THE FRENCH ESCAPEES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1829, 30 April 1888, Page 2

THE FRENCH ESCAPEES

4 [PBft PRESS ASSOCIATION J ,^?'* Auckland, April 29. The prisoner Curry arrested on Friday waa brought ap at iho Polioe Oourt on Saturday, before Mr Miles, R.M., m connootion with the other reoidivlst, Gasparint, and charged with stealing the catter Martinet, the boat m which the men escaped from Noumea. Mr H, Williamson, who appeared for the prosecutijn, said the proceedings were taken at the j instigation of the French Oonsul-Gensral ! m Wellington. TNc Napier appeared for the prisoner, Ourry, and argued at Borne length to ohow tLat the Beaoh had no authority to keep the prisoner m custody; the prooedure was bad ; his worship ought not to hive issued a warrant and had acted ultra virea m signing such warrant without *n order from the Governor, as he was not a Commissioner. Accused could only be detained by warrant from the GovernorHe contended that the offence had been committed outside the jurisdiction of the Oourt. His Worship adjourned the Oourt for an hour to oonsider the points raised, and then over-ruled Mr Napier's objections, at tho same time admitting that he had no power to hear th.9 oase, as he was not a Commissioner. Eventually a telegram wae received from the UnderS.cretary of Justice, In'irmtlng that be bad been appointed Commissioner, and the case was thea adjourned for a week.