CUMANN NA N-GAEDEAL

New Zealand Tablet, 16 March 1922, Page 31

CUMANN NA N-GAEDEAL

(Wellington Gaelic Society).

The weekly meeting of the Cumann was held on Thursday night in the Co-operative Hall, Ghuznee Street.

The president (Mr. Nolan) opened the meeting with a stirring address in which he impressed upon the members the importance of studying the Irish language. "Gaelic," he said, "has been made a compulsory subject in the Irish schools, colleges, and universities, and now that an Irish Parliament is about to be established, it will, in a few years, become the spoken language of the Irish people, and unless you take up and study the language it will be a sorry thing should you visit Ireland again to find yourselves foreigners in your own country."

Mrs. Bourke, president of the Cumann Na M-Bean (ladies' branch), made an appeal for the support of Irish manufactures. An executive meeting to discuss ways and means is being called.

Mrs. Bourke and Miss Eileen Duggan were appointed members of the provisional executive.

Typed copies of constitution of the Cumann were

distributed, and after discussion the constitution was adopted.

Language classes were then opened, the medium of instruction being Father O'Growney's Simple Lessons and the Modh Direach (direct method).

At the conclusion of the language lesson, the members made the acquaintance of the "four-hand reel," the "rinnco mor," and the "fairy reel," variety being given by "A Soldier's Song," "The Ould Plaid Shawl," an Irish jig, and other items.

Language and dancing arc taught free of charge, so there is no need for anyone to be shy who wishes to learn.