An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > Gaidheal > Volume 24, October 1928--September 1929

An t-Og-mWos, 1929.
AN GATDHEAL.
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gave delightful renderings of this year’s pre¬
scribed Puirt a Beul. Soloists and duettists
distinguished themselves in varied selections
of Gaelic songs.
On the morning of 1st May I travelled with
Mr. Archibald Macfarlane in his motor to
Croggan, returning to Craignure in the after¬
noon. There are only two children in Croggan
School neither of whom is Gaelic speaking.
At Lochbuie, I was informed, only three pupils
attend the school there, A meeting of the
Torosay Branch had been arranged for me,
and I attended at Lochdonhead School at
8 o’clock in the evening. Only nine members
turned out, and after I had examined the
Minute Book it was arranged to hold a General
Meeting of the Branch on 10th May. I arranged
the circular letter calling the meeting, and this
was typed at the Head Office, and distributed
locally by the Branch Secretary. I am pleased
to report now that this meeting was held and
was largely attended.
I proceeded to the Ross of Mull on 2nd May,
and interviewed Mr. John MacKechnie, the
Schoolhouse, Bunessan, Secretary of the Branch.
The closing Ceilidh of this Branch had been
held, and I was much encouraged to learn
from Mr. MacKechnie that the branch member¬
ship now exceeds 100. Great interest is taken
in the monthly meetings locally.
In the evening I addressed a well attended
meeting in Creich School on the work of An
Comunn. No attempt was made to form a
Branch, as most of the younger people attended
the meetings of the Bunessan Branch. Songs
were sung by members of the Singing Class.
I remained overnight in Fionphort, and on the
following forenoon interviewed Mrs. Pettigrew,
Ardfinaig, on behalf of the local officials, with
a view to her taking charge of a composite
choir from the Ross of Mull to compete at the
Provincial Mod at Oban. In this I was success¬
ful and it remains with local members to get
the choir selected. Mrs. Pettigrew showed her
keen interest in the musical aspirations of the
Ross people by training and bringing a choir
from Pennyghael to Oban on a previous occasion,
gaining second and third places.
I crossed to Iona on Friday afternoon, and
for the first time set foot on its sacred soil.
I was met by Mr. Angus MacPhail, postmaster,
who arranged for my visit purposely to form
a Branch of An Comunn. The meeting was
arranged for Saturday evening, and in the
interval I was shown over the ruins and
Cathedral by Dr. Wyse, who was on a short
holiday in the island. The meeting was held
jn the new Public Hall, and presided over by
Mr. Angus MacPhail. There was an attend¬
ance of between 40 and 50 people, mostly
Gaelic speaking, but to impress on all my
hearers the necessity for such an organisation
as An Comunn I concluded my remarks in
English. A Branch was formed with Mr.
MacPhail as President, and Mr. Donald Black,
Secretary. There is every indication that the
Iona Branch will prove successful. It has a
unique opportunity of making the aims and
objects of An Comunn known to a wide circle
of world travellers.
I returned to the mainland on Monday,
6th May, and attended a meeting in the Hall,
Taynuilt, presided over by the Rev. Alexander
MacDonald, Ardchattan. There was an attend¬
ance of over 80 people, who were all in favour
of forming a Branch of An Comunn. The
Gaelic Choir, under the direction of Mr. Angus
Campbell, contributed greatly to the success
of the meeting. Dr. R. R. MacNicol was
appointed President of the Branch, and Miss
MacIntyre, Corfe House, Secretary. About 36
people enrolled as members at the close. We
are much indebted to Dr. MacNicol, Mr. Murray
(Headmaster), and Mr. Angus Campbell, for
organising such a splendid meeting.
I travelled to Campbeltown on 8th May, and
attended at the Kintyre Mod there on the 9th
and 10th, as reported on another page.
Niall.
WORK FOR COMUNN GAIDHEALACH
BRANCHES.
Sir,—The session of the various branches
of An Comunn Gaidhealach has now drawn
to a close, and I should like to make a
few suggestions at this time so that secretaries
and members of branches can think over them
before they draw up their syllabus for the
next session. The object of the parent associa¬
tion is the preservation of the Gaelic language,
music, literature, and art, and it ought to be
the duty of branches to assist in this as much
as possible. Though there are some branches
who do laudable work in this direction, it has
to be admitted that in a number of cases
branches exist for the pleasure and enjoyment
of their members, and the real work of the
association is neglected. A social evening and
dance may be a fitting wind up to a session’s
work, and no exception need be taken to it,
but when it is found that all the meetings of
a branch consist of social evenings and dances,
the utility of the branch is not very evident
as far as Gaelic is concerned,