THE FRENCH ESCAPEES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9108, 17 July 1888, Page 5

THE FRENCH ESCAPEES.

[BY ', TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] . u*. ~r,, Wellington, Monday. The French escapees, were not brought up this forenoon at Government House, as had been determined on yesterday. 'It was deemed desirable, as the proceedings might extend over some time, ■< that the matter should be dealt with by the officer administering the Government. The case came on at the Supreme Court in the afternoon. Mr. Gully 1 ' represented the Crown, and Mr. Chapman was in attendance for "'the "accused. Nothing was done save postponing the case till to-morrow afternoon. I heard a rumour? ; to-night that there was a defect in the warrant, and that the object of j the delay was to,'repair that, defect by new warrant. On the other hand, in the i course of an interview to-night, the Minister of Justice assured me that there was nothing in the rumour, and that everything was correct' and in proper form. '; The case would be a test case for all others following it, and therefore', the Government were taking every possible precaution to make sure of: their ground. Once an authorised form.of proceeding was ■ laid i down and approved, ■ there would be no difficultylin dealing with any, other , escapees. : ' The >$ > Government 1 meant to stand •■ firm, ; and' put their foot down against the introduction of French convicts into this country under the pre-' tence of giving the right of' asylum.