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