Document QgR2d6bGLpJOw6BZjRM8wYRg7

Hi nut os GENERAL I-iJ3iTlifG Asbestos Textile Institute June 10, 1966 Barbizon-Plaza Hotel, IJew York, n.Y. In Attendance: AiEIUCAN ASBESTOS TEXTILE COUP. J.L. Rainey J.'J. Christenbury GARLOCL, INC. G.B. Houghton ------ - Olson ASR 1STOS CORPORATION LTD. A.C. Steele B.L. Alexander (A.C.S. Ltd,) H.k. PORTER COMPANY, INC. AP. Gouveia J.D. McClure BELL ASBESTOS LINES LTD. V/m. J, W. Smith R. Dodds-Hebron JOHNS-LAHViLLB CORE. W.S. Hough E.A. Schuman r.A. Rogers C.L. Sheckler W.C. Atkinson CASSIAR ASBESTOS CORP. LTD. T,T. Tigert CADV/ALADER, WICKBRSUAP A TAFT T. Jay Flocken (Legal Counsel) ASBESTOS TEST1LB INSTITUTE H.E. Sunbury (Secretary) RAYDESTOS-i 1ANHATTAH, J.A. Brown, Jr, J.A. Bettes, Jr. L.C. Williams J.T. VJronski R.B. Smith J.W. Hawkins i . } Scowcroft INC TALLi AiJ-i 1C CLUSILEY FABRICS CO. J.L. Mitchell Ted D. licCluslcey ' UNITED STATES RUB3ER COi*PANY A,C, Link S.J. Peele, Jr. E.A. Dorris Dr. J.II. Wolfsie W.C. Hitchcock ASTi Headquarters Staff r.J. Smith U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE Dr. L.J. Cralley N3COLHT INDUSTRIES R.T. Griffin Luncheon Guests Mrs. J.A. Bettes, Jr., Mrs. S.J. Peele, Jr., jtrs W.C. Atkinson W.C. Hitchcock, U.S. Rubber Co., Hew York ''J.A. Singleterry, U.S. Rubber Co., New York R.P. Griffin, Uocolet Industries ****iJ.nUTES * *** 1. President John A. Brown, Jr., called the meeting to order at 9:30 A.i . and asked each person present to stand and identify himself and his company affiliation. 2. The minutes of the last meeting were presented for readings Mr. Peele moved that the reading be omitted, seconded by ir Atkinson and so voted. . i'inutes - General j eeting - continued Pape -2- 3. The Financial Report v;as presented by i r. 13.A. Schuman, Treasurer Hr. Peele Moved that it be accepted, seconded by Hr. Hough, and it was so voted unanimously. The report is attached. 4. P.Jay Flocken, legal counsel, presented a report entitled 'Some-*Aspects of the Legal Problems on Asbestos Publicity: Grounds for Possible Libel Action and Standing to Sue1. Lr. Flocken referred to a recent example of statements made on a radio broadcast and then discussed the general problems involved in bringing an action for libel where the product or manufactured article has been named but no particular manufacturer has been named. Counsel discussed briefly the New York Court of Appeals1 rulings in Drug Research Corp. Vr Curtis Tub. Co., 7 M.Y.2d 435, and Harwood Hi arm, Co. v. Hat. Broad casting Co., 9 NY.2d 460. In conclusion, it was stated that without either a specific and direct reference to a particular plaintiff or necessarily implying plaintiff's fraud or deceit in putting a danger ous product upon the market, the probability of success of a libel suit in the circumstances referred to would be difficult to assure. 5. Lr. A.C. Steele, Asbestos Corporation, Ltd., presented an inter esting report, on behalf of the asbestos fibre producers, concerning supply and demand for raw asbestos fibre. He mentioned the current shipping strike, which if long continued, could have a most adverse"' effect on mine operations. 6. Dr. J.H. Wolfsie, Corporate Medical Director, United States Rub ber Company, was the Guest Speaker, and his subject was ''Asbestos and Health". Dr. Wolfsie referred to the alarming information that has appear ed in the lay press concerning the alleged deleterious effects of as bestos on the health of the public. Apropos of this, some of the highlights of the present state of knowledge on the effects of asbes tos on health were reviewed. Dr. Wolfsie read excerpts from certain news releases, and said that lie could find many weaknesses in the statements made. Dr. Wolfsie described the development of a preventive medical program to protect the health of employees from nossible adverse ef fects of exposure to asbestos, and gave a brief account of the devel opment of the present preventive health nrograpi in the United States Rubber Company for its asbestos employees* An extensive question and answer period followed Dr. Wolfsie's talk, and our members were most appreciative of the privilege to hear him, 7. The committee reports were given by the chairmen of their re spective committees as listed below. The full text of their reports is attached to these minutes. Air Hygiene H. iifg. Committee - W.C. Atkinson, Chairman Sales Promotion Committee - W.S. Hough, Chairman Technical Committee - J.D. McCluer, Chairman Fiber Testing Committee - J.T. Wronski, Chairman Minutes - General Meeting - continued Page -3- 3. A "CiiRTlFICATK OF An ^RCIA^ION'1 in the form of a Scroll was pre I sented to Mr, John A. Rettes, Jr,, on behalf of the members, by President drown, Mr. Bettes, better known as "Jack" to his many friends in tlie as bestos industry, is planning to retire in July 196G from his posi tion as Manager, Asbestos Textile Division, Raybestos-iManhattan, Inc* Jack Rettes is a past president of the Institute, and has served it in many other capacities as well during his more than twenty years of faithful attendance at our meetings. In accepting tlie Scroll, Jack expressed his great appreciation for it and also for the most enjoyable private cocktail party held in his honor on Wednesday evening, June 8th. Jack stressed the value of the Institute as an aid to management training, and pointed out that getting to know each other is most important, as it builds confidence* He mentioned that the Institute has been of great value in bringing the mining industry in close contact with the asbestos textile industry, to their mutual advantage. As a suggestion. Jack believes that our industry should spend more time promoting new uses for asbestos, and less time in defensive tactics against competitors. Immediately after his retirement, about July 14th, Jack and his~ lost attractive wife, Helen, will leave for an extended auto trip to the far West. We will greatly miss his counsel and advice on Institute matters, his leadership in our industry, and the opportunity for personal contact with him. Our members wish him a most happy retirement! 9. The next meeting of the Institute will be held at The Homestead, Hot Springs, Va., on October 6th and 7th, (Arrival Oct, 5th). This is the Annual Teeting, and The Homestead was selected as being a delightful spot to bring the wives! Reservations are re quired thirty days in advance. So, plan to bring ycur wife, and help to make this Annual Meeting the Biggest and Best ever! 10. There being no further business to come before this meeting, on motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn. The luncheon that followed the meeting was made more enjoyable by presence cf several wives as our guests. Respectfully submitted, H,.U, Sun bury Secret ary r