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 #  6 - July 1957 

[The National Review - Winter] Editor: Stewart Ransom (Pages: 12 - 5/- per annum)

Contents:-

Editorial
Letter to the Editor
Overseas News - Report from Germany, International Handbook
National Organisation - Our Magazine and the Customs, Do you read the Naturist Magazines? Remember the S.A.E, Unfavourable Press Report (Truth erroneously links Wellington Club with a court case.)
News from the Clubs (9)
6th New Zealand National Rally, Christchurch
To Club Secretaries: advice of overseas magazine subscriptions

Noted


Editorial

Perhaps we have been fooling ourselves for a long time since we have sincerely believed that the 'man in the street' was not only intolerant but, in fact, antagonistic towards nudists in this country. We naturally have been very reticent about making it generally known that we are members of a club. "What will the neighbours think?" and "I don't think my friends or relations would approve" are constantly thought by many of us. That is, until that surprising day when it becomes known by one such person that you are a member, and he or she shows a sincere interest in your nudist beliefs and admits that he also thoroughly agrees with them. We are pleasantly surprised and soon warm to the sincerity of this approval by dispelling his doubts and uncertainties with an account of club activities and the value of nudism. The sudden realisation that this is a complete reversal of your strongly held belief feels rather like a douche of cold water. We begin to think again.


An unsuspected tolerant public.

There are a surprising number of folk who not only approve but actually wholeheartedly support our ideas and activities. Admittedly the majority state that they are not nudists and it's not 'their cup of tea: but they certainly see nothing wrong in the idea. Again many confidentially admit that they enjoy nude swims or sunbaths whenever the opportunity offers but they have never wanted to join a club. So the opposition apparently is not so formidable.

The principles we believe to be wholesome and healthy are held in common with many. So, should we make our membership so secretive? The courage of our convictions can benefit the movement immensely, for if members are known to be worthwhile citizens and first class friends, there will be a similar realisation about the movement. It is often thought that others knowing of our nudist activities will jeopardise one's job, but again there are few who can confirm this.

If the opportunity offers, it is worthwhile stating the case for nudism. Discreet discussion when the situation favours an honest consideration of the arguments, without persuasion to participate, succeeds for more in creating favourable interest. The amused if not facetious questioning can be turned to advantage by your own enthusiasm and example, and the respect which you can demand will carry with it considerable acceptance of nudist ideas. The sincere and honest expression of your convictions will often win another supporter.


. . . . . . . . . . .

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LETTER
TO THE
EDITOR.

Sir,

I would like to attempt to clarify (or perhaps to distort) the editorial in Issue No. 5, which states of nudist magazines that "the art studies" are creating a general opinion that these magazines may be indecent, certainly have a doubtful value, and are most unsuitable for general distribution." This attitude does appear to be all too prevalent, but it shows a lack of understanding on the part of those who hold it.


If the "Art Studies" sell the magazines, then they are essential, since it is useless publishing anything which does not sell. Nor can these studies do harm to the purchaser, in so far as they are truthful representations of the human body; for increase in knowledge of the truth is the only way of achieving harmony in life. False beliefs will ultimately cause sorrow. Consequently unretouched photographs are always more desirable. They can help to eliminate the unnatural appetites of those seeking the "thrills", help them to become more normal human beings fit to live in society. And this would not be achieved at the expense of any other person.


I wish to emphasise that "undesirables" who purchase a nudist magazine for the thrill, are not perverted thereby, this action being a symptom of an unhealthy attitude, not the cause, which must be sought in the prevailing mores of our society. A diet of nudist magazines, art studies included, will help them become normal people and supporters of nudism equal to any.


Norman. A.O.H.C.


The laws of a country can only reflect the wish of the people and whereas unretouched photographs are not considered indecent by the laws of many European countries, Anglo-saxons still maintain this attitude of mind. I do not believe that N.Z. law demands retouched photos because those unretouched create perverts, but rather that these individuals find such photos a stimulant to their unhealthy attitude of mind. Thus such illustrations are considered to aggravate the condition of these persons, and while N.Z. offers no opportunities to cure such people, it takes however every opportunity to safeguard them. The restrictions of our Customs Department is one such instance.


I, personally, believe that nudist clubs as well as individual nudists can help persons with an unhealthy attitude of mind far more than any other section of the Community. The magazines alone will not get results since their condition is socially caused to a great extent, and personal contact with those who are properly adjusted can do far more to correct the outlook of these unfortunate persons.


Editor.


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OVERSEAS
NEWS.

The 6th. World Naturist Congress is to be held in the vast park of Woburn Abbey, the ancestral home of the Duke of Bedford, in August of next year. An Internationa1 Naturist Youth Camp will also be held from 17th. to 31st. August. We have been requested by the B.S.B.A. for information about any members from this country who are able to attend these functions. Please let this office know as soon as possible in order that preliminary arrangements may be set in train.


Report from
Germany.

From "Information", Official Publication of The International Naturist Federation (INF/FNI).


At the fifth world conference, the president of the German Naturist Organisation, D.F.K. (Deutsher Verband fur Freikorperkultur), Erhardt Wachtler, provided the following about the development of naturism in his country.


Approximately 100 groups throughout Western Germany are affiliated to the D.F.K. There are about 20,000 members and the groups have about 50 camps. The rapid growth of the areas where fee bathing is permitted at the North Sea and at the Baltic has led to the numbers of nude bathers reaching a size which the leaders of the German naturist movement would not have dreamed possible a few years ago.


Thousands and thousands of people from all over Germany spend their holidays and weekends during the summertime at the free bathing beaches. The principles of naturism are generally accepted by local authorities and members of the public in Germany, yet the Government itself, for political reasons, withholds recognition. They will not allow naturist magazines to be sold openly in the shops or on the news stands, but there are no restrictions on the magazines being published.


The D.F.K. has lodged protests with the Government at Bonn against the law preventing the free sale of naturist magazines. All efforts to belittle the movement, such as by condemning its propaganda for youth groups has been successfully countered by the D.F.K. This particular part of the movement in Germany has made great progress during recent years. Many youth groups already exist, and others are being formed.


The D.F.K. has its own publication, "D.F.K.", and regards the magazine Sonnenfreunde and Helios as being true naturist magazines. 0ther German magazines, claiming to be naturist, are not acknowledged by the D.F.K.


International
Handbook.

The Naturist Handbook published by the INF/FNI contains information of vital interest to all actively concerned in the movement. It is a comprehensive account of nudist clubs, facilities and information throughout the world. Copies can be ordered through the National Office. Price 10/- per copy. A review of this publication will be included in the next issue of this magazine.

(Top)

NATIONAL ORGANISATION.


Our magazines
and the Customs.

Following further discussions with the Customs Department, subscribers to overseas magazines who received seizure notices may now receive the remainder of their unexpired subscriptions. To make this possible it is necessary to inform this office of the particulars such as name, address, name of publication/s and when subscription/s expire/s. Foreigners wishing to subscribe to magazines in their own language may now do so, but here again it is necessary to send particulars to this office, such as name, address, magazine/s desired. This information is passed on to the Customs Department so they know who is approved in the movement All the others are liable to have their magazines seized.


PLEASE NOTE. No individuals may send away orders for magazines in category C (unretouched illustrations) under our present agreement. These must now be addressed to the clubs ONLY.


DO YOU READ
THE NATURIST
MAGAZINES?

Now that restrictions have been removed and magazines explaining and illustrating our way of life are available again, there should be no difficulty to subscribe to them. In fact it should be a pleasure and a delight to keep abreast of the times by reading our publications. They are our official means of keeping in touch, and those approved for sale contain articles, arguments and reports of nudist activities all over the world. Those who scoff or who are just plain ignorant can well besiege us with doubts, worries and fears and unless we are sure of ourselves and the ideals of the movement we may be sidetracked. Let us have the answers ready and face up to our adversaries courteously and courageously.


During the off-season, when practical sunbathing has been only a dream, we tend to lose touch. Here our magazines do a wonderful job. They maintain our enthusiasm and interest and provide us with a pioneering to want to see this movement take its rightful place in our national life. It is good for us; it is good for our children; it is good in every way. May all be kept well informed. If you have any difficulties in obtaining magazines, just drop a line to this office, for we can and would like to help you.


Remember
the S.A.E.

When writing to Clubs or this office, especially if seeking information, remember the little courtesy of a stamped, addressed envelope. When dealing with large volumes of correspondence, the postage bill mounts up, but 3d. here and there is nothing. A club may not reply without, so please heed this reminder.


Unfavourable
Press Report.

"Truth", 27th. August 1957 published statements in which the Wellington Club was linked with a court case involving a character who took a girl of 16 to Australia where she has since borne him 3 children. A display of indecent photographs brought this matter to light and the following statement has been issued by this office to the Editor of "Truth."


"In order that we may put the record straight and that we may clear the name of organised nudism in New Zealand, the man, Thomas Anthony Daly, referred to in last week's Truth, on charges involving a minor, did not meet his de facto wife and her family in Lower Hutt. Nor were either her father or he himself ever members of any official nudist club in this country. He met the girl in a certain community much further north and they attended a couple of gatherings of the local club by invitation when passing through Wellington en route to Australia. When it was known that Daly had made indecent suggestions to the teen-age daughter of one of the members, he was immediately dropped and nothing further has been heard from him until this report. The nudist movement will not tolerate conduct of this nature from anybody."


. . . . . . . .

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NEWS FROM THE CLUBS.


Kaurimu Sun Club. (Members.) Box 15, Glen Eden, Auckland.


Auckland Sun Club. (Proprietary) Box 2925, Auckland.

It is grand to hear that Ray who has had such a serious illness is now slowly recovering. We all wish him speedy progress. Alma writes, "We've had a little bad luck as far as the clubhouse is concerned. Some nosey parker decided to break into the place and of all the moveable things, only the overseas magazines are known to be missing. The retouched ones were left alone. However all are stamped with the, club stamp and Ray has reported the matter to the police, who think we should soon have them back again." Take heed, this is a warning against keeping unretouched magazines at the clubhouse.


Auckland Outdoor Health Club (Inc.) (Members) Box 2702 Auckland.

Clearing of our main games area goes on apace and every weekend sees about a dozen members out working. The fact that this area is well sheltered from the wind, and also the general mildness of the weather this winter, have meant that we have been able to strip without goose pimples all the time - though it has been noticed that the shower is not well patronised, to put it mildly!

By the time this is in print it is hoped that we shall have completed the concrete bridge over the creek that at present prevents our road from coming right into the centre of property. With this done, individuals will be able to get private baches in and things will take on a more permanent air; two baches are waiting to be erected now. Present indications are that the Christmas Holiday period will see a good holiday crowd staying at the site for the double holiday.

At a recent social held at Reg's members were invited to select a name for the site. Although the suggestion was made that Auckland should show its natural superiority to Wellington by naming its site accurately 'Six Acres' this and other suggestions failed to satisfy. The competition is open to all serious contestants. The prize - to be collected in person or by deputy - a kiss from the President!


Gisborne Sun Club. (Members) c/- Box 6359, Wellington.


Waikato Health Club. (Members) Box 32 Hamilton East.


Wanganui Sun Club. (Members) Box 410, Wanganui.


Wellington Sun and Health Society (Inc.) (Members) Box 6359.

Planting is the present priority, so that aching backs and a permanent stoop identifies the members. An offer of a dozen pines became 300, so with Taupatas, Lacebarks, Flowering Currants, Tree Lucerne and Kowhais each marked by a white stick the place looks like a graveyard. A large number of young trees were also sent by Dick from Northland. Gardens and a fernery are also being laid out and promise to be a feature of our grounds. If all these trees grow the screening will be terrific, for their proximity makes a cat's back look bare.

Our explorers have discovered another ideal area, this time surrounded by a high bank which makes an amphitheatre and an excellent games court completely screened. It is at present being cleared and promises some first class facilities, while other areas are still being prepared.

The social evenings continue to be well supported. Bob gave an excellent illustrated talk on mountaineering in Scotland and the French Alps. Members slides have also made tours of New Zealand and overseas fascinating and enjoyable, for the many who attended.


Canterbury Sun and Health Club. (Members) Box 1823, Christchurch.

The pool is just about ready for the construction, and if the weather permits and sufficient 'bods' are willing, a start will be made next month. A southerly storm brought down eight or nine trees right in the middle of the cleared area, but some willing 'ants' have now almost completed their removal. These tasks have been rather discouraging for those preparing to be Hosts for the 1958 National Rally. Trevor has a Rally Committee assisting him and with the Club Committee and the Social Committee also lending their weight, help is available from every possible source. Plans are well advanced.


Otago Sun and Health Club. (Members) Box 2058, Dunedin.

Colin is the first official club correspondent appointed for the "Review", and here is his first report.

Our Annual Meeting was quite successful although the attendance, 16, reflected our meagre numbers. An all-male committee was elected. The club's financial position is quite sound in relation to our requirements. Our biggest problem remains the recruitment of new members. Earlier this year we tried to advertise in the local press. The "Times" took our advert and published a small report of an interview with our Secretary and president The "Star" would have nothing to do with us, unfortunately, as it is the City paper whereas the "Times" circulates more in the country. The only other publication we could think of at the time as a suitable advertising medium was the local University Students Journal, and a small advertisement will appear in the next. Some of us feel that when we have our swimming pool completed and a few other amenities we will have something really worthwhile to offer prospective members.

The Annual Meeting decided to reinstate the monthly social evenings which proved so successful in previous seasons. Previously we have held them in members homes, but this year we are going to make use of premises which are available at a reasonable rental.

At the site itself we completed quite a lot earlier in the year, and now our main activity centres around the swimming pool. We have finished most of the excavating and the walls are concreted along one side and one and a half of the ends. There have been considerable difficulties for when excavating we uncovered thousands of rocks many of which have been incorporated in the concrete. Our greatest difficulty has been getting material from the last section of the formed road to the site itself, a distance of a quarter of a mile or so. We are located on the lower slopes of a 3000 ft. hill, and from the road to the site it is impossible to vehicles during this part of the year. Fortunately we got three truck loads of gravel up to the site before it was too late; but we have had to manhandle cement - and my is this heavy? We hope to have the pool finished and a three foot concrete path around it by next summer. Later we will put a narrow lawn round this and on one side we hope to level off an area large enough for a tenniquoit court.

The hut, or hostel if you like, is to be built of clay bricks further up the hill from the pool. This will have a narrow terrace in front of it overlooking the pool.

You will recall that it was expected that we would lose our site but after a meeting with the landowner and his wife, we were satisfied that our position was reasonably secure and so we have gone ahead. We cannot buy the place but we have full use of the 50 acres free with certain reasonable conditions attached. It is a lovely place, nearly all native bush, with lots big beaches and tree ferns, two creeks a small waterfall, bush walks and glorious views. There is ample camping space and we are hoping to have as many as possible visit and stay with us after the Rally at Christchurch.


. . . . . . . .


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6th NEW ZEALAND
NATIONAL RALLY.

CHRISTCHURCH

January 1958.
1st to 3rd.

This next annual event will be held in the grounds of the Canterbury Sun and Health Club, 15 miles from Christchurch.

 

A special rally committee, together with the backing of the members of the largest club in the country is assuring us that everyone attending is going to have a time that they will never forget. A full programme has already been drafted and indications suggest that the "Mainlanders" are going to excel themselves next year.

Cars will meet visitors at the Christchurch Station and Air Centre and will take them out to the grounds.

Tents, stretchers, etc., will be hired for the use of visitors and billeting will be available.

A general store, bowser station and hotel are located only one mile away, but arrangements are being made for vegetables, milk, bread and meat to be delivered. Tea, soft drinks, ice cream, tinned fruits, meat and biscuits will be available on the grounds. There is a wash-house with copper, tubs and wringer available. Fires may be used for cooking, though fuel cookers will be provided on request.

There is plenty of room for tents, caravans, trailers and cars in addition to the club house, a 40' x 20' marquee is being erected for possible inclement weather. The marquee may also be used for sleeping.

Facilities include games courts and fully equipped kiddies area. Strenuous efforts are being made to complete the 45' x 20' swimming pool for the rally.

Visitors are welcome both before and after the Rally and the only charges apart from hirage fees will be the usual 2/6 per adult per day for the three official days.


WILL ALL INTENDING VISITORS PLEASE NOTE.


If you are a member of a club, get your secretary to notify the Rally Organiser, Trevor Berland, P.O. Box 1823 Christchurch, of your intention to be present and of your requirements. If you are not a member of a club, please notify this Office, P.O. Box 6359, Wellington, giving particulars of your requirements.

All approved visitors will be issued with admission cards, which MUST be shown on arrival. If you wish to hire equipment, need a hotel booking or would like to billeted, please make your requirements known NOW.

Those who may be requiring air transport may wish to contact Ivan Mowlem, Box 410 Wanganui. National Airways Corp. offer a discount if 10 or more passengers are available with a block booking, and Ivan is willing to organise this advantage if sufficient are interested.

As this is the first time a national rally has been held in the South island, it is hoped that as many as possible will attend and help make it a tremendous success.


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TO CLUB SECRETARIES AND OTHERS.


Now that we all know where we stand as regards overseas magazines, we would like to draw your attention to an offer just made to us for Continental Naturist Magazines.


For CLUBS we can offer an annual subscription to any of the magazines quoted below at the special prices given and for INDIVIDUALS the same concession if they forward their order through the National Organiser endorsed to the effect that their nationality entitles them to a subscription.

HELIOS

1 year, 12 issues

£1.15.0d.

SUN AND HEALTH

   "        "

£1.15.0d.

SONNENFREUNDE

   "        "

£2. 5.0d.

LA VIE AU SOLIEL

   "        "

15.0d.

VIVRE D'ABORD

   "        "

£2.15.0d.

die neue zeit

per copy

5.0d.



Your suppliers:

    THE WAKELEYS

    C.P.O. Box 2656     Auckland C.1.

 

Noted:-

Norman (Fullerton) Letter to the Editor

6th Rally Christchurch - 1958


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