THE LATE LIEUT.-COLONEL HASSARD,

Otago Witness, Issue 740, 3 February 1866, Page 9

THE LATE LIEUT.-COLONEL HASSARD,

(Prom the Wjllington Independent.)

The latest news from the Front tells of another victory gained by the Imperial and Colonial Forces over the rebels, purchased alas ! too dearly, by the los 3of a gallant and distinguished officer, who was, mortally wounded on the occasion — Lieut.-Colonel Jason Hassard, of the 57th Regiment.

On the 3rd of October, 1844, the lamented gentleman obtained a commission, and shortly afterwards he was gazetted to an ensigncy in the 57th, the West Middlesex Regiment of foot. In this fine regiment known as the " Albuera Diehards," the late Colonel Hassard gradually rose. On the 18th May, 1848, he obtained his Lieutenancy, and on the 6th June, 1854, he was gazetted as a captain. The regiment wa3 then quartered at Corfu, and in 1854 received orders to embark for the Crimea. During the Russian war they were hotly engaged, and Captain Hassard was present at most of the glorious events ia that gigantic struggle between the most powerful nations ia Europe. With the storming columns at the assaults of the Redan on the 18th June and Bth September, he greatly distinguished himself; and again durinsr the expedition to Kinburn he was favorably mentioned in despatches, and a3 a reward of his gallantry received the Sardinian, Turkish, and Crimean medals and clasop, the sth class of the Medjidie, and a Major's brevet.

At the termination of hostilities the regiment proceeded to Malta, and from thence in 1858 to Bombay. During the first year of the service of his regiment in India, Majar Hansard was at the depot at Cork ; but in the early part of 1860 he arrived in Poona in charge of recruits forwarded from Cork to the head-quarters of the regiment. At the end of the year, the 57th embarked for New Zealand, where they have remained ever since. Major Hassard did not accompany the regiment, but followed it shortly af'er, and since his arrival in this country he has been actively engaged in quelling the rebellion. The latter years of his service have been no life 'of ease. He served with his regiment during the war of 1861 ; again in 1863 his name was favorabty mentioned ; and more lately in General Cameron's campaigns he was heard of. In September last he was gazetted as brevet Lieut.Colonel, but he has not lived long to enjoy his promotion, for on Saturday )ast he fell mortally wounded while gallantly leading his company to the, assault ,o£ Otapawa. Within the pallisades of this formidable pah he was hit in the groin, and thus ended his life, for 21 yeara oi which he had served his country with distinction. He lived and died a soldier, and his name a 9 a kindly gentleman and a eallant officer will long be rememberd by the gallant " die-hards" with whom he had served so long. Colonel Hassard leaves a widow and a large fajnily to mourn their irreparable loss, but it must ,be a satisfaction to them in their bereavement to know that, he #ied in .harness, leading on his men, his' death, bed their arms, and his requiem their- shouts of victory. •

The "Oatnaru Times"' of. January 25th says:—" Yesterday afternoon the first 'breakdown' which the D lined in Mail Coach had experienced for a considerable length of time past happened at Otepopo,, It was occasioned by the breaking of the .hind axle. A blacksmith being at nan 3, be set to work to effect the necessary repairs, but up to a late hour last night the coach had not reached Qamaru. The mails and passengers were detained, there evidently being no means of bringing them on to their destination." ■ , •