An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > Gaidheal > Volume 42, October 1946--September 1947

Am Mart, 1947.
AN GAIDHEAI,.
75
The Committee had ooneidered the recommendation of the
Executive Council that the Committee cease as a War Charity
Organisation and adopt the title suggested, namely, “An
Comunn Gaidhealaoh War Memorial and Thanksgiving Fund
Committee.” The Committee suggested that one of its mem¬
bers be co-opted on the Finance Committee ; and, on the motion
of Mrs. Barron, seconded by Mrs. Edgar, Mr. J. M. Bannerman
was appointed to represent the new Committee on the Finance
Committee. Dr. Colin Sinclair asked if it had yet been decided
what form the Memorial was to take. Mr. Bannerman replied
that nothing definite had yet been decided.
Minute of Meeting of Finance Committee was read. With
reference to the motion to alter Bye-Law No. 20, passed at the
last meeting, it was remitted to the Finance Committee to
frame a scheme regulating the expenses of members in attend¬
ing meetings of the Association and of the Executive Council.
On the motion of Mr. John A. Nicolson, Convener, the minute
was adopted.
Gaelic in Schools and Colleges.
Minute of Meeting of Education Committee was read. Miss
C. Cameron raised the question relative to the Preliminary
Examination in Gaelic and was informed that the Lecturer
had been approached but up to the time of the meeting no
reply had been received. She also raised the question relative
to the Modified Course under the auspices of the Church of
Scotland for demobilised Divinity Students. After discussion,
it was remitted to the Education Committee to enquire into
the position. Enquiries were made about the teaching of
Gaelic in Glasgow Schools and also about the teaching of
Gaelic in the Provincial Training Colleges. Mr Farquhar
MacRae pointed out that the matter of teaching Gaelic in the
Glasgow Schools was under consideration by the Director of
Education and that a further approach would be made to
parents. He also pointed out that there is no full-time teacher
of Gaelic at the Provincial Colleges but that adequate time is
devoted to the teaching of Gaelic. The Minute was adopted
on the motion of Mr. Farquhar MacRae, Convener.
Minute of Meeting of Publication Committee was read, Dr.
Colin Sinclair expressed appreciation of the feature, “Litir
Comunn na h-Oigridh,” by Mr. Hector MacDougall, and
congratulated him on the high standard which he maintained
over a long period. The President stated he was sure that An
Comunn appreciated the splendid work which Mr. MacDougall
had done in this connection, and that his letter was always of
an informative and inspiring nature, not only to members
of Comunn na h-Oigridh but to members of An Comunn
generally. The Minute was adopted on the motion of Rev.
T. M. Murchison, Convener.
Edinburgh Festival.
Minute of Meeting of Propaganda Committee was read,
also Minutes of Northern and Southern Sub-committees. With
reference to the International Festival of Music and Drama to
be held in Edinburgh in the early Autumn, it was reported that
no place had been given to Gaelic on the Festival Programme.
The Secretary reported on the correspondence which he had
with the Officials concerned. After a full discussion, the
Committee recommended that an approach be made direct
to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, drawing his attention to
the omission of Gaelic from the Festival Proceedings. The
Committee recommended that an effort be made to secure the
services of Music Teachers in order to prepare choirs and
competitors for Provincial Mods. The Minute was adopted
on the motion of Mr. Donald Thomson, Vice-Convener.
Mr. Hector MaoDougall referred to notices appearing in
the Press about Puirt-a-Beul, criticising such music adversely,
and also an article which endeavoured to minimise the cultural
value of Gaelic. The matter was fully discussed, and it was
decided that no action be taken by An Comunn but that
individual members might express their views.
Minute of Meeting of Art and Industry Committee was read.
It was reported that the Glasgow Celtic Society had donated
the sum of £6 for prizes in the Celtic Art Competition Section,
and the offer of these prizes by the Celtic Society was much
appreciated and gratefully accepted. With regard to the
arrangement come to whereby An Comunn would nominate
a representative who might be appointed as a Director on the
Board of the Highland Home Industries. Ltd., the Com¬
mittee recommended that the President, Lr. John Cameron,
LL.B., be appointed. Dr. Cameron expressed the view that a
member of the Art and Industry Committee should be
appointed. On the motion of Mr. John A. Nicolson, Dr. Colin
Sinclair was proposed, and this was unanimously agreed to.
Dr. Sinclair agreed to act. The Minute was adopted on the
motion of Mrs. Dunlop.
Minute of Meeting of Mod and Music Committee was read,
and was adopted on the motion of the Convener, Mr. John
M. Bannerman.
Minute of Meeting of Clann an Fhraoich Committee was
read. The Minute recommended, following the report of the
representatives who visited Inverailort, that the Annual Camp
of Comunn na h-Oigridh be held there from 10th July to 4th
August, and Mr. Cameron-Head of Inverailort was cordially
thanked for his kindness in placing this ground at the disposal
of the Committee. The Minute was adopted on the motion
of Mr. Hector MacDougall, Convener.
Highland Advisory Panel.
Minute of Meeting of Advisory Committee was read. The
Committee had considered, as a result of an enquiry made to
An Comunn, whether they would be willing to appoint a
representative to the Highlands and Islands Advisory Panel,
either as a co-opted member or as a liaison officer, in the event
of an invitation being extended to them. After a full discuss¬
ion it was decided that such a representative would be nomin¬
ated if such an invitation were given, and, on the motion of
Mr. John A. Nicolson, Dr. John Cameron, the President, was
nominated to represent An Comunn Gaidhealach on this
Panel, if an invitation were given. Arising out of the dis¬
cussion in connection with the Highlands and Islands Advisory
Panel, Mr. John A. Nicolson moved that, “While welcoming
any sign of interest by the Government in the precarious
position in the Highlands, this Association views with profound
regret the continued failure to take immediate and practical
action on the lines of the many reports and Departmental
information already at the disposal of the Scottish Office.”
This motion was seconded by Mr. Donald Thomson, and was
agreed to.
Minute of Meeting of Copyright Committee was read. It
had been reported that Mr. Angus Robertson had resigned as
Convener of this Committee, and he was cordially thanked for
his services. Dr. John Cameron, President, was appointed
Convener in place of Mr. Robertson. It was reported that a
letter had been received from Messrs. MacLaren, a copy of which
would be circulated to the members of committee, and the
matter would be fully discussed at the next meeting. On the
motion of the President the minute was adopted.
Re-organisation.
Minute of Meeting of Re-organisation Committee was read.
It was recommended that each Branch would pay annually,
direct to the General Treasurer of An Comunn, a sum of 2/-
for each member on its roll, so that these members of the
Branch would become ordinary members of An Comunn ;
it would be left to each Branch to fix its own membership fee.
In order that the recommendations made would be thoroughly
understood and appreciated by the Branches, it was decided
that a circular letter should be sent to each Branch Secretary,
setting forth this recommendation, and also the recommenda¬
tions previously made with reference to the revision and
alterations of the Constitution and Rules of the Association.
The Branches would be requested to convey to the General
Secretary their views on the recommendations proposed.
On the motion of the President the Minute was adopted.
The date of next meeting, which will be the Gaelic Meeting
of the Executive Council was fixed for 11th April. 1947.
A Vote of Thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting.
Is diii nach gabh comhairle, ’s is diu a ghabhas gach comhairle
—He who won't take advice is worthless ; equally worthless is
he who takes all advice.