Mr. Charles Clendon Empson was born at Nelson on the 26th of January, 1855, and is the second son of the late Mr. Charles Empson, merchant, who arrived at Nelson by the ship “London,” in 1842, and later was a member of the firm of Eyes and Empson, of Meadowbank station, Marlborough. Mr. Empson was educated at the Bishop's school, Nelson, and at Marlborough, under a tutor. He was brought up to station life, and also had some experience in Australia. Mr. Empson returned to New Zealand, and joined the Agricultural Department in the year 1891. The following year he was appointed Inspector of Stock, and stationed at Kurow, and subsequently had charge of the Tuapeka and South Canterbury districts, with headquarters at Lawrence and Timaru respectively. He was transferred to the Westland district in December, 1900. As a Freemason, Mr. Empson is a member of Lodge Kilwinning, New Zealand Constitution, Hokitika. He married the only daugher of the late Mr. George Young, solicitor, of Stokesley, Yorkshire, England, and has one son and two daughters.