Corrections...

A letter to the Editor has been received from John Lowe clarifying several matters contained in the Secretary's report on the 1997 Annual General Meeting.

Here is an abridged version of John's letter:

"... Ian reported from the AGM that I felt the "against" vote (for the committee) was "unconstitutional". I didn't ..." "I have no objection to the concept in principle".

"Ian also reported that I felt that having one person elected to two executive positions was unconstitutional. In fact I reported the lawyer's view - it was NOT 'just my feeling'. I wouldn't object to the option being reinstated in the constitution, and I've said so.

"I do support the concept of postal voting. What I am against is the confusion of postal voting with a quorum..."

Editor's reply:

We thank John for the corrections contained in his letter.

However, during a conversation with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies (Wellington) on a separate matter, when asked about one person being elected to more than one position, he did not support the opinion of the lawyer referred to in John's letter.

For many years, The Group (like many other organisations) has had problems getting enough members present at meetings to form a quorum. Without a quorum, a meeting cannot be held. With this in mind, the Constitution was amended to include proxies in the quorum. This also enables members who cannot be physically present at a meeting, to appoint another member (or the Chair) to represent them. Thus with postal voting and proxies, all members have the opportunity to participate in the affairs of The Group.

Remember ... ...

If your bum is bare. place a towel on the chair.

Subscriptions

Thank you all those who have renewed, and to those who have added a donation to our funds.

We look forward to the continued support of those who have yet to renew for 1997/98. We have enclosed another renewal form in case you have misplaced the original.

Hope to hear from you soon.

N a t i o n a l   C a m p o u t

Rotota Sun Club

In place of the usual NZNF Annual Rally, Rotota Sun Club will host a "National Camp-out" from 29 December 97 to 2 January 98.

This will be an informal event, with fun and games in the morning, rest and recreation (of your own choice) in the afternoons, evening activities and entertainment. Planned activities include a evening visit to Oraki Korako, New Year's Eve Beach Party followed by a Champagne Breakfast, Hangi, Pot Luck Meal.

Extras to spend money on include Float plane rides, Jet Boat rides up the river/lake.

Registration is $65, or $10 per day. For registration form, contact the Secretary, Free Beach Group, Box 30-099, Lower Hutt.

Auckland Events

Hibiscus Coast Sun Club swim nights at on the last Saturday of each month - 6pm till midnight at Palm Springs, Parakai, near Helensville. $8 per adult. Take your own food and drinks or buy them there.

Auckland Sun Club invites visitors to their Spa and Sauna evenings, held every Sunday from 4pm to 7pm; $2-50 per person. Take your towel and FBG membership card. Phone 09 814 9973 for more details.

Chasm walk-way

Patuna Farm, Martinborough

A date has been set - Sunday 8 March 1998, and the landowner/guide is happy to take a group of nude people through this unique walkway. The chasm is on a private farm and no other "textile" groups will be booked for that day, so we will have the place to ourselves.

The day's walk takes about 4 hours, but the distance covered is not great. It allows ample time to admire the scenery and even stop and eat your lunch!

We start with an easy walk through farmland, then native forest and finally the chasm itself. As we pick our way along the stony river bed, limestone bluffs will be towering up each side of us, with numerous chambers and caves, many with stalactites. Fossils and waterfalls add to the interest, or perhaps watch out for native birds and trout.

Good footwear is essential. A day pack would be a good idea to put your clothes in, along with your lunch and drinks. You will get wet up to your knees, or all over if you try standing on top of the slippery rocks! So a towel could be useful.

The guide warns that if you wish to bring young children, you may end up carrying them, but that's up to you.

This is an excellent opportunity to visit this unique wonderland - and in the nude too!

The cost of the guided tour is $10 per adult, $5 for children. Full details of times (probably 10.30am at the farm) and how to get there will be sent out nearer the time, but only those who have booked will receive them. Car pooling is a possibility.

Mark the date on your calendar NOW. The more people we have, the more fun it will be.

Sun club members are invited to join us on this great trip.

Barry Marten

Book your place now by phoning:

Barry at 04 567 5216 or Linda at 04 478 4820; or write to Box 30-099, Lower Hutt.

Christchurch News

I'm trying to think up a good dynamic heading for this paragraph, to describe our first kite-flying event at Woodend Beach last month. Up and away, perhaps, Gone with the wind, (that's what happens when you let go of the string), High fliers or Taking off (our clothes, of course). Well, it was good fun and we intend to give it another go at the first opportunity. More of our members have now acquired kites. Grant, who had a very successful hand-made kite enhanced by an excellent Fred Bear imprint, has now bought a whole set of new kites to dole out to his family on Christmas Day. So if you have a kite, bring it along to any beach which has flat, wide-open spaces. We will also be playing boules (petanque) and possibly an adapted game of golf.

Everything is optional, including clothes.

Yesterday I received my first Christmas card from a friend in England (whom I first met round the fire at the Tekapo Youth Hostel). He says,"Congratulations on winning a few dollars writing for the New Zealand Naturist. It takes "real" people and not sniggerers, to demonstrate and spread the word about pleasures of naturism to others. The pastime is growing fast in U.K. with more swimming baths permitting no-costume-necessary sessions."

Joyce Fleming

Check the events

on the CANTERBURY Calendar

STOP PRESS

MORE NEWS FROM CHCH

Only the brave ventured to Woodend Beach on Saturday 13 December in the teeth of a fierce easterly wind.

The event was notable for the fact that females out numbered males in the Free Beach enclave (5:4). We built sandcastles with moats and channels, and have photos to prove it; and yes, we all went in the sea.

It was marvellous.

Joyce

Ngatuhoa 98

Saturday 17th to Monday 25th January 1998

The Free Beach Group Summer social event of the year in idyllic native bush setting in the Kaimai Ranges. Comfortable lodge with all amenities, great company and activities to suit everyone, from lazing around doing nothing, to playing volley ball and tramping through the bush to view magnificent waterfalls.

You must not miss Ngatuhoa,
the event of the year!

Roast lamb X On Monday evening (19th) our internationally acclaimed chef ("Sir Bill") will prepare a side of lamb, so bring you favourite condiments to add to a scrumptious serving.

Pig on a spit X On Friday evening "Sir" Bill and his crew will serve our traditional roast pork at only $5 per person. Add your own vegetables / wine / desert to complement.

Ngatuhoa Olympics Saturday afternoon sports in the Greek style, canoeing, running, swimming, etc.

Fancy (un)dress festivities
Saturday night social.

This year's theme BODY ART ...

Bring your paints and adornments. Donna will be our organiser, so if you need help, seek out Donna for ideas.

All welcome, members, Sun Club members, friends.

The green registration form has all the information on how to get there, facilities, rules, etc. If you don't have one phone Barry at 04 567 5216.

(Be ready to leave a message on his answer phone if he's not there.)

Note, entry and exit times depend on locked gates, refer to registration form.