Kirk family denies any 'fighting fund’

Press, 29 June 1985, Page 2

Kirk family denies any 'fighting fund’

PA Wellington The law has to take its course in dealing with the former member of Parliament, John Kirk, his family said yesterday. “The family regards present matters as issues to be resolved between John, his established creditors, and the legal authorities. The law will take its course as it must,” the family said in a statement. It was issued by Dr R. M. Kirk and his brother, Philip, on behalf, of the family in New Zealand. The family said it had not started nor was contemplating starting any “fighting fund” or retaining any legal services on behalf of John Kirk or his wife, Yvonne.

In an interview earlier this week, Mr Kirk had told the Dallas “Times Herald” that his family had started a fighting fund and retained a lawyer. In its statement yesterday the Kirk family said it had personal concern for the welfare of John Kirk and his wife “and this concern remains.” “However, reported statements which could imply that the Kirk family has started or is contemplating starting any kind of fund, or retaining any legal services on John and Yvonne’s behalf are totally incorrect. “No fund has been started, and no such services are retained by the Kirk family on any person’s behalf. “We are not aware of the existence of any such fund and are not contributors to or supporters of any such fund.” The family said the statement issued yesterday would be the only comment any member of it would make on the arrest of John Kirk and the charges he faced. “This means that statements by any individual or individuals in recent days which may purport to represent the Kirk family do not in fact do so. “No person or organisation within or outside New Zealand has been authorised to speak for the Kirk family and none will be,” the family said. They added that many people of differing political persuasions had sent messages of genuine sympathy to the Kirk family and those were much appreciated.