Charles Manly Luke 1857-1941, cousin of my gt grandmother Matilda Taylor (nee Luke). His parents
Samuel Luke and Ann Luke (nee Pearce) had originated in Phillack, Cornwall. His brother was
John Pearce Luke 1858-1931 of New Zealand
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Charles Manley Luke, who succeeded to the Mayoralty of Wellington City in December 1894, was born in
Penzance, Cornwall, but has resided in New Zealand for upwards of twenty-one years.
He received his education at the Wesleyan Day School in his native town, and finally at the Penzance
Grammar School. At his last examination at the Grammar School he was awarded first prize for arithmetic,
and stood well in other subjects of the curriculum.
Mr Luke has always been studiously inclined, and his present position is largely due to his unwearied efforts,
often "burning the midnight oil". From his youth he was looked upon as a book worm, and his researches
have been of no small order, embracing a wide range of subjects.This helped him in the acquiring of that
information which has resulted in such good fruit, and which has been to his own advantage, and that
of his fellow citizens in Wellington.
Mr. Luke has worked very hard in the interests of the city, and has taken an active interest in all
temperance and social movements. He was a member of the Hospital Committee for four years,
and is a vice-president of the Citizens' Institute.
Mr. Luke was elected mayor of Wellington at the end of 1894, by a substantial majority, and without
having previously occupied a seat in the City Council.
He was a member of the executive of Industrial Exhibition of 1885 ; and was elected president of the
conference held in 1890, in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church, of which body he is a member,
and in whose interest he has worked hard, his services being in constant demand for specials, not only for
his own church, but for kindred societies. At the end of his term of office, Mr. Luke stood for re-election, but
was defeated by Mr. George Fisher.
Mr. Luke has often been urged to stand for Parliament, and it is probable that he will accede to the demand
at no very distant date.
Date ?
