§ 144. Saving clause. In case it be judicially determined that any phrase, clause, part, paragraph or section of any of the provisions of sections one hundred thirty, one hundred thirty-one, one hundred thirty-two, one hundred thirty-three, one hundred thirty-five, one hundred thirty-six, one hundred thirty-seven and one hundred thirty-eight is unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such determination shall not affect the validity or effect of the remaining provisions of the aforementioned sections. All persons heretofore appointed and still holding office as notaries public shall continue in such office after the effective date of this article, with the same powers and duties as herein provided until the expiration of the term for which they were appointed.