Both of Charles’ parents (Edgar and Sophia) were teachers in Kingston, Jamaica and were married there in 1840. His father shortly afterwards became a clergyman. The Rev Deacon was promoted to Master of the Grammar School of Honduras (Belize) with a salary of £300 per annum. Charles’ older brother Alfred Wranius was born in Belize in 1847. Sophia travelled to London where Charles was born in 1851. Edgar died in Jamaica in 1852.
In 1861, Charles was boarding in a small private school in Paddington with fifteen other boys his age. His brother was sent to the more prestigious King’s College School.
Leaving his mother and brother behind, Charles came to New Zealand and by 1871 he was living on the West Coast. Here he acted as agent for the steam ship ‘Whitwell’. In 1873 he was the purser of the steamer ‘Charles Edward’ which ran around the coast of New Zealand. He came to Wellington in 1877 to act as representative for Messrs. N. Edwards and Co. When that business closed in 1880, he started his own business as shipping agent.
In June 1896, Charles was reported to have suffered a ‘fainting fit’ and fell from the railway wharf into the harbour. Fortunately he was rescued and spent some time in hospital getting over the effects of his ordeal.
At 5:45am on 13th February 1900, a body was found floating in the harbour near Jervois Quay. Constable D. Ryan got the body into the wharf and it was identified as Charles. The previous evening he had gone to the Government Life Insurance Building at about 10pm to speak to a clerk. He was on the railway wharf at midnight talking to Mr Hicks and in the course of conversation said that he never felt better in his life. At 1am he was seen on Queen’s Wharf when he said ‘Good night’ to Mr Flanaghan, a Custom-house officer.
An inquest was held. No light was shed on the case, except for reference to his earlier fall from the wharf. His clerk gave evidence that Charles was worried financially. Injuries to his face were caused after his death. An open verdict was returned, there being no evidence to show how deceased got into the water.
He did not leave a Will. His property was valued at £67 including £29 worth of furniture and he was owed £13 by others.
Plot: *Ch Eng/N/14
By Julia Kennedy
