Juridical Society. Counsel for the pursuers were Mr. Roderick M. Nicol and Mr. John M'Fadzean; and for the defenders there appeared Mr. John Macalister and Mr. William J. Taylor. Mr. J. B. Foulis acted as Clerk of Court. Mr. James Winning, jun., C.A., was called as an expert witness for the pursuers, and expressed the strong conviction that the auditor had fulfilled all his duties. An amusing cross-examination by Mr. Macalister elicited both laughter and applause from the large audience, but Mr. Winning emerged from the ordeal with flying colours. Mr. John A. Houston, C.A., then gave able evidence as an expert for the defenders. Counsel on both sides

having debated on the evidence, the judge summed up, deciding substantially in favour of the pursuers, and gave judgment accordingly. The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks on behalf of both societies to Mr. Shaw for having presided.

SIXTY YEARS A TOWN-CLERK.-On Saturday, 8th December, in presence of a large gathering of ladies and gentlemen, in the Victoria Hall, Helensburgh, Mr. George Maclachlan, for almost sixty years. town-clerk of Helensburgh, was presented with his portrait in oils by Sir James Guthrie, president, Royal Scottish Academy, an illuminated address, silver salver, silver candelabra, and silver rosebowl, along with a diamond brooch for Mrs. Maclachlan. Provost Bryden, who presided and made the presentation, said they were assembled that afternoon to do honour to their venerable and much beloved townsman, Mr. George Maclachlan. For well-nigh sixty years he had guided the affairs of this burgh with such marked ability, courtesy, and geniality as to win the affection of the whole community. Mr. Maclachlan had been associated with Helensburgh from the days of his boyhood, when he came as a summer visitor from the ancient burgh of Paisley, of which he was a native. At the close of his legal course, Mr. Maclachlan settled down for good in Helensburgh, and two years afterwards he was appointed to the office of town-clerk, entering upon his new duties on the 18th September, 1847. There was no denying the fact that the direction of their municipal affairs had rested mainly with the town-clerk, and to him probably more than to any other man was the growth and prosperity of the burgh to be attributed. Happy had this burgh been in its town-clerk, and happy will it remain so long as he is spared to be at the helm of its municipal affairs. Amongst those who took part in the proceedings were the Rev. Hugh Miller, chairman of the School Board (and of which Mr. Maclachlan is clerk); Mr. Wyllie, ex-M.P. for Dumbartonshire; Mr. Wm. Craig, Dumbarton, as representing the Faculty; Provost M'Farlane, Dumbarton; Rev. John Baird, as representing the religious life of Helensburgh (with which Mr. Maclachlan is closely identified); and Mr. G. R. Murray, burgh chamberlain. Mr. Maclachlan, in his reply, gave many interesting reminiscences of old Helensburgh.

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