formances of that work), naturally acquired a love for music at an early age. He (Gordon) was born in Winnipeg and began his musical training there in 1929 under the tutelage of Mr. F. Douglas Bull. In l936 he left Winnipeg its a piano scholarship student and went to the Royal Academy of London where he studied for 43/22 years. While there he won the coveted Blukiston Memorial prize for “out— standing musicianship" and the certificate of merit; also his L.R.A.M. diploma. When he left the Academy, he was approached by the Canadian Club in London to form an orchestra, which he did. He conducted its debut performance at Grosvcnor House in 1940. He also has the distinction of being employed by the BBC. for :1 time. During the war years he toured with E.N.S.A., with various shows, revues and concert parties, and has had the honor of serving as accompanist for many well~known concert stars such as Gracie Fields, etc; as well as the honor of touring with London Ballet and London Festival groups. Mr. Gordon P. Watson is a clever composer as well as a pianist. Three of his compositions were chosen by the Manitoba Music Educators Association to be heard at a concert in Tachc Hall, University of Manitoba, on January 13th, 1967. Later, a new com- position was added to his list of accomplishments and “Cnnadu We Praise Thee” was accepted by the Centennial Commission of Canada as a Canadian Centennial song. It was presented by the Winnipeg Girls’ Choir in the Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg, May 15, 1968, and since that time has gained in popularity. Canadian poetcss, Miss Mac Mziclnncs wrote the words to this appealing composition. We are fortunate in having this talented man in our miclst as Music Supervisor for Portage schools, a position he has held here since 1952. The desire of young Portngcrs for musical knowledge is evident by the numbers who have taken, or who are now taking lessons from music teachers here. Ladies who deserve credit for such instructional ability arc Mrs. Tom Shorritt, Mrs. Howard Roberts, Mrs. H. R. Rosenthul, Mrs. Gordon Cox and Miss Anne Kerr. The two latter li‘uiics received their training from Mrs. R. (Dick) Johnson, mentioned previously. (Our apologies are extenécd to anyone whose name has been omitted clue to luck of information”). 188