Charles Edward Johan Dahl (1856-1929), is pictured wearing the Danish decoration "Ridder af Dannebrog" (Knight of the Ensign) presented to him by the King of Denmark in 1926. Born in Kallundborg, Denmark, Charles came to New Zealand in 1878 and started up a drapery and general store at Campbell Town (now Rongotea). In 1885, he started again in Main Street, Palmerston North as a wholesale manufacturer, selling things such as ropes, horse covers, tarpaulins, oil skin clothing, marquees, tents and flags. In 1919, Charles Dahl was appointed the Danish Vice-Consul.