THE ESCAPED FRENCH CONVICTS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1794, 25 September 1888, Page 2

THE ESCAPED FRENCH CONVICTS.

\ *) Sydney, Sept 20. The detective authorities here do not believe that Gasparini j imped overboard on the voyage of the Wakatipu from Wellington to Sydney, and are of .opinion that as he was only convicted of fraodn* lent bankruptcy, he waa able to command plenty of money and sympathy. The detectives believe that Gasparini was on board of the Wakatipu when the search was fruitlessly made for him. The French Consul-General here has expressed indignation at the action of a Minister of the Crown in New Zealand, who, it is stated, prominectly concerned himself in Gasparini’s behalf in reference 10 raising subscriptions to defray the oost of applying for a writ of habeas corpus for the release of the prisoner in Sydney, An official communication has been received by the Consul-General stating that the Minister referred to conversed with Gasparini on the Wellington wharf just prior to the departure of th# steamer Wakatipu, and that ha also gave messages to the detective who was in charge of the prisoner. An attaebb to the Consulate states that he saw a mao resembling Gasparini in the streets of Sydney after the arrival of the steamer, and called the attention of Detective Walker to the circumstance, but he denied that the man waa Gasparini. The attaebb adheres to the belief that this man was Gasparini. Auckland, Sept. 22.

The French convict Cury went by the last mail steamer to San Francisco. He promised to write from Honolulu to a Frenchman here, and give the address of Gasparini, who he asserts is at largo. Detective Walker ridicules tbe idea that Gasparini escaped alive from the steamer. Qe states the search was most complete. The coal bunkers where nearly empty, and were thoroughly searched. He also went through the bilge, and in tbe space between the boilers, which was nearly red hot. He is opinion that Ihe rumours of his.escape have been circulated to do him injury. Thera is absolutely no foundation for the statement that a consular attachb at Sydney pointed out anyone to him as resembling Gasparini. The story is a pur efabrication, Wellington, Sept. 22.

Mr Fisher, who is the Minister alluded to in the Sydney cable rt Gasparini, abates that the remarks attributed to the French, Consul-General are similar to the accusations preferred against him to the Governor by the French Consul here, and are probably based upon them. He states that he simply appeared in the matter as Italian Consul, and was called upon by the convict’s friends in that capacity. He denies that bo did anything whatever in his capacity of Minister, and asserts that the statements of fact made by the French authorities are wrong. For instance, he points out that he had nothing to do with the subscription list from beginning to end. It was set on foot by Italian fishermen and the money never' came into Mr Fisher’s hands. He has put himself ia communication with all those concerned in the matter, and obtained a letter from them which be is of opinion clearly refutes the charges made against him. With reference to Gasparini’a escape, several stories have had currency here, one of which ia supposed to have emanated from the sailors on the Wakutipu, and represents tbe cjnvict as having been lowered over the side and hangiug con. caaled under the vesasl’s stern until the harbour was entered. Gasparim’s last words were “ I will eiiher kill Wulker or myself,” which was interpreted in favour “ of the suicide theory. Major Gudgeon intends to inquire into Detective Walker's conduct when he visits Auckland,