Obituaries Australia

Major Charles Abram Wilson, 72, died at his residence, 20 Macdonald-street, Paddington, on Monday night. He had a paralytic seizure on Monday morning. Major Wilson had been a leading member of the Druids' organisation in New South Wales for many years. He won his way from the position of a member of the Grand Lodge up to the highest post, for he became president of the society in 1896, and shortly afterwards was appointed Grand Secretary, which position he filled for about 12 years.

Major Wilson was a pioneer of the Volunteer Corps, for he was a member of the 1st Regiment of New South Wales Rifles, formed in 1854, when Sir Charles Fitzroy was Governor. He was attached to No. 2 Company, and on the roll he was No. 90. In 1860, when the regiment was reorganised, and became known as the 1st Battalion of Volunteer Rifles, Major Wilson was one of the Ensigns. Early in the seventies he was promoted to the rank of Captain of No. 2 Company, and later on there was further re-organisation, and the first Australian Infantry Regiment was established. Major Wilson later on received the Volunteer Decoration and was one of the few remaining members of the first volunteer regiment formed in this State. He leaves a family of several members. The funeral will take place on Wednesday afternoon. The procession, in which the Druids will march, will leave his late residence at half-past 1 o'clock and the interment will be at Rookwood Cemetery.