An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > Gaidheal > Volume 28, October 1932--September 1933

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AN GAiDHNAL.
An t-Samhuin, 1932.
FORT WILLIAM MOD, 1932.
The annual Mod of An Comunn Gaidh-
ealach commenced in Fort William on
Tuesday, the 4th of October. This is the
third occasion upon which the national
gathering has been held in the capital of
Lochaber. On each occasion one felt the
fitness of the spot to be the venue of a Mod.
But this year’s festival has broken all
records, both in the number of entries and
in the extraordinary financial achievement
of the Local Committee. In these critical
days, when Gaelic was supposed to be
waning, and when most people have not
much money to spare, this double success is
an undeniable testimony to the earnestness
of the supporters of the cause, and to their
resolve to back it up with practical proof.
When other movements are hindered by the
difficulties of the times, the Gaelic Mod
seems to go on from strength to strength.
Such facts are more convincing than words
to indicate the determination of Gaels that
their speech and music are not to be
neglected. The Gael can lift his head all
the more independently when he is not
ashamed of the old speech and the lovely
native melodies.
Tuesday.
The whole of Tuesday, in accordance with
precedent, was devoted to the junior com¬
petitions, oral and vocal. The oral side was
very well maintained. For recitation alone
there were sixty-three competitors. The
vocal efforts by soloists and choirs revealed
a growing interest and keenness on the part
of the juveniles. It is also a good thing to
see larger audiences than in former years
listening to the children. The Shiant Shield
went to the Carradale Junior Choir, as also
the Mrs. Millar Trophy for two-part
harmony. The “Oban Times’’ Shield and
the Mrs. Campbell Blair Trophy were both
won by the Junior Choir from Portree. In
the evening the Junior Concert was presided
over by the Lady Hermione Cameron of
Lochiel, who presented the prizes. The
programme was sustained by the various
prize-winners throughout the day.
On the evening of Tuesday a Ceilidh was
broadcast from the Highland Hotel. Lochiel
acted as Fear an Tighe, and Mr. Compton
Mackenzie, LL.D., Lord Rector of Glasgow
University, explained the nature of the
different types of song. The programme was
arranged by Mr. J. M. Bannerman, and the
singers included Miss Bessie Campbell,
Miss Margaret Macinnes, Miss Madge C.
Brown, Mr. J. M. Bannerman, and Mr.
Allan Hunter. Mr. Angus M. MacDonald
recited. It was a pity that a broadcast was
not made of one of the larger concerts, to
give the outside world a more adequate idea
of what the Gaelic Mod really is. The sing¬
ing of the massed choirs was an item that
should have appealed technically to the
B.B.C. It was an opportunity lost.
Wednesday.
The competitions on the Wednesday
included the senior solo singing for the
James Grant Memorial Prize, and the
Oban and Lorn Commemoration Medal.
The musical judges, Sir Hugh Roberton and
Professor Whittaker, expressed great satis¬
faction at the quality of the performances.
For the Oban and Lorn there were no less
than 72 competitors. Some means must be
found, as in Wales, of thinning out the
number of competitors at the final. Winners
at rural Mods should alone be admissible to
these larger competitions at the national
Mod.
The official opening took place in the Town
Hall at noon. A prayer in Gaelic was
offered by Rev. Alex. MacLean, Fort
William. Provost Brander of Fort William
extended the official welcome to the Mod in
the name of the municipality. All who had
experience of previous Mods in Lochaber
must have felt how warm and real that
welcome can be; and, indeed, on this
occasion the cordiality of the reception was
as hearty as of yore. The president delivered
his addresses from the chair in Gaelic and in
English. Major N. B. Mackenzie, the local
convener, proposed votes of thanks to all
those who had helped to achieve the
financial success which enabled this Mod to
eclipse all records. The platform, party
included several ex-presidents, as well as
many of the leading workers in the cause.
In the evening a great ceilidh was held in
the Highland Hotel. This event was notable
on account of a visit from the Prime
Minister, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald. He
received a most enthusiastic ovation. In a
racy humorous speech he talked no politics,
an example to all who attend a Mod. He
congratulated An Comunn on the work they
were doing. If there were more singing,
there would be more peace.
Thursday.
Throughout Thursday forenoon there was
a considerable number of competitions in
elocution, including reciting, reading,
speeches, tales, and dialogues. The growing
interest in oral work must be regarded with