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New Zealand Drownings

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Profiles

  • John Giles (1804 - 1868)
  • James Cumming McConnel (1890 - 1903)
    CASUALTIES. HEATHCOTE DROWNING FATALITY. An inquest touching the death of James Cumming McConnel, who was found drowned in the Heathcote river on the 3rd inst., was held before Mr W. R. Haselden, distr...
  • Debbie McCauley (22 November 2016).
    Thomas Hurdus Dixon (1828 - 1870)
    Thomas Hurdus Dixon was born at Rothwell in Yorkshire, England on 5 August 1828. It is not yet known when he arrived in New Zealand. He joined the Armed Constabulary (Division 2) on 7 February 1868. Th...
  • Robert Dow (1876 - 1905)
  • John Drummond Dow (1870 - 1905)

In New Zealand’s history drowning was known as 'The New Zealand Death' with river crossings especially hazardous. Pioneers often fatally misjudged the speed and depth of the rivers and streams they needed to cross. Later, bathing in our rivers, lakes and oceans became a national obsession and the lack of swimming skills meant many lost their lives.