Lex Gratia Legis

This was the motto that the Attorney-General (Hon. T. Clifton Webb) urged law students to adopt in their professional life when officially opening V.U.C.'s handsome new Law Library last week before a large audience of practitioners, teachers and students of law. The Attorney-General compared our facilities with these of the days when he studied and students present realised how fortunate they were, because here was a room in which the College's 8000 law books were readily accessible. Moreover, it is an ideal lecture room and has been designed so that it can be used for moots. Mr. Webb repealed the thesis that he has often presented, namely that public suspicion of the profession stems from the fact that lawyers are too inclined to speak in legal language to laymen and thereby give an impression that they practise a mystic rite which is not intelligible to mere mortals. As he rightly pointed out, the law is "applied common sense." and lawyers should never forget this.

Those who attended this formal opening thought at first that eight speakers would probably bore everyone to tears, but this was not so as al Ispeechcs were brief and interesting. In addition to Mr. Webb, the audience also heard from Dean McGechan, the President of the Wellington District Law Society, and Malcolm Dunphy, President of the Law Faculty Club. The speaking list was large because the Faculty took this opportunity of honouring its beloved "Jimmy" Williams, now Principal of the College. Mr. J. B. O'Regan spoke for Dr. Williams' first students and praised the then Professor's deep interest not only in the academic problems of his students but also in the personal problems of the youth of the depression era who could not find suitable employment while they studied. On behalf of his colleagues, Mr. O'Regan formally presented a fine collection of volumes of the Australian Law Journal to the Library as a mark of appreciation to Dr. Williams. On behalf of class of '51 (Dr. Williams' last). John Selater presented the first volumes of that group's life-long subscription to the New South Wales Law Reports—also us a memento "of Dr. Williams' service.

In a short reply, the Principal thanked all present for their kindness and commented that, in his considered view, the Victoria Faculty was the strongest in Australasia and could stand up with the best in the world.

Under the chairmanship of Mr. T. D. M. Stout. Chairman of the College Council, the hour-long proceedings were both formal and pleasant. Other official guests were the senior Magistrate Mr. A. A. McLachian. and the President or the New Zealand Law Society, Mr. W. H Cunnigham. The officials were later entertained at cocktails in the Staff Common Room by the Law Faculty Club.

The opening of this library shows something of the progressive spirit of the Law Faculty. There have been many innovations in this Faculty in recent years and not all have been initiated by the staff. The Faculty is a closely-knit body of graduates, staff and students and other Faculties and Departments in the College could well ponder on the benefits that such liaison find harmony bring in their train.

This was a typical legal gathering in the tradition of an ancient profession a tradition which once marked the ancient Universities. Here were representatives of the Bench, the profession, the teachers and the students all joining in a corporate activity.

The Law Library will bring many benefits to a Faculty that has a proud record. The Faculty has seen as many as six of its graduates on the same Supreme Court Bench, it has watched its practising graduates become leaders of the Bar all over. New Zealand, and its students, from the first President of the Association in 1899. take a leading part in all spheres of College life.