I do not know anything about NZ certificates, but wouldn't at least his father's name be on the marriage registration? and perhaps birthplace. You need to find out more from that marriage first for clues.
Was there a child from this marriage? Perhaps it was only a marriage to legitimize the child.
This bloke that married in Victoria had children all registered at Alberton, Victoria. Later on there is a death for a Willam NAIRN registered in the same place, parents unknown. However, this William is far too old to be yours, but without the certificate there is no way of knowing if he is the one who married 1876, or that William's father. And there may be no connection to your bloke at all of course.
Here are the reg numbers, just in case you want to follow up this Victorian one in the future - his marriage would give his age, birthplace, and both parents names. Also if he was a widower or divorced - though they might not necessarily tell the truth about that.
William NAIRN married Margaret MERRITT 1876 - reg no: 2103
William NAIRN died 1890, age 80, reg at Alberton, reg no: 14404
I do not have the next cd, so there is possibly another death for a William 1902-1913.
William NAIRN died 1916, aged 54, reg at Buangor, reg no: 9018
father: Alex mother: Mary BLAIR
BUT this gentleman was supposed to be born in Linton (Victoria) by his two marriages in the index.
Christine
