Compensation inadequate, says Thomas family
PA Auckland The family of Arthur Allan Thomas will send back their compensation cheques, which they say are totally inadequate. Mr Allan Thomas, Mr Arthur Thomas’s father, said the family wanted about as much compensation as the $950,000 his son received. The compensation was given after the recommendation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry, accepted by the Government, that both Mr Thomas and his family receive compensation.
Mr Thomas served nine years in jail after two juries had found him guilty of the murders of Jeanette and Harvey Crewe, at Pukekawa in 1970. He. was pardoned in December, 1979. The Royal Commission subsequently recommended
that 10 members of the Thomas family be awarded about $28,000. compensation. Mr, Allan Thomas and his wife received $2250.
Lawyers for the Thomas family will ask the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) to increase the compensation.
Mr Muldoon said last evening that he had no comment to make; on the subject. The Thomas family decided not-to use the cheques When they arrived just before Christmas.
“The compensation is totally inadequate for the job the family did during the nine-year battle,” said Mr Allan Thomas.
“Before we accept compensation it would have to be something approaching what Arthur got.,. “It is such a tiny amount for all we have" gone
through. I lost so much. Apart from losing 10 years of my retirement, I lost a very good property oh which I had an option.” Mr Thomas agreed that some people might accuse him of being greedy.
“What people must realise is that this campaign Was not just for Arthur,” ■he said. ; ! '• ’ ’
“This case affects all decent New Zealanders. They are all liable to suffer from any action which results in a breakdown in justice. They should be concerned because they have an equal share with the Thomas family in the whole disaster.” Asked if the Thomas family would refuse compensation rather than take the offered sum-if thp Government refused to increase the amount. Mr ’Thorhas said, “I really don’t 'know.
We would have to have another family get-together and discuss it. I suppose it depends how insulted you feel.”
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Press, 12 January 1981, Page 6
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358Compensation inadequate, says Thomas family Press, 12 January 1981, Page 6
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