the library) is by the scheme placed under the control of a standing committee composed of four members from the Bar library committee and four members from the General Council of the Bar. The room is open during the same hours as the Bar library, and its use is confined to barristers, certificated conveyancers, and special pleaders. INNS OF COURT LIBRARIES. The Council appointed a committee to consider certain grievances which were said to exist with reference to the use of the Inns of Court libraries, and the following is the report of such committee: "Your committee have had under consideration nine letters from members of the Bar representing that members of one Inn who have chambers in another are much inconvenienced by the fact that they are unable to use the library of the Inn in which their chambers are situated. Your committee have taken steps to ascertain the reality and extent of this grievance, and for this purpose they communicated with the writers of the original letters referred to them, asking what number of persons laboured under the inconvenience complained of, and whether the writers of the letters had any and what suggestions for the remedy of that inconvenience. To these inquiries your committee have received replies in which the writers state that, in their judgment, formed upon inquiries they have made, not more than fifteen or twenty practising barristers having chambers in each Inn belong to another Inn, and they suggest various plans by which the inconvenience under which these members of the Bar suffer could be remedied. Your committee are of opinion that the grievance is a real one, and that there are no insuperable difficulties in the way of its remedy. They recommend that a communication be sent to the Benchers of each Inn, suggesting that a limited number of barristers having chambers in one Inn, but belonging to another, should be permitted to use the library of the Inn in which they have chambers upon payment of those fees which the members of the Inn pay for the support of the library. Your committee think that the said number might be fixed at twenty, and that this would remedy all substantial grievance, and would not cause overcrowding of the library of any Inn. Your committee desire to point out that such overcrowding as is at present felt in the various libraries is due almost exclusively to the presence of certain students, who come there not for any of the ordinary purposes for which the libraries are used by members of the Bar, but in order to read the elementary text-books. It is a matter for consideration of the various Benches whether anything could be done to provide for these students some place where they would not interfere with the use of the libraries by members of the Bar. Your committee find that, at the Middle Temple, provision is already made for the obtaining by barristers, not members of that Inn, of orders to use the library. February 1897.” The Council adopted the above report, and copies were sent to the masters of the Bench of each of the four Inns of Court, with the expression of a hope that the committee's suggestion might receive favourable consideration. COMMUNICATION WITH OTHER BARS. The Council have during the past year received communications from the Irish Bar, Calcutta Bar, and the New South Wales Bar, with reference to organisation, rules of professional conduct and practice, &c., and they have been glad to be able to afford information which they have reason to hope has proved useful. BRUSSELS CONFERENCE 1897. The Council in August last received an invitation from the executive council of the proposed International Congress of Advocates to be held at Brussels in Sept. or Oct. 1897 to take part in and be represented at such congress. They received at the same time prints of a lengthy questionnaire," bearing on the profession of the law in all its aspects. The Council came to the conclusion that in their opinion the time had not then arrived for their sending a definite reply to such invitation. With regard to the questions submitted, these were partly questions of opinion and partly questions of fact. So far as they were the first, it was considered that the members of the council would probably be divided upon them and no answer could have been given to them by the Council as such: whilst so far as they were the second, they could be answered by individuals quite as effectively as by the council, and provided those who answered them were qualified to do so, it was in the opinion of the Council of no importance whether they were members of the council or not. The Council accordingly suggested in reply to the invitation that Mr. McIlwraith, barrister-at-law, of 1, New-square, Lincoln's-inn, and Mr. Leslie Scott, barrister-at-law, of 11, Lord-street, Liverpool (both of whom were already known to the writer of the invitation, and whose consent the Council had obtained) were willing to furnish all the information required, and that their answers were likely to be as full and as accurate as the conditions under which they were given would allow. The attention of the Council having been drawn to the above statutory provisions, the following committee has been appointed to consider whether any and what steps should be taken to secure their repeal or modification: Mr. C. A. Cripps, Q.C., M.P., Mr. A. J. Ram, Mr. H. F. Manisty, Hon. Alfred Lyttelton, M.P., Mr. J. F. P. Rawlinson, Lord Robert Cecil. RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT (Order XXX. AND LXIV.) The Rule Committee of the Supreme Court forwarded the following proposed new rules for the consideration of the Bar Council : 1. COMPULSORY SUMMONS FOR DIRECTIONS.-I. In substitution for the present rule 1 of Order XXX. the following: "1. (a.) Subject as hereinafter mentioned, in every action a summons for directions shall be taken out by the plaintiff returnable in not less than four days. (b.) Such summons shall be taken out after appearance and before the plaintiff takes any fresh steps in the action other than application for an injunction, or for a receiver, or for summary judgment under Order XIV. (c.) The summons shall be in the Form No. 3 (a) Appendix K., with such variations as circumstances may require, and shall be addressed to and served upon all such parties to the action as may be affected thereby. (d.) This rule shall not apply to Admiralty actions within the meaning of section thirty-four of the Judicature Act 1873, or to actions coming under the provisions of Order XVIIIA. (e.) Where under Order XVIIIA. the defendant applies for a statement of claim, the judge may deal with such application as if the plaintiff had been entitled to take out and had taken out a summons for directions." Resolved: "That in the opinion of the Council it is not desirable to pass the rule, unless the proposed summons for directions is made returnable before a judge, and, if possible, the judge who is to try the action, as is now done in the Commercial Court." 2. DELIVERY OF PLEADINGS IN THE LONG VACATION.-II. In substitution for the present Rules 4 and 5 of Order LXIV. :-" 4. In causes intended to be tried in the county of Lancaster, summonses may be issued and pleadings may be amended, delivered, or filed in the Long Vacation on and after the 1st October in any year, but shall not be issued, amended, delivered, or filed during any other part of such vacation, unless by direction of the court or a judge. 5. Save as in the last preceding rule mentioned, the time of the Long Vacation in any year shall not be reckoned in the computation of the times appointed or allowed by these rules for amending, delivering, or filing any pleading unless otherwise directed by the court or a judge." Resolved: "That the proposed Rule 4 should extend to all causes where the venue is laid in any county or city where there is an assize for civil business between the end of the Long Vacation and the 1st Dec." Further, that at the end of Rule 4, words should be added to this effect: "That in cases within this rule, the time appointed or allowed for amending, delivering, or filing any pleadings shall run from the 1st Oct." THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTS AND THE EXTENSION OF THE JURISDICTION OF QUARTER SESSIONS. The consideration of these important questions, which have of late occupied so much attention in the Press and elsewhere, has been referred by the Council to the Standing Committee on Business and Procedure for consideration and report. The committee have, in exercise of their power to invite any member of the Bar to serve upon the committee, invited Mr. Dickens, Q.C., and Mr. Scott Fox so to serve. The committee have not yet presented their report to the council. CAUSE LISTS, &c. In addition to the lists previously posted by the Council, they have during the past year obtained and posted daily in the Inner Temple, the House of Lords, Privy Council, and Mayor's Court Lists. Through the courtesy of the clerks of assize and other circuit officials they have also been able in many cases to post notices of alteration of circuit dates, and of special arrangements made by the judge of assize with regard to the order of business or the time for taking any particular class of business. It is believed that such information is of much use to the members of a circuit, who do not happen at the moment to be on circuit, and the secretary will be at all times very glad to receive any such information for the purpose of posting the same. The general and daily cause lists for the House of Lords, Privy Council, High Court of Justice, and Mayor's Court, and the weekly Queen's Bench lists, and Ross's Parliamentary Record, &c., may be seen on application at the offices of the Council. TELEPHONE. It will be remembered that a representation was made to the Benchers of the Inner and Middle Temples, that it would be a great convenience to the members of the Bar, if the Benchers made arrangements for the establishment of a Telephone Call station in the Temple. The Council are glad to notice that acting upon such representation the Benchers of the Inner Temple have established a Telephone Call station in the basement of the Reading Room, in King's Bench Walk, for the use of members of the Inner Temple. BAR COUNCIL ELECTIONS. In consequence of representations made to the Council with reference to various difficulties which had arisen in connection with recent elections, the Council appointed a committee to consider the matter, and the following are the recommendations of such committee: "(a.) That every voting paper should, when issued, have written thereon the name of the barrister for whose use it is intended, and should only be counted when signed by such barrister. (b.) That a barrister who has not a professional address in the Law List should not be supplied with a voting paper except upon his per sonal or written application, or upon the personal or written application of another barrister specifying the barrister for whom the same is required. (c.) That the poll should be kept open for one week as at present." The committee were of opinion that County Court judges, official referees, masters of the Queen's Bench, stipendiary magistrates, and barristers holding any of the offices which a student, by the declaration which he makes when called to the Bar, undertakes not to hold, should not vote at the council elections, but having regard to the fact that the votes given by such persons are not numerous, and that some of those who have voted have done so for a long period, they submitted to the council that it is not now necessary to frame a regulation forbidding their voting." The Council having adopted the above recommendations of the committee they will be observed at the forthcoming and future elections. SOLICITORS' BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION. THE usual monthly meeting of the board of directors of this association was held at the Law Institution, Chancery-lane, London, on Wednesday, the 14th April; Mr. Sidney Smith in the chair. The other directors present being: Messrs. Grantham R. Dodd, William Geare, Samuel Harris (Leicester), J. E. Gray Hill (Liverpool), F. H. Janson, J. H. Kays, Henry Roscoe, F. T. Woolbert, and J. T. Scott (secretary). A sum of £325 was distributed in grants of relief, and other general business transacted. Willson brought forward the motion on the agenda paper, viz., "That in the opinion of this House the state of our Indian army demands the re-enforcement of the Contagious Diseases Acts in that country." Speakers: for the motion, Messrs. Willson, Copeland, and Clarke; against, Messrs. Withers, Kinipple, and Lyons. The motion was carried. THE SOLICITORS' MANAGING CLERKS' ASSOCIATION. THE following circular has been issued:-"12, New-court, Lincoln's-inn, 10th April 1897.-Dear Sir,-With the object of arousing a deeper interest than has hitherto been shown in the members' meetings, which are held here every alternate Wednesday evening for discussions on legal subjects of interest, the council intend to invite well-known members of the Bar to address such meetings from time to time. I have the pleasure to announce that Mr. F. O. Crump, Q.C., has kindly consented to deliver an address at the Association's Room on Wednesday, the 28th April. Subject, A Modern Action at Law.' The chair to be taken at 6.45 p.m. May I urgently appeal to you to make a very special effort to be present on this occasion, and to whip up other members to do the same, in order that we may not only give Mr. Crump a cordial reception, but for the credit of the association show that the members take an active interest in the practical as well as the social advantages thereof. For my assistance in assuring accommodation for members, may I request the favour of a post-card as to whether you will be present or no.-Yours faithfully, T. CHAS. TUNSTALL, Hon. Sec. of Members' Meetings, &c.-The subject for discussion on Wednesday evening, the 12th May, will be 'Dickens' Lawyers.' Opener, Mr. W. J. Spray." THE COURTS AND COURT PAPERS. SPECIAL NOTICE WITH REFERENCE TO THE CHANCERY WITNESS LISTS. DURING the Easter Sittings the judges will sit for the disposal of their own witness lists as follows: Mr. Justice North will take his witness list for the fortnight, beginning on Tuesday, the 18th May, and will sit continuously (Monday, the 24th May, excepted) until Saturday, the 29th May. Mr. Justice Stirling will begin on Tuesday, the 4th May, and sit continuously (Monday, the 10th May, excepted) until Saturday, the 15th May. Mr. Justice Kekewich will begin on Tuesday, the 18th May, and sit continuously (Monday, the 24th May, excepted) until Saturday, the 29th May. Mr. Justice Romer will begin on Tuesday, the 4th May, and sit continuously (Monday, the 10th May, excepted) until Saturday, the 15th May. N.B.-If the witness list should be taken on any days other than those above appointed, due notice will be given. During the fortnight when a judge is engaged on his witness list, motions in causes or matters assigned to him (including ex parte motions, but not including motions relating to the postponement of the trial or hearing of auy cause or matter in his Lordship's list), and also unopposed petitions assigned to him, will be heard by one of his colleagues as follows: Those assigned to Mr. Justice North will be heard by Mr. Justice Romer. Those assigned to Mr. Justice Stirling will be heard by Mr. Justice Kekewich. Those assigned to Mr. Justice Kekewich will be heard by Mr. Justice Stirling. Those assigned to Mr. Justice Romer will be heard by Mr. Justice North. LAW STUDENTS' JOURNAL. STUDENTS' SOCIETIES. BRADFORD.-An ordinary meeting of this society was held at the West Riding Court, Bradford, on Wednesday, the 7th inst., Mr. H. Waddington presiding. The subject for debate was: "That the case of AttorneyGeneral v. Jacobs Smith (1895) L. J. 64) was wrongly decided." Mr. J. H. Heap opened on behalf of the affirmative, being supported by Mr. H. M. Dawson. He was opposed by Mr. A. Turnbull, who was seconded by Mr. E. Waddington. On the debate being thrown open, Messrs. J. W. Perkins, Pinnell, Marsden, Dunn, and Firth spoke. After the leaders had replied, the Chairman summed up the arguments adduced, and, a vote being taken, it was found the affirmative were successful by a majority of three. DEWSBURY, WAKEFIELD, AND DISTRICT.-The annual meeting was held in the Law Library, Wakefield, on Wednesday evening, the 7th inst., Mr. G. Trevelyan Lee in the chair. There were also present, Messrs. C. E. Peace, S. L. W. Richardson, W. H. Kingswell, A. E. Greaves, W. W. Barker, T. Catterall, S. A. R. Preston, H. W. Crouch, T. H. Asquith, and H. Pickles (hon. secretary). The fifth annual report of the committee and the treasurer's balance-sheet were unanimously adopted. The election of officers took place as follows:-Patrons: Lord Russell of Killowen, L.C.J., his Honour Judge Suagge, his Honour Judge Waddy, Sir F. Lockwood, Q.C., M.P., E. Tindal Atkinson, Q.C., Cyril Dodd, Q.C., L. A. Kershaw, Q C., L. A. Atherley Jones, Q.C., M.P., and Sir A. K. Rollit, M.P. Hon. president: Sir John Simon, S.L. pat. prec. Presidents: His Honour Judge Cadman, and Mr. S. H. West, M.A. Vice-presidents: Messrs. T. L. Chadwick, M.A., H. Mason, C. A. Rhodes, M.A., R. A. Shepherd, M.A., B.C.L., E. E. Deane, LL.D., W. Townend, and A. D. Smith. Hon. secretary: Mr. T. Catterall. Hon. treasurer: Mr. S. A. R. Preston. Hon. auditors: Messrs. C. J. Haworth and F. Mason. Committee: Messrs. J. Marshall, C. E. Peace, W. H. Kingswell, and H. Pickles. The following were elected members of the society :-Hon. members: Messrs. R. A. Shepherd, M.A., B.C.L., C. J. Haworth, E. H. Holt, W. Woodhead, and H. H. Hankinson. Ordinary members: Messrs. T. S. Starkie, Landmann, and H. Ellis. Hearty votes of thanks to the retiring officers and the chairman concluded the meeting. PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS. Mr. G. MARCH HILL, solicitor, of 73A, Queen Victoria-street, E.C., has been appointed a Commissioner for Oaths. Mr. Hill was admitted in May 1890. CORRESPONDENCE. SOLICITORS AND THE DIAMOND JUBILEE.-The suggested dedicatory act by the council of the Chief Law Society (as made by "Pro Lege et Grege") in your last issue, is a good one, namely, to give the Law Club (on the society's premises) notice to quit, and throw open the spacious club rooms (now monopolised by a mere handful of the members) to the general body of members of the Incorporated Law Society for the purpose of luncheon. It would be a most popular move on the part of the council. But is it not too good and too fair a thing to hope for? A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY. THE GAZETTES. Professional Partnerships Dissolved. GAZETTE, APRIL 9. BOWKER, FREDERICK, and BOWKER, FREDERICK, jun, solicitors, Winchester. GAZETTE, APRIL 13. BYRNE. GREGORY WIDDRINGTON, and BLAKISTON, ROCH FORT FOLLIOTT, solicitors, Bankrupts. THE BANKRUPTCY ACTS 1883 AND 1890. RECEIVING ORDERS. GAZETTE, APRIL 9. To surrender at the High Court of Justice, in Bankruptcy. BECKETT, ALFRED, late Harman-st, Kingsland-rd, shirt manufacturer. Pet. March 15. BROWN, CECIL REYNER WILLIAM, Hydrographic Department, Admiralty. Pet. PRICE, EDWARD MATTHEW, late Holyport, schoolmaster. Pet. Feb. 9. Order, April 6. RILEY, WILLIAM HENRY, Burman-st, London-rd, Southwark, brassfounder. Pet. ROSKIN, CHARLES (trading as C. H. Roskin and Co.). Broad-st House, New Broad-st, Order, April 5. Pet To surrender at their respective District Courts. BUCKTON, SAM, jun., and BUCKTON, RICHARD (trading as Buckton and Co.), Pudsey, BRAY, FREDERICK ROBERT THOMPSON, Parkgate, hairdresser. HAYMES, WILLIAM, Kingston-upon-Hull, provision dealer. Ct. Kingston-upon-Hull. Pet. April 7. Order, April 7. JARRATT, THOMAS, late Thornton, farmer. Ct. Bradford, Yorks. Pet. April 3. Order, April 3. KAYE, FREDERICK, Newcastle-on-Tyne, late railway clerk. Ct. Newcastle-on-Tyne. KILFORD, ROBERT (trading as Robert Kilford and Co.), Stourbridge, grocer. Ct. |
