Document Gknra6L2yDVKORrz9BxbxGwq

FILE NAME Colonial Sugar Refinery CSR DATE 1961 DOC CSR079 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION Medical Correspondence between Drs King Rennie Letham McNulty & the Mines Dept 93 ~~ DDL - , Dr. Alan King Director Tuberculosis Branch Department of Health CANBERRA A.C.T. Dear Alan 20th September 1961 AsbesWit tteo noos m Ci auss ed Here is a copy of a letter which I have written to Dr. Rennie This has followed a communication which Dr. Bruce Hunt sent to Dr. Rammie as Consultant Physician to the Colonial Sugar Refinery Dr. Hunt indicated concern at the number of cases of pneumoconiosis coming out of Wittenoom Dr. Rennie replied that much money had been spent in the last few years on ventilation and in- deed this is true As you will see from the copy of my letter to Dr. Rennie I consider this is not the essential point but that the Company should now atone for the neglect of the past by seeing that everything possible is done to prevent asbestosis from occurring in the future It would be much appreciated if you would put your point of view forward if and when you communicate with him as you yourself had some experience with the problem before you left this State As you will see from the figures Rennie the numbers are increasing and may do 80. I reiterate that the Company has a ponsibility to prevent this increase quoted to Dr. continue to prime res- Yours faithfully D.D. Letham PHYSICIAN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SECTION PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT 103450 H. MAYNARD RENNIE F.R.C.P. LORO F.R.A.C.P. _ - ELEPHONE rr ELEPHONE BW 7711 AFTEN & P. XL 2540 a a ~ ne Sims 96 MACQUARIE CHAMBERS 183 Macquarie StrEET ... SYDNEY 1961 29th September , September Dr. 0.2 Lethan Department of Public 57 Murm Street BERTY 4.1 Health Dear Dr. Letham Asbestosis - Wittenoom much for your letter of the 20th September Thank you very Asbestosis works concerning the problems of the Wittenoom with that the Company is aware of the need to control I am sure and in their opinion the changes that they have the dust hazzard to a distinct improvement in made some 2 or 3 years ago have led : the obvious dust I would agree entirely your suggestions active interest in measuring dust that the Company should take an and I shall take this point up with them safe It is up to the This can surely be leveeltiscal side to indicate what levels are in this done by reference to appriate autdhiosrciutsiseisownsitwhitehxpDerr.ienGcoerdon Smith - letter field I have had some preliminary the other enquiries I think you may have seen and I shall take dated 19th September and Fiving Ketulty has sent to me much to the point that . of dust counts counts This is all very particulars Tate FUT = All rozamie and see thonks for ret some action your letter before long With kind Yours sincerelsincyerely a ere told aad TC eo t SUE. Lee 2 2 * PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT J ONFG DISTRICT HOSPITAL = Date 2nd October 1961 .... Mr. H. A. Telfer Under Secretary Mines Department PERTH Dear Sir I feel that it is imperative that a meeting be held between the Management of Australian Blue Asbestos and of the lines and Public Health Departments representatives be arranged if you are agreeable for This could perhaps when both Mr. Boyland and I will be in Tuesday 10th October both visited Wittenoom and the most Department We have health hazard exista your recent dust counts show that a serious Dr. Bruce Hunt has written me concerning a man dying in Perth Chest Hospital from a disease contracted at Witte- to noom know the patiseenrtiouansdlycoanfffeicrtmeDdr.byHusnitl'iscodsiisaga nonsdis I have many othOenre m me an n has died of a cancer attributable to asbestosis 2 years work in the Hill Mr. Collard General Secretary consulted me and expressed Australian Workers Union has also He stated that he over grave concern working conditions intended to pursue the matter further would appear that repeated advice and warnings about the health hazard from dust have been ineffective and th t stronger ction will have to be taken Yours faithfully om Dr. Letham Copy for your information weit ith Zelf CHEST PHYSICIAN PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT 103490