THE GASPARINI CASE. HON. MR. FISHER EXPLAINS HIS ACTION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8275, 22 September 1888, Page 2

THE GASPARINI CASE. HON. MR. FISHER EXPLAINS HIS ACTION.

| PER TRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, September 22. — The Hon. Mr. Fisher, who is the Minister alluded to in the Sydney cable re Gasparini, .states that the remarks attributed to the French OonsnlGeneral are similar to the accusations preferred against him to the Governor by the French Consul here, and are probably upon them. He states that he simply appeared in the matter aa Italian Consul, and was oalled upon by the convict's friends in that capacity ; he denies that he did anything whatever in his capacity of Minister, and asserts thai the statements of fact made by the Frenoh autorities are wrong ; for instance he points out that he had nothing to do with the snbsoription list from beginning to end. It was set on foot by an Italian fisherman, and the money never oame into his (Fisher's) hands. Mr. Fidher has put himself in commuuication with all those oonoerned in the case, and has obtained letters from them which he is of opinion clearly refutes the charge made agaiust him. With reference to Gaspariui's escape several stories have had currency here, one of which, supposed to have emanated from the sailors on the Wakatipu, represents the convict as having been lowered over the side, and j haugiog concealed beneath the vessel's stern uatil tbe harbor was entered. < nsparini's last words to his compatriots were, "I will either kill Walker or myself," which are interpreted in favonr of the suicide theory. Major Gudgeon, who at the last moment was unable to leave by the Te Anau yesterday, intends to inquire iuto Walker's conduct when he visits Auokland. Auckland, September 22. — The Frenchman Cury, who left for 'Frisco by the last steamer, promised to write to a Frenohman here giving Gasparini's address, who, he asserts, is still at large. Detective Walker ridicules the statement that Gasparini escaped from the Wakatipu alive,- as the search of the vessel was most minute. He also denies that a Consular attache in Sydney pointed out to him in Sydney a person resembling the escapee.