My Great Great Grandfather was David Croal born 10 June 1840 in Edinburgh Scotland. He married Christian Alves in Edinburgh in 1869.

I have a census record for them and their 3 kids (alex, margaret & elizabeth) in scotland in April 1881. Nothing after that though.

In Sept 1883 David's brother Alex and his family came out to NSW. On the immigration form it says that ALex has a brother David in Sydney.

So at some point between April 1881 and Sept 1883 David Croal and his family came out to Australia but I cannot find when.

Christian died in Sydney in 1909 but I am unable to find a death date for David.

It is possible that he drowned on a trip from Aust to New Zealand or vice versa but I'm not sure, though my grandma is certain that is what happened.
His death has to be registered SOMEWHERE in this world though right?

Is there anywhere to check passengers travelling betweeen Aust & NZ?

I am at a dead end with this.
This has always been a mystery in my family and I am determined to solve it!
If anyone could help I would really appreciate it.

Caitlin

Hi Caitlin,

I recall coming across information that maritime deaths, or deaths at sea are registered in a different manner to those that occur on land (in a specific state). You could try contacting the maritime union or a shipping company to find out. You could also try the Probates office and speak to a registrar or deputy registrar - I'm sure they could point you in the right direction as far as jurisdiction.

While searching the National Archives for David Croal, I came across the service record for Alex Croal. This is obviously a grandson of David as he was born in 1879. No mention of his father's name is in the file but his mother is a Margaret Croal.

Good luck with your search,
Tricia

Nephew of David I should have said, not grandson!

Tricia

There is also a record for a Mr Croal travelling from Wellington (NZ) to Sydney on the SS Moeraki arriving 9 Nov 1904. This could be your David Croal given the NZ connection.

Tricia

I think I found the record for David's arrival in Sydney. There is a listing of Mr and Mrs Croal and 3 children travelling on the 'Iberia' from the port of London arriving in Sydney on 2 August 1883.

Have you checked all states for David's death record?

Tricia

Thank you for your help.

I posted my original post in the New Zealand boards as well.
Someone found it for me,

His death occurred on 13 May 1893 on the vessel 'Waihora' one day out of Sydney on a voyage from Sydney to Auckland. He committed suicide, which is very interesting.

I've seen that Iberia one. I actually don't remember it saying 3 children. That would probably be them then.

Thank you!

I found the newspaper report, for the incident, which states: AUCKLAND May 18, 1893.
During the voyage of the s.s. Waihora, a steerage passenger, named David Crowal, committed suicide by jumping overboard.

http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/page/804477

From Mary