Exhibit 99.1
     
    JAMES HARDIE LOGO
30 October 2003
    James Hardie Industries N.V.
ARBN 097 829 895
Incorporated in The Netherlands
The liability of members is limited
 
Richard Hajzuk
Manager Companies Sydney
Australian Stock Exchange
Exchange Centre
Level 6, 20 Bridge Street
Sydney NSW 2000		   4th Floor, Atrium, Unit 04-07
Strawinskylaan 3077
1077 ZX Amsterdam
The Netherlands
 
Telephone: 31-20-301 2980
Fax: 31-20-404 2544

Dear Richard

Request for Trading Halt

On behalf of James Hardie Industries NV (James Hardie), I request a trading halt in all securities of James Hardie from the commencement of trading today.

In accordance with Listing Rule 17.1, I advise that:

(a)     James Hardie is proposing to provide a market update in response to press comment published today. The market update will take place with an investor briefing at 11:00am with the briefing slides provided to the companies announcement platform before then.

(b)     James Hardie is not aware of any reason why the trading halt should not be granted.

If you have any queries concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact Alan Kneeshaw in Sydney on (02) 8274 5274

Yours faithfully

/s/ Peter Shafron

Peter Shafron

Company Secretary