Hello Friends,
The Annual General Meeting has got us away to a good start for the new season. It was great to have you there, especially John Lowe (Wellington), Tom Wheeler (Hastings), Stuart McCabe (Whangarei), and also our most senior member Jack Knowles, still in great heart despite his disabilities. We just-just—just had enough for a quorum - hope you are able to come next year.
A resolution was passed enabling local organisers to have a list of current members in their area:
'That this meeting agree that local organisers be supplied with a confidential list of names etc. of financial members in their area, to expedite quick contact for forthcoming local functions, subject to members being advised by newsletter, requesting any member who objects to his name being communicated to notify the secretary immediately.'
Anybody who doesn't want their name disclosed please notify the secretary immediately.
NEW COMMITTEE: The 1981 committee is fairly large, and local organisers from out of Auckland will from now on be co—opted onto the committee as of right. Committee members are:—
| Chairman Deputy Chairman Secretary Treasurer PRO Membership |
Tony Wilson, home 679-726, bus. 793-630 Adrianne Caldwell, 83-62979 Gordon Lind Walker 5346—367 Evan Chugg, 453-65 Paddy Leggett, 559—626 Lois Kennedy, 450-037 John Miller, 601-222 Anthony Wilkinson, 83-67432 Hazel Jacobson, 478-4295 Norris MacDonald, 886-736 John Farnham, 659-509 Margaret Farnham 659-509 Lou Klinkhamer, 56-380 Charles Saggers, Tauranga 57-497 John Lowe, Wellington 899-871 Margaret Soper, Hastings 89—474 |
WAIWERA TRIP: The trip to Waiwera was fabulous, absolutely. Free Beach at its best. Many thanks to all those who helped put it together, especially Lois and Judy, the tireless team in the kitchen - the eats were superb.
Just one small grizzle, and a gentle reminder to our newer members. Our one rule is: that we do not offend. Smoking in the pool, and excessive drinking, are offensive to some.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Business is booming, our spirits are high, and our hopes ever higher, as you can tell from the size of this year's sub. It's designed to do great things. Ten dollars, reducing to 8 if paid by 3Q September, 1981.
SUMMARY OFFENCES BILL: Our Chairman clarifies the facts:
'Considerable misgivings have been expressed about the Summary Offences Bill now before Parliament and due to become law on 1st,January, 1982. The section of the bill in question (No. 26) reads as follows:
"INDECENT EXPOSURE. Every male is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months, or a fine not exceeding $1,000 who, in or within view of any public place, intentionally and obscenely exposes his person."
This replaces section 47 of the Police Offences Act 1927: "Exposure of person - every person commits an offence, and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or to a fine not exceeding $400 who wilfully and obscenely exposes his person in any public place or within view thereof."
A first reading of these two clauses suggests the law is being changed to make a direct attack on males. The explanatory notes, however, point out that the courts have established that a person's "person" is his penis. As the possession of such is still the prerogative of males, the bill seeks only to be more explicit. If the expressed intention of the bill is to produce a criminal code in modern language, then it is only a pity that they cannot call a penis a penis.
The essential word in the clause is 'obscenity'. The use of this word does more to protect our cause than hinder it.
Judge Wilson (Rogers v the Police 6.8.75) ruled that in deciding if behaviour was offensive, time, place and circumstances must be taken into account. Accordingly, nude bathing on a beach known to be used for such purposes (in this case Palm Beach, Waiheke), was under the circumstances not offensive. It is on this ruling we have based our strategy since. The point is that what is not offensive can hardly be obscene.
In effect there will be no change in the law. A person bathing nude still risks the possibility of being arrested and charged with offensive behaviour and if male with obscenity. This risk is, however, highly remote and becomes more so daily.
Many of our members wish a law that actually guarantees a right to bathe nude. Such a law will probably never be passed. Very few of the rights New Zealanders regard as absolute are guaranteed by law (eg. the right to play rugby) many people currently regard this as offensive, yet a right exists from usage and they are entitled to, and get, police protection to exercise such right.
So it can and will be with the freeing of New Zealand beaches.'
The sun is already warming up, and I've been getting my garden in order before the tanning season begins - I feel positively naked without my tan! So come along, shake off that winter mould, it's a nice day out there!
SEPTEMBER DIARY
SAUNAS: Every Sunday 5 - 9 p.m.
Clive Green Health Centre, 14 Federal St.
$3 single, $5 double, children under 15, free.
We have been offered the use of another sauna, at 104 Fanshawe St., every Sunday 5 - 9 p.m. and I invite you to come along. Adults $3, no children. Sauna, cold plunge, two hot tubs, TV room, dance floor (anyone for dancing in uniform?), free tea and coffee.-Free Beach members only, friends if accompanied. Just bring a towel.
NORRIS'S PLACE: Sunday 30 August, all day.
A bush retreat owned by Norris and Elaine MacDonald. Drive through Swanson, turn left up the Scenic Drive at new railway bridge under construction, then turn right just past the tearooms. Continue until you pass the quarry, Norris is the first letter—box on the right—hand side. (Bethell's Rd.)
SHELLY BAY: Sunday 6 September. High tide 12.50 p.m.
The best of the three beaches considered for legal nudity by the Manukau City Council. Take the road to Beachlands, turn right into Shelly Bay Road and drive right down to the car park at the end. Walk east about 200 yards. Nudity with discretion, please.
LONG BAY: Sunday 13 September. High tide 7.05 p.m.
Walk-north around the rocks to second beach along.
SWIMARAMA: Saturday 19 September. 6.30 — 8.30 p.m.
Panmure Pool, Lagoon Drive. Swim and sauna.
$1 adults, 30c children. Bring your friends.
OMAHA: Sunday 20 September. High tide 12.10 p.m.
From Warkworth drive towards Leigh then follow the signs to
Omaha. Walk east 15 mins.
SWIM NIGHTS AT RICARDO'S, PARAKAI: 6.30 — 10 p.m.
Fridays 2d August and 25 September.
Adults $1.80, children 60 cents. Hosts: N.S.N.C.
PIHA: Sunday 27 September. High tide 9.30 a.m.
An easy access beach used by others, and the road is much improved. Drive right to the north end, walk along to the rocks. Keen types can climb over the headland into White's Beach.
SATURDAY TRIPS: Those wishing to go to the beach on
Saturdays are sure to find company at Ladies Bay or Long
Bay. Take your Fred Bear towel or T-shirt, so that you'll
recognise each other.
'Turn on the sun, let's smile again.'
