Mr. Robert W. Caldwell, Foreman of the Preserving Department of the Belfast Freezing Works, is a native of Croydon, England. Accompanied by his mother and other members of the family who settled in Christchurch, the came to New Zealand in 1863 by the “Himalaya.” He was educated in Christchurch, where he had a few years of experience in business. Later on he was engaged at the Templeton Meat Preserving Works, where he learned his business. He was for five years at the Belfast Preserving Works, which he left to take charge of the late Mr. W. H. Mein's meat preserving works in Durham Street, Christchurch. During this engagement Mr. Caldwell obtained a first prize bronze medal for preserved meats. He afterwards spent five years with Messrs Nelson Brothers at their Tomoana works in Hawke's Bay, and went thence to Messrs Hellaby Brothers, of Auckland, with whom he remained for two years and a half. Mr. Caldwell then accepted a position with the Gear Meat Company of Wellington, and after the death of his wife he went to the Boga Rabbit Preserving Works at Blenheim, whose preserves were awarded a first prize medal at the Paris Exhibition during Mr. Caldwell's term of management. He was appointed to his present position in 1890. During his term of supervision the Company has obtained seven first prizes in different parts of the colony. Mr. Caldwell became a Freemason in 1895, and is attached to Lodge Concord Papanui. He was married to his second wife in 1900, and has a family of two sons and four daughters. Mr. Caldwell resides on his own farm near the freezing works.