MAJOR JACKSON'S FATE.

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE AT SEA. Durtig the voyage of the Union Steamship Eotorua, from Wellington to the Manukau, Major Jackson, M.H.R. for Waipa, disappeared in the most mysterious manner, and there seems to be little doubt that the unfortunate gentleman fell over board between the hours of ten o'clock on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Major Jackson was returning from the Parliamentary session, passenger by the s.s. Eotorua. At 10 o'clock he was seen by the steward asleep in his cabin, and Sunday morning when that officer went to arouse him for breakfast, he found the cabin empty. Supposing Major Jackson had gone on deck, he took no special notice at the time, but subsequently •when he found that that gentleman did not come to breakfast, he went to his cabin again to ascertain whether he wanted anything. The cabin was empty, and the steward reported the matter to Captain Neville, whojeaused a thorough search of the ship to be made, but no trace of the missing man could be found. It appears to be certain that the unfortunate gentleman got up during the night, put on his clothing and boots (as they are missing) and went on deck, and that by some accident he fell overboard. His watch, purse, and pocket-book were found is. his -cabin. Major Jackson's career as a settler and as a volunteer officer in this Provincial district has been a most distinguished one. At the commencement of the Waikato campaign, in 1863, Major Jackson was farming his own land near Papakura, and as he was not disposed to submit tamely to be driven from his homestead, he offered his services as private in the volunteers. He first distinguished himself in repelling an attack made by the rebels upon a halffinished redoubt on the "Wairoa Road (known afterwards as King's Redoubt). After this, he offered to raise a company o : Forest Hangers consisting of experienced bushmen, who would fight the Maoris in their own fashion. The Government accepted the offer. In December, 1863, he scoured the Hunua ranges, and surprised a party of natives 200 strong, several of the enemy being killed and wounded, the actual murderers of the late Mr Hamlin, Trust's children, Cooper, Calvert, Jackson, and Mr and Mrs Fahey being among the slain. After six month's service this corps was disbanded, and he was authorised to raise a fresh company, to be attached to the 2nd Waikato Eegiment. At Waiari, where a number of natives surprised a bathing party in the Mangapiko River, Major Jackson narrowly escaped being shot while endeavouring to bring oft' a wounded man. The Maori fired his double-barrellel gun and missed him, and in his rage hurled the gun at Major Jackson, when he shot the native with his revolver. During the whole of 1864 Major Jackson and his company were actively engaged in Waikato, more particularly at the siege and capture of Orakau. He received the thanks of General Cameron, and was promoted to the rank of Major. The sad news of his sudden death will be Jt with regret by his very large circle kds and acquaintances, and by hie grants in Waipa.