I thank P Ferguson for the timely public reminder about my father, Dr Alexander James, and his 14-day drug-free method of treating and curing asthma (Letters, March 17). My father's asthma cure is alive and kicking in Wollongong.

When my father arrived in Australia in 1940, he offered his method as a gift to medical authorities. They sent him patients to assess if his method worked. The method was documented as effective and having no faults. They thanked my father, but told him they preferred to use drugs to treat asthma.

Dr James knew asthma could be cured without drugs. He believed drugs should be left to treat illnesses that could not be cured without them - why poison yourself needlessly?

In 1970 the Mercury printed "Doctor's battle ends in triumph". The then health minister, Mr Jago, had approved the method (after public pressure from cured patients). He agreed to set up a clinic in Wollongong Hospital, where my father could teach other doctors, but the clinic did not go ahead.

At the very last minute conditions were placed on the clinic that my father, as a professional, could not accept. As in 1940, no fault could be found with his cure. Medical authorities again chose not to adopt it, although they agreed it was good.

I promised my father I would continue to work to have the method recognised. Another study conducted in 1992 is lying on a bureaucrat's shelf in Sydney, still waiting to be assessed. Each year I get the same answer - don't worry, we're looking at it.

Like my father, I have become disillusioned by the apathy of health authorities and the medical profession towards asthmatics in their care. How can they continue to turn their backs on a method that cures, is unique in its simplicity and effectiveness, and can prevent the pain, suffering and deaths of so many?

At the very least, asthma patients deserve to know the medical objections to this cure. What are they?

Fortunately, other natural health practitioners have shown an interest and have been trained in its techniques. As well as myself, I can recommend two other competent practitioners able to carry out this treatment in the Wollongong area. They are Liz Boeswart (Dip. Health Sc.- Ph 4271-4059) and Maureen Lavis (BA, Dip Ed, Dip Rem Massage - Ph 4228-3894).

Training is available for conventional and alternative health practitioners. Ring 4229 3063 (Mon, Wed or Thurs between 4pm and 5.30pm). Books are available from me or the Future Pastimes Shop, The Terrace, Collins St, Kiama."

Nina Marzi, Wollongong.