Skase family: “If the chase must go on, can´t it wait ´til tomorrow”

The former Australian tycoon Christopher Skase will today be buried in Palma, Majorca. While the news of his death still grips Australia and some sceptics air their doubts about his death, the family yesterday called on the Australian media in Majorca to respect the family's wishes today at the crematorium and give Skase's widow space to grieve. There have been reports that Skase's ashes will be scattered in the sea. “I know the media have got a job to do, but we are going to the funeral and would appreciate being allowed to go about what we have to do in peace,” Tony Larkins, Skase's son-in-law said. “We hope that the journalists and camera crews here are able to put themselves in our position for a moment, I'm sure that some of them may have sadly lost a loved one at some point of their lives and are able to understand what we're going through.” “If the Chase for Skase has to go on, then can't it wait until tomorrow,” Larkins said “just so we can have some peace today and that Pixie can say her final goodbye with dignity.” “We don't want a media circus, I hope that the media will be able to work comfortably, get what they want while giving us space at the same time.” Larkins also made it clear that Pixie is not going to be talking to the media today and that she is going to need to be given time to adjust to her new life and situation before she will be prepared to talk about Skase's death. Meanwhile, the Federal Government is turning its attention to the relatives of the deceased fugitive, Christopher Skase, in a bid to recover the missing millions owed to creditors. The Australian government has defended its handling of the so-called Skase chase. Successive federal governments have tried to help the receiver, Max Donnelly, recover the $170 million owed to creditors. Federal Attorney-General Daryl Williams acknowledges it is extremely difficult. “Mr Skase has engaged in the use of tax havens and strings of companies to conceal the origin of assets,” he said. Mr Williams says Mr Skase's death will not stop the hunt. “His relatives are still available to provide information,” he said. Justice Minister Chris Ellison rejects criticism the Government hounded Mr Skase. “There's been nothing inappropriate in the way the Australian Government has handled this matter,” he said. Yesterday, the Australian and local media, some of whom had flown in from Sydney to cover the supposedly final chapter of the Chase for Skase, were outside the Skase house in Andratx awaiting developments.