Page:Notable South Australians.djvu/169

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OR, COLONISTS—PAST AND PRESENT.
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England and the colonies, whilst some were translated into foreign languages. Among the subjects treated were:—"Bills, Cheques and Notes," "Partnership," "The Law of Husband and Wife," "The Law of Public Meetings," and "The Law of Joint Stock Companies." He also wrote a work containing 250 precedents with introductions and notes, entitled "Legal Forms for Common Use." Though their circulation increased his practice, and brought him pupils. Dr. Smith at intervals brought out new editions of each, and was frequently engaged on the daily press in writing upon the legal, constitutional, and international questions of the day. He has devoted much time to general literature, and has published "Twelve True Tales of the Law," and a translation into English rhyming verse of the two first books of Horace's Odes, each ode being translated in no more lines than the original; a feat which, as was remarked by the Intellectual Observer, "no previous translator had either achieved or attempted." The leading reviews also spoke highly of the book. Great exertions were made by Dr. Smith beyond his practice, in the cause of Law Reform, especially that branch known as "Procedure-reform." Deeply imbued with the ideas of Bentham, he did much to secure the appearance before the Judge as the first step in the cause; the assignment of each cause to one Judge, who should deal with it throughout; the ascertainment of the issue without written pleadings; continuous sittings, as in a Police Court; the concentration of the Courts and their offices, and the admissibility of the evidence of accused persons. In furtherance of these objects he wrote articles, letters and pamphlets, and read papers before societies interested therein. He also originated a proposal favored by Lord Westbury, to codify the whole law of England and Ireland en bloc instead of piecemeal, and lay it before a Committee in a printed form. When the fusion of law and equity was attempted in 1873, some of Dr. Smith's suggestions were adopted; but the