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[The National Naturist Review - Autumn] Editor: Stewart Ransom (Pages: 12 - 5/- per annum)
Contents:-
Editorial
N.Z. Represented at the I.N.F. Conference
Are You a Week-end Nudist? (Bert Britton)
The Sixth Rally from the Inside
Pen Portrait - Eric (Flint) of Kaurimu
Letter to the Editor
Publicity
Overseas News - International Handbook, Intersun in Corsica, Victory in U.S.A. Hollywood Nudist, Another Nudist Film
Reply to the B.S.B.A.
Magazines in New Zealand
News from the Clubs (9)
Editorial. |
New Zealand naturists can be reassured that in spite of their distance from Europe and the Americas, the New Zealand movement is playing a very active part in international affairs. News from these shores frequently appears in Health and Efficiency, I.N.F. newsletters, Continental, Canadian and U.S. magazines. So much so, that Verity, the journal of B.S.B.A., has considered that the results of our negotiations with the Hon. Minister of Justice were worthy of criticism.
N.Z. Represented |
The first New Zealander to represent the national movement will be present at the I.N.F. Conference at Woburn Abbey in August. We are both grateful to Ken and proud that he has agreed to speak on our behalf. This will enable many to realise that we are not so remote when they hear from this keen Canterbury member something of the characteristics of the New Zealand movement.
Overseas visitors are more frequently calling at our Clubs and proving that the proximity of N.Z. is greater than we realise. These visitors return to their homelands to tell others about N.Z. activities and so once again to give us a "place in the sun". The I.N.F. Conference will give N.Z. an unprecedented opportunity to be recognised as a progressive member of international naturism. The N.Z.S.B.A. sends its fraternal greetings through Ken, its first official representative.
Immigration to these sunny shores has introduced many naturists from European countries to our Clubs. Their enthusiasm and support has benefited the movement to a considerable extent. They have proved that naturism has been a means of improving international relationships as well as preserving liberal thought and healthy activities. It can undoubtedly make a valuable contribution to improving liaison between the peoples of the world.
ARE YOU A |
by A. Briton.
It would probably be true to say that the majority of club members easily qualify for the title of "week-end nudist". Admittedly this is better than not being a nudist at all for "weekend" nudism is, for a while quite an enjoyable experience. There are many however, who believe that a much greater satisfaction can be obtained from wider acceptance of the principles of naturism.
It is not the writer's intention specifically to define the terms Naturism and Nudism, a task which so far seems for reasons not apparent to have defied the whole field of Naturist-Nudist publications. However, it does seen obvious that the word Naturism refers to something more expansive than an occasional undressing at the weekend. The word itself points to Nature - and Nature is big. It embraces everything in the universe. Life itself is a part of Nature. By comparison with nature the simple process of undressing is a minor activity.
There are those who claim that Naturism can be the basis of a worthwhile philosophy. Most assuredly it can amount to much more than most of us have realised. Like most things of course it is a matter for individual choice, but without doubt, simple week-end nudism without conscious effort to expand our mental horizons can very easily deteriorate into a monotonous repetition of almost pointless undressings. This indeed would be a sad end to what we at first knew as a delightful and exhilarating experience. It would seen therefore that real effort to widen our acceptance of the implied principles naturism is not only desirable but probably a necessity if we are to maintain our initial enthusiasm.
In any organisation declining enthusiasm is a killer it appears in every movement where the participants cannot find a deep and lasting philosophy which fits inextricably into their own concept of a way of life. Naturism, if we accept the term in all its obvious significance, offers just such a philosophy. The very word implies a real effort to live closer to nature, and this could easily be the key to the whole matter.
There are very many ways of expanding our conception of the philosophy of naturism. Except for expediency, it is immaterial whether we accept some ready made philosophy or try to develop one to suit ourselves. The essential thing is to realise that the beginning and end of Naturism is not just the simple process of removing clothing.
Where then, is the path along which we may progress? Surely it can only be in a mental approach to our way of living consistent with and based on a wider understanding of nature itself. We must seek out for ourselves the more obvious practical approaches. We could, for instance, spend more time in the open. Nature's territory is the outdoors. We could definitely learn more about our own bodies and familiarise ourselves with more of its functions. How many of us understand the techniques of proper exercises or relaxation? Perhaps, without being fadists, we could select more natural foods. Maybe we could learn to be more temperate in our eating. We could endeavour to increase our knowledge and practice of nude living. Sleep nude, summer and winter, is the natural habit of the true naturist. Where not already established, nude sleeping should be one of the first practices to cultivate. Nudity, with its attendant exposure to clean fresh air should not be confined to those rather occasional fine week-ends, there are plenty of opportunities around the house to shed clothing. The barefoot habit indoors is also one to cultivate. A real effort to learn and understand the many aspects of a basic philosophy of naturism, aided by discussion, talks, and probably lectures, could easily fill that "missing link" of Naturism, a worthwhile winter activity.
In the meantime there are plenty of quite obvious ways to expand our Naturist Activities. Most of them are not unknown. It is simply a matter of having the courage and conviction to bring them into our daily lives. Fully developed Naturism is a creed that can be lived practically every day - practically every hour - in some way or other. It is an external quest for a more natural way of living. Those who have tried it confirm that the mental exhilaration engendered by such a quest is a joyous and vitalising experience.
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PREVIOUS |
Copies of the National Review numbered 3 to 8 are available from the National Office. Recent subscribers are recommended to add these to their library. They may also interest your friends.
Price 6d. each. The supply is limited so order your copies NOW.
THE SIXTH RALLY |
Harold, President of Canterbury Sun and Health Club, recollects.
The scene opens with Trevor returning from the fifth Rally at Wanganui.
"Good day, Trev. How did it go up there?"
"Well," said Trev, "not bad, but we have got the Rally next year."
I looked at Trev, looked around the grounds looked at the slight depression that was to be our pool, thought of all the things that had to be done, and said "that will teach us to open our big mouths so wide. However we are stuck with it so here goes."
Some months later we suddenly woke up to the fact that time was getting on and very little had been done, so we started to get a move on.
"Hey! Johnnie, what about the pool, do you think we can get it finished in time?"
"Not a show, not with the pack of drongoes working on it..."
"Well we just might," And we just did. But only just.
"What about a marquee, Trev. Do you think we had better get one just in case it's wet?" (No comments please.)
"We'd better try and find out how many will be requiring tents.
Hope the so and so's let us know in time to order them." They didn't until too late and we had to scrounge some instead.
"We had better get the Plantation cleared up properly, we will probably need a bit of shade, these Dunedinites and the North Island Wallers will probably be glad of a bit of shade from our Sun!!! Better give the job to Norman, he just loves pottering in that Plantation." He did and it was ready.
But! (Again no comments please.)
"Hey! Shorty, what about that Heath Robinson Pump of yours; will it be ready for filling the pool, and will it work?"
"Just leave it to me, it will be ready and it should work."
It was and it did, apart from the time it broke down half way trough, but luckily Jim from Dunedin came to the fore and did a bit of model engineering with a few hunks of wood and the odd bolt, and got it going again.
"Piano! Piano! Who's got the piano?" was the cry that went around the Club, and Bert and Dot came to light and lent us theirs.
"Where the heck can we get a generator?" We couldn't. None to be had in Christchurch, with the exception of one that weighed about a ton and needed a crane to shift it. But we did get one thanks to a good friend of the Club. It fitted quite well on to the back seat of a car and did the job perfectly.
"What about running a store?"
"A good idea, what will we have in it? I haven't the foggiest."
"Neither have I. Better ask Marie and Joan." We did, and they ordered what they thought necessary and ran it, and made a good job of it, too.
"Got the transport end under control Trev?"
"Yes," said Trev, "it's all jacked up." And it was apart from the things that even Trev's jacking up couldn't legislate against, such as Dexter and Stewart from Wellington who came down on an earlier Plane than they were supposed to and who did a Cooks Tour of Christchurch before Trev finally caught up with them. And Russell of Auckland, who at the last moment managed to get his car across, and who drove into the grounds just about the time Trev was waiting for him at the Station. However Trev took it all in his stride and did the job as only Trev could.
Boxing Day finally arrived and with it the Dunedin contingent, who after settling in, all came and asked if there was anything they could do to help. We soon found them something to do such as putting in the marquee, digging refuse pits, building lav's etc. What we would have done without them and their help I don't know. Whenever there was any work being done they were always there and I'd like to take this opportunity, Ray, Laurie, Jim Colin and Russell of saying thanks a million, we appreciated it.
New Year's Eve arrived and with it bods from every direction and we started getting busier than the proverbial one armed paperhanger. Some had everything but the kitchen sink, others just what they stood up in. Some we expected, some we didn't, such as Dick from North Auckland who didn't know where the grounds were, or how to get in touch with us, and who arrived off the boat train in the morning and did a marvellous bit of detective work, finally arriving out at the grounds at 4 p.m. still cheerful.
Finally New Year's Day and the first day of the Rally arrived and with it the remainder of the bods and that nasty nagging thought at the back of one's mind, is everything ready? Have we forgotten something?
Well it's over now and whatever was forgotten didn't matter anyway, and we can now all sit back and relax and wonder if it was all worthwhile. But then one has second thoughts, and remembers all the people one has met, the good friends we have made, the fun we had together and the friendly atmosphere of it all.
Of Course it was worth it.
P.S. The only thing we forgot to jack up was the weather, and the less said about that the better.
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PEN PORTRAIT. |
Eric was among the first of the nude sunbathers, if not the first in N.Z. He was, even in his youth, away ahead of the times, and he became an ardent reader of "Physical Culture" with its propaganda in favour of nudism. In 1933 he tried to organise a Club in Dunedin. The people, as can be imagined, at the time, were very timid, but Truth gave considerable adverse publicity to the Club with headings such as "We don't want this in N.Z.", "Our girls are good girls". The Club failed owing to lack of grounds and the prudish attitude of the people.
Four years later in 1937 he was asked by the Auckland people to advise on the formation of a local group, Later he joined a few who were trying to form a club at Oratia. This came to nothing and about 3 or 4 years later, while visiting the Oratia area, he finally bought about 21 acres of bush and stream. While building his house he contacted some of the local Nudists and placed his grounds at their disposal. From this developed the pioneer organised club in Auckland.
This is just one example of Eric's generosity to the Club. It must do his heart good to see his dream coming true after all the heartaches and setbacks he has encountered through all the years. With his help, encouragement and advice Kaurimu looks forward to greater things for the future.
Elsie.
LETTER TO |
Sir,
May I suggest that the time has come for Naturist leaders to reiterate their previously expressed condemnation of nude bathing - and nude sunbathing - on public beaches.
Unfortunately such practices seem to be increasing despite the fact that they represent a very real threat to the good name at present enjoyed by organised naturist clubs in this country. It is inconceivable that genuine naturists should so readily abandon the dearly bought security of their own club sites, and indulge in what can so easily be described as exhibitionism, although in fact it is probably only bravado or just plain thoughtlessness.
It is an unfortunate fact that the desirable familiarity with nudity engendered within the environment of our own clubs, can very easily react unfavourably, unless held carefully in check by reducing our natural caution and restraint, and just as easily nullify many years of patient work by pioneers of the movement.
It should be remembered that the only logical reason for the establishment of naturist clubs is to provide facilities for the practice of our beliefs under legally acceptable conditions, and to violate these conditions by nude activities elsewhere is, in every respect a dangerous threat to the future of the movement.
On many occasions our leaders have, correctly, dissociated our clubs from reported incidents of doubtful behaviour. Is it not up to us to justify their confidence in us? Surely we of all people should abide by conventions and keep strictly within the law, leaving risky business of wrongful exposure to those outside the movement. In this way only, can we safeguard the privileges we now enjoy.
Yours,
J.S.
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PUBLICITY |
An illustrated article on the sixth National Rally held at Christchurch will appear in the May issue of Health and Efficiency.
7th. NATIONAL |
Dates: 27th - 29th. December 1958
Venue: Wellington Sun and Health Society.
OVERSEAS NEWS. |
A reprint of this valuable guide to Clubs throughout the World is now under way and information will thus be brought up to date. Copies may be ordered through this office at 12/6 per handbook.
Intersun in Corsica. |
Claude Ritter de Broc, a Swiss artist, making a naturist community a reality. Situated on the sunny island of Corsica, 38 sq.km. is now being developed to this end. The venture is heartily endorsed by the International Federation, which may ultimately make it its headquarters. Plans include a cafeteria, building sites and all the amenities for permanent or casual living. The project has the blessing of the local authorities and appears to be the most ambitious and interesting plan of this nature to date. We wish it every success.
Victory in U.S.A. |
After 25 years insecurity over the attitude of the Post Office authorities to our magazines, the National Nudist Council is proud to announce that a Supreme Court ruling has stated that the claimed censorship powers of the P.O. Department were invalid and that the naturist magazines do not violate the Federal Obscenity Statutes. In view of the incessant persecution that publishers and others have suffered all these years, this ruling is a splendid step towards the acceptance that we expect and to which we have every right. N.Z. joins in extending its hearty congratulations.
Hollywood Nudist. |
Latest addition to the list of "Famous Name" personalities who confess their preference for nudity is Hollywood film star Kim Novack. Hollywood reporters quote Kim as saying that she prefers to swim in the nude, and that she uses a friend's pool for the purpose. Such an admission by a near V.I.P., whose every action is subject to world-wide publicity, makes one wonder at the timidity of practicing nudists when it becomes necessary or expedient to proclaim their own activities.
Another Nudist Film. |
The London County Council have agreed to the showing of another naturist film. This one includes scenes taken on the Isle of Levant. We hope New Zealand will also have an opportunity of seeing it.
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REPLY TO |
The following letter was sent from the New Zealand Sunbathing Association following criticism of our action in "Verity."
We in New Zealand are somewhat amazed at the irresponsible comments made by some member of the B.S.B.A. in the official organ Verity, which obviously received official recognition by being published therein.
We refer to the reference to the agreement between representatives of the naturist movement in this country and the Justice and Customs Departments regarding the importation of naturist magazines in N.Z. The writer of the Verity article knows nothing of conditions here and nothing of the background to the agreement finally reached, yet presumes to criticise our efforts in a far from pleasant manner. Informed and constructive criticism can be of value but when neither of these attributes apply, it is hard to find a motive for such stupid comments.
In reply to "Neither the Department of Justice nor the three leaders of naturism in New Zealand, Mr. P.W. Cousins, Mr. G. Wakely and Mr. R. Ransom, have had the courage of their convictions and applied to the Supreme Court for a ruling on the character of nudist magazines in general. An uneasy compromise has been reached." Let it be said the Customs Department intended to apply to the Supreme Court for a ruling. Two reasons prompted us to try to stop this. First, the movement in this country could not afford the costs of a court case let alone one in the Supreme Court, whether it won or not. Secondly, although nudism as a whole receives a tolerant hearing, there is much emotional feeling aroused over nudist magazines in connection with their alleged ill effect on teen-agers; it was therefore very questionable as to whether we could reasonably expect a verdict to be given solely on the facts of the matter, unaffected by other considerations.
The three representatives of the movement were accorded a courteous hearing by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General and the heads of his department and other officers of the Justice and Customs Departments. An agreement was reached which, in the light of public opinion on the matter, was just and favourable. It was in the tradition of British justice which New Zealand is not ashamed to have inherited, a compromise. That it is an "uneasy compromise" is the sort of remark that had been better unsaid ... New Zealanders do not suffer back seat drivers happily.
As far as the position over magazines in New Zealand is concerned, therefore, we feel that our negotiations have resulted in a more satisfactory arrangement than obtains in, for instance, Canada, South Africa, some Australian States and even in England where police only last year searched houses and confiscated magazines owned by naturists. It is not ideal but no English-speaking country is blessed with complete freedom with regard to nudist magazines. The circumstances vary with each country and your correspondent should beware of thinking of New Zealand as a ?little England?; in fact he would be well advised to sit down and think about strengthening the movement rather than weakening it by uninformed criticism before he starts writing again.
May I add that the New Zealand Sunbathing Association is sufficiently ?strong? and thoroughly capable of administering its own affairs in a way that is acceptable to its members and compatible with conditions prevailing in this country.
In conclusion, we would like to thank Charles Kentish for his sound comments in the January issue on Health and Efficiency in connection with this ?rubbish? of the B.S.B.A.
Perc. W. Cousins.
National Organizer.
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MAGAZINES IN |
In view of the present import restrictions, imports of our magazine have been reduced. We are informed by our Christchurch distributor that existing orders can be met but no new ones can be fulfilled at present. This also means no new resellers can be supplied. Through overseas funds held in our name, this office may be able to help any members unable to purchase these magazines.
7th NATIONAL |
Now that the National Office has decided that the dates will be 27 - 29 December of this year, we can all start thinking of the holidays. The host club, Wellington, has appointed Doug, their Secretary, as rally organizer. All enquiries can be sent to him at Box 6359.
Any members requiring the hire of tents or stretchers should apply as soon as possible. Ample space is available for tents and caravans. A full circular on the rally and what you may expect to find on arrival will be sent to the clubs and members in centres without clubs later in the year.
Remember Southerners, do not leave booking by ferry too late, especially if bringing your car.
NEWS FROM THE CLUBS...
Kaurimu Sun Club. (Members.) Box 15, Glen Eden. Auckland.
Applications from new members continue so that 12 have joined during the season. The AGM was held in March and indicated a healthy financial position even if not enough for big development. The club has recently become incorporated. A new access drive and a new club house are projected for the near future. The ratio of single men is a problem exercising the mind of many members and proving difficult to solve.
Auckland Sun Club. (Proprietary.) PO Box 2925, Auckland.
Auckland Outdoor Health Club. (Inc) (Members) Box 2702 Auckland.
We are rather glad that we do not have to face the programme that Wellington have on their hands in the next 7 months but, nevertheless, we have set ourselves quite a good one and things are starting to look a little different already. Our splash pool is, to all intents and purposes, completed in that one can splash on it but it still needs to be finished off. Our big area has been rotary-hoed, rolled, sown with grass and will be ready for cutting in the next week or two. It makes a great difference to our site - in fact 'makes' it. Some hard work was done by all too few members for longer than they bargained for in pulling down a foundry to salvage materials for boxing and so on. Surplus was soon to the benefit of club funds. This was a good job which will pay handsome dividends. Bill gave us a party to welcome his son, Bill who has sailed on his own round most of the world and showed us slides to prove it! The commentary was hazy in parts - we gather that international yachtsmen put a great store on good public (bar) relations.
Waikato Health Club. (Members) P.O. Box 32 Hamilton East.
Gisborne Sun Club. (Members) c/- Box 6359 Wellington.
Wanganui Sun Club. (Members.) P.O. Box 410 Wanganui
Wellington Sun and Health Society. (Inc.) (Members.) P.0. Box 6359. Wellington.
Why does it always rain at the weekends? Nevertheless preparations are being made for the National Rally. The Clubhouse continues to make progress. Ard has added an artist's touch to a stone fireplace, the outside appearance is beyond description. Power poles are erected and the underground channel for the cable is underway. The pool awaits boxing and this will also make further progress very soon. More clearing has brought to light more unexpected areas - amazing us. The winter socials promise to be varied and interesting. Members have each chosen a night so the arrangements and work is shared by many. New members continue to join and show great enthusiasm.
Canterbury Sun and Health Club. (Members.) Box 1823 Christchurch.
We had our A.G.M. on May 1st which resulted in a few changes of government. (Sounds like France.) Brian is now President, Mona is the new Secretary, Jim is still treasurer. The committee now consists of Brian, Mona, Jim, Trevor, Joan, Pam (Brian's wife) and Bert. At the A.G.M. the discussion included a proposal to make the sub £6 reducible to £5 if paid by 31st July and to reduce country members sub from £4 to £3. Finances are a little low this year so that about all we can do is plant a few trees, stick up a bit of fencing and line the inside of the Clubhouse. The Otago Club, donated an Umbrella Tree and at our first committee meeting we tried to work out where to plant the thing. I said tried, because each bod wanted to put it in a different spot. In the finish we decided to leave it until we have another look at the grounds on Sunday Earlier in the year we asked members to submit plans for landscaping the grounds. Out of a total membership of 90 we got 5 plans - 3 from committee members, and 2 from the others. Make yer cry wouldn't it?
Otago Sun and Health Club. (Members.) Box 2058 South Dunedin.
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SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS are now due for many subscribers.
Please forward 5/- to the Editor or your club Secretary.
Noted:-
A. (Bert) Britton: Are you a Weekend Nudist?
J.S. Letter to the editor (against beach use!)
Elsie (of Karimu): Pen Portrait (of Eric Flint)