An M.H.R. Drowned

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 44, 1 October 1889, Page 3

An M.H.R. Drowned

•'•■■■' '■-?:• '-'-■■.' '■■•' • : (her united press association.) AcCKfcAAP, SepierubfT 30. Dunftg tfae vpyage of the Rotorua from Wellington to Manakau, Major Jackson, M.H.E. for. Wai pa, disappeared in a most mysterious manner, And thereseems to be little doubt the unfortunate gentleman 1 fell overboard between the . hours of lft.' o'clock on Saturday night and yesterday morning. Major Jackson was returning from the.^Parliamentary session, a passenger by the Rotorua. At 10 o'clock he was seen by the steward asleep in his cabin, and yesterday morning the berth, was found empty. ; .No immediate notice was taken at the Ktiiaae>, .but when it was "found that \~^Jfajo,r Jackson didnot-come to broak■^^iastif Captain Neville caused a thorough search- of the ship to be made, but no trace of the missing man <6buld be found. It appears to be certain he got up through the night, and put on his clothing and boots, as they are missing, went on deck and by some, accident fell overboard. His watch/purse and pocket book were fouuc} in bis cabin- Nothing- unusual was observed in his manner during the voyage, and he appeared to be in good health and spirits. Later. Further particulars in regard to the ■disappearance of Major Jackson showthat the steward of the steamer ( Hartly) obtained his passenger ticket from- him at 7;3 ) on Saturday evening About two hours later Major Jackson was missed by the steward, &id a thorough search of the ship was made, but without success. The causes of Major Jackson's mysterious disappearance remains a profound. mystery. Detective Chrystai «pent.some time to-day afc Onehunga iuquiring^into the circumstances, but no esseutial particulars have been gleaned. In the berth occupied by Major Jacksoa the steward found his travelling bag lying open, and his gold watch and railway pass lyiDg near the bunk with his pocket book and purse containing a sum of money. Major Jackson leaves a wife, but no children, A number of his relatives live in the Waikato, Major Jackson was a Yorkshireman, and was born at Providence Green, York, in 1833. In early life he emigrated to Victoria, and from thence made his way to this Colony, Teaching here in 1858. For his bravery at the siege and- capture of Orakau, and other engagements, he received, the ; thanks of the General Commanding and was raised to the rank of major. He represented the Waikato district in the House of Representatives from 1872 to 1876. He then retired into private life until the last general election, . when he was returned for the Waipa electorate. Since then he acted as second whip for the Government.