So is that likely to be a transcription error for her Cornwall surname
Hi again...
The BDM NZ website may well have a transcription error.
Or it's possible that's it's a mistake made by the Registrar when he filled in the original birth certificate. Then a hundred-plus years later his mistake was dutifully copied onto the BDM NZ website.
Your best bet is to send an email to the BDM NZ website explaining to them why they should change the surname from CORNWALL to McGAVESTON. They'll either reply with an
"Ooops...sorry....Will do" or they'll get all indignant and say
"That's what it says on the birth certificate. If you've got a problem with that take it up with the Minister."Either way you'll find out what's what.
-----
1901/3498 - WHITE, Henry - 39Y
The above event was registered on 14 Jun 1901.
I'd guess it refers to the following PapersPast article...
Accidents and Fatalitieshttp://www.rootschat.com/links/0za3/Not to say it's not your Henry. He may well have left farming and gone to sea. Here's a link to the Coroner's report. Not sure if a Coroner's report has any genealogical info. Maybe others can advise.
Coroners Inquests - Case Files - Auckland - White, Henry - 1901 [Use copy MICRO U 5422]http://archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=23699088-----
I never met the guy but from what I've read I'd be surprised if John Cornwall McGAVESTON disowned and disinherited his oldest son. So what if Henry turned up a few months before the wedding. Judging by the eventual size of his family, and the final size of his estate, it seems as though John was first and foremost a family man.
May well be wrong :-)
Regards
Beg