Exhibit 99.1

7 July 2004

         
  James Hardie Industries N.V.
 ARBN 097 829 895
Incorporated in The Netherlands
The liability of members is limited
    

       
The Manager
Company Announcements Office
Australian Stock Exchange Limited
20 Bridge Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
  4th Floor, Atrium, Unit 04-07
Strawinskylaan 3077
1077 ZX Amsterdam,
The Netherlands		    

       
  Telephone:
Fax: 		  31-20-301 2980
31-20-404 2544

Dear Sir,

The Company’s 2004 Annual Report was today mailed to share/CUFS holders, other than holders requesting not to receive a copy.

The Annual Report was previously lodged with and announced by the Australian Stock Exchange on 28 June 2004.

Yours faithfully
         
     
  /s/ W. (Pim) Vlot    
  James Hardie Industries NV   
  By: W. (Pim) Vlot
As: Company Secretary