# 18 - August 1960
[The National Naturist Review - Spring] Editor: Perc Cousins (Pages: 32 - 5/- per annum)
Contents:-
Editorial
Ethiopian Adventure
Pen Portrait - Russell of Otago Sun & Health Club
NZSA - Nudist Movies, Pamphlets on Nudism, Our Last Issue, Club newsletters
9th National Rally (Wanganui)
INF - Austria, U.S.A., Corsica, France, Denmark, Germany, England, Switzerland, Venezuela
Do Naturist Worship the Sun?
Seen in the World's (Auckland's) Press
Talking to Women (Joan Treanor)
Willy's Discovery
The Junior Section (Ken Treanor)
News From the Clubs (10)
Alpine Winter Sport Trip (Ruapehu 15/7/60)
NEXT ISSUE.
Once again we are in the happy position of having more copy on hand than we can accommodate. We thank all the contributors and inform our readers that as many as possible will appear in the next issue.
These will include:-
* Further Highly Commended essays in the Junior Competition.
* You... and your Friends.
* On having the Courage of One's Convictions.
A few back issues are still available at 6d. each.
NEW ZEALAND'S ONLY
NATURIST MAGAZINE...
a valuable contribution
towards a better world.
THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL
OF THE NEW ZEALAND
SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION
Box 6359, Wellington.
Our Review.
It should be a universally accepted fact that our ultimate aim should be to make our Review a fully printed and illustrated magazine freely distributed throughout the country and overseas and available over the bookshop counters the same as any other reputable publication. It is easy to appreciate the tremendous advantages this would have to the movement in general and to the clubs in particular. Presenting our case in this acceptable form, we will win advertisers and we will contribute towards the education of the mass of the people who to date know little or nothing about us. We will influence folk to apply to our clubs for information and trial visits. We will be able to counter false propaganda and keep ourselves in the public eye with a dignified, clear and truthful magazine, presenting facts and news where at the moment we are restricted, simply because the Review is not up to the standard required to admit ready sales.
In the four years we have been publishing our little effort, we have come a long way. From an 8 page folder, we have now developed to a 32 page magazine with printed covers, improved lay-out, and drawings. A number of people have made this possible and the sincere thanks of all of us are due to these comparatively few. We can confidently expect this cooperation to continue, but there are many other people who are content to read it through and toss it aside. We need the assistance of everybody if we are to achieve our final objective and just how soon that will be is in your hands and yours alone.
To produce the kind of magazine envisaged above, we need over £3OO to put out each issue and you must be an issue in advance all the time. Obviously this happy day is in the future, but we here at Head Office are not content to leave it at that. We must increase the circulation over double before we can effect much improvement and that is one of the responsibilities we place right on your shoulders. In the meantime, we have gone into the question of various methods of reproduction to improve its appearance and most of these are still out of our depth. We will agree, that if we can introduce some illustrations it would help a lot, and we find that we can include four extra pages of photographs for around £3–06 per issue. This is a possibility right now and we are prepared to introduce this innovation immediately, but... this is where you come into it again. We must have the photographs.
All we need at this stage are your proofs with negatives, which should be clean and sharp, and the signed agreement of all subjects appearing in them. Views of club grounds and facilities are just as welcome, of course. We will then select suitable prints and Bob, our artist will design the layouts and prepare and retouch enlargements from your negatives, which will be returned to you as soon as possible.
This is another step towards our ultimate goal. It is up to you. Will you help to increase the circulation? Will you send us clippings, items of interest, quotations, stories and articles for publication? Will you provide us with good photographs for reproduction? We are ready, willing and waiting. It is up to YOU.
We clipped this from the Dominion, Wellington, May 31st.
"Sack Look ... The Nudist magazine's own heading, Plunging Neckline, for the paragraph about ladies sack race at the nudist sports was all right," a Main St., Dannevirke, Inside Columnist writes, "I suggest a hit-song provides a heading just as appropriate: 'Running Bare'."
"'Camping' in Africa! It was almost as we had imagined it. We were so hot that we had long taken off our last stitch of clothing. The yellow sun struck horizontally along the mountainside above our camp and the papyrus trembled and hissed till it vanished in a blaze of light against the azure of the lake. The bay and the little beach inside the papyrus swamp below the trees was a bathers' paradise. It was delicious to romp about in the water in the last heat of the day.
This was our first 'Abyssinian' bathing beach which was really in Africa! In Germany and other countries many people must have heard of this expression 'Abyssinia', referring to the stretches of beach in some North Sea resorts which are reserved for naturists. Why they are called this I don't know. Because apart from Lake Tana and a few smaller lakes, the Ethiopians have few places where they can go bathing; and in the highlands, which are rather cool at nights, they walk about wrapped up in their dignified white shammas even in daytime.
So we were rather surprised when we found later on that the Ethiopians... given a chance... were passionate bathers. Coming down from the highlands to the water, they would strip off their shammas and begin to have a thorough wash; men and women totally naked and without any shyness in our presence... The natives, indeed, were refreshingly natural. This naturalness went so far that, once, as we sat together in the camp having a friendly palaver, some dignified men, shums or chiefs, said a few words which we did not understand and then calmly reached into our womenfolk's blouses and elsewhere. The latter immediately slapped their fingers. General merriment. They were quite overcome with merriment. For what was disrespectful about it, since we men were present anyway? They only want to make sure that Rosie and Aveckle really were women... Once a woman came up to Aveckle, opened her shamma and took her breasts in her hands. Then she asked my wife to do the same for comparison. Since the whole village was present, my wife declined in some confusion."
Extract from "Ethiopian Adventure" by Herbert Rittlinger.
RUSSELL OF OTAGO SUN & HEALTH CLUB.
One of the most enthusiastic and most popular of the band of naturists who make up the Otago Sun and Health Club, is Russell. Interested in the naturist movement for many years, Russell, like many more among us, indulged in nude sun-bathing in private long before he had the opportunity of linking up with an organised club.
Since joining the Otago c1ub, Russe11 has always been in the forefront in helping with the large amount of hard manua1 work, in difficult terrain, which has resulted in the fine swimming pool, lawns, and other facilities which the Otago naturists now enjoy. Always helpful in every way possible, he is also most unassuming and ever ready to voice appreciation of the efforts of others.
Farming some fifty miles from Dunedin, Russell felt it advisable this year to not seek re-election as President of the club, but accepted a place on the committee, where his level-headed advice and opinions are most valued.
A pen portrait of Russell would not be complete without mention of his wife, Sybil, one of the most popular of the lady members. They and their young family, (including a week old daughter) form an ideal naturist family and the Otago club is very proud of them.
NEW ZEALAND SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION.
Nudist Movies.
Reports of those movies being shown in various parts of the world continue to come in. We read of one that was not photographed in a nudist park but the scenes depicting nudism are handled in good taste. This is entitled "Hideout in the Sun."
We also take this advertisement from the A.S.A. Bulletin to indicate the trend. "Wanted - Leading Lady for new Nudist picture to be produced. Girl for Main Lead, must be between 21-30 years, unattached, bona fide member of nudist park, good figure, good speaking voice, no acting experience necessary. Contact producer of Garden of Eden, furnish two recent pictures, one in uniform, one regular; age; height in stockinged feet; bust, waist and hip measurements; name of club; short life history. Write to Excelsior Pictures Corp. 1564 Broadway, New York 36 N.Y."
Nudist Paradise.
We are sorry to report no further progress with this film but make a suggestion. If you care to approach a theatre manager, preferably of an independent theatre and get his willingness to screen the movie, let us have the particulars and we will take it up with the authority in Wellington in an endeavour to help you.
Pamphlets on Nudism.
We repeat an offer made a few months ago that we hold stocks of small pamphlets issued by the American Sun bathing Association and sent to us as a friendly gesture. They are available to anyone interested FREE and can be a great help in winning, over the sympathies of enquirers.
The titles are; Some Facts About Nudism.
Catholicism and Nudism.
Sunbathers Ahoy.
Why Become a Nudist?
A Letter to Wives.
Information about Nudism and the A.S.A.
Why Nudism?
A Mother Speaks of Nudism.
Next Deadline.
All copy for the next issue should reach this office should reach this office now later than 30th. September, 1960.
Our Last Issue.
A lot of nice things have been said about the last issue, the content now appealing to all the family and being of a varied and reasonably high standard to please most folk. Perhaps the highest commendation came from Auckland and we are not too modest to repeat it here.
"I think the latest Review is something you can really be proud of. It should have sufficient variety to attract most people and, by and large, has good pace and sparkle about it. Congratulations."
Review Subs.
When renewing your subscription, how about sending 10/- instead of 5/-. This will entitle you to Reviews for 2 years and save us a lot of bookkeeping work here at Headquarters. Thanks.
Club Newsletters.
Both A.0.H.C. and Canterbury publish their own bulletins and are to be congratulated on their efforts. These newsy leaflets help to keep members informed of club doings particularly, and are an excellent means of maintaining enthusiasm and helping to create that camaraderie and friendliness, so important to us all.
To be held in the grounds of the Wanganui Sun Club from the 31st. December, 1960 - 2nd. January, 1961.
Preliminary Information.
Clubs are reminded that all remits for consideration should reach this Office not later than 30th. September. Subjects for discussion sessions may be sent in by anyone at any time.
All clubs are also reminded of thc trophies available at this Rally. The Perc. Cousins Inter-club Teniquoit Trophy. Perc. is considering donating a handsome cup in addition to the shield bearing the winners' names since others have taken up the idea of trophies. The Ivan Mowlem Inter-club Membership Trophy. Delegates arc reminded to have the complete list of new members who have joined their club during the year from 1st. Jan. - 31st. Dec. See Review No. 12 for rules. Trophy donated by Duncan Blackwood for Junior Teniquoit Competition. Prize to be donated by Trevor for Junior Essay Competition, to be presented to Carol of Canterbury Sun & Health Club Inc. Other trophies for junior table tennis and swimming will be available for these sports when facilities are provided.
Where: |
On the back of your admission cards there will be a map showing you how to get to the grounds.
When: |
The dates above indicate the official days, but visitors are welcome to stay longer. Delegates are reminded that the business of the N.Z.S.A. Executive will be despatched on the 30th. Dec.
Admission Cards: |
All members of clubs and genuine followers of the movement may attend. Admission cards, without which you will not be admitted, will be issued as follows: if you are a member of a club, notify your secretary, who will apply for them to this office and hand yours to you. If you do not belong to a club, then apply to this office direct. Overseas members are welcome.
Where to Stay: |
There will be plenty of room for camping at the club site. We are sorry we will not be able to arrange billets but anyone requiring hotel or similar accommodation is advised to inform the Rally Organiser at one. For those without tents, there will be shelter in a marquee or our hall (Covent Garden).
Travelling: |
As long as you let us know in time, we will endeavour to meet those arriving without their own transport. Don't Leave it to the last minute.
Provisions: |
We hope to have everything you want in the canteen. There is a store within 1¼ miles, and Wanganui is only 2 miles away.
Entertainment: |
Movies and colour slides of previous activities will be shown and there is talk of Wellington's new famous concert party coming to the fore. There will be a business session, discussion sessions, fun and games for old and young. The inter-club teniquoit championships, new junior as well as senior, not to mention the thrill of meeting folks once again.
Water and Power: |
Yes, both are laid on, hot and cold, with the farmer, and bring your shaver for the latter. Our swimming pool will be ready by then so bring your togs. Oops, sorry!
Ground Fee: |
3/6 per adult per day of the Rally only. Your receipt will be on an identification disc that you are asked to wear round your neck during the Rally.
Grey - N.Z.S.A. Executive. |
Blue - Official Photographers. |
Red - Those not wishing to appear in photographs. |
White - Everybody else. |
While all visitors discs will be circular, the hosts will be square. |
|
Photography: |
Only one or two reliable and trusted photographers will be officially appointed and pictures taken will be for the sake of the record and for publication. PLEASE NOTE that NO photographs will be used for publication or any other purpose should you wish to decline permission. You will enjoy seeing the pictures of past Rallies, so please help us to ensure a good pictorial record of this one.
Conclusion: |
If there is anything special you want, let us know. We want you to enjoy every minute of your stay with us so if we can help, at least ask and we will do our best. For further information in connection with this Rally, contact the Rally 0raniser,
Duncan Blackwood,
Wanganui Sun Club,
Box 410,
Wanganui.
ODE TO NATURISM . . . by Leo, at the National Rally, January, 1960.
The naturist, unhampered, free,
Goes through life so merrily,
The glorious sun on him doth shine,
With radiant health he feels divine.
Everyone envies him his tan.
He looks, he is, a happy man.
- - -
International Naturist Federation
AUSTRIA.
A new naturist centre will be opened in Austria in 1960. A Dutch naturist has bought land in Carinthia and wishes it to be used for naturism. This land is situated on the southern slope of a mountain and it covers very nearly 200 acres. Containing meadows and wooded areas, this beauty spot is bounded to the east and west by gorges and in the north by the mountain. There are not likely to be any Peeping Toms. In the centre there is a plentiful supply of drinking water. It is intended that this proposed centre will be named Helio-Carinthia. In altitude it varies from 3000' to 4600'. A nearby mountain, being 6000' provides facilities for nude skiing. Work on toilets, swimming pool, car park an camping huts is under way, but members with their own tents may use it right away.
U.S.A.
Details of membership of the American Sunbathing Association are contained in the A.S.A. bulletin. This shows that on September 30th. last year, the association had 23 affiliate clubs representing 3100 members. It is interesting, to see how this membership is made up. There are 1000 couples, 97 single women, 667 single men. Lake Como, with 811 members is the largest club and at the other end of the scale is NyPenns with 20 members, which is the smallest club. Cedar Waters, a well-known club, has been expelled by the A.S.A.
CORSICA.
It is stated in Vie au Soleil that the Earl of Varlemont and his wife have been forced, for health reasons, to close down the well-known naturist centre on the island of Cavalls in southern Corsica.
FRANCE.
According to the magazine Vie au Soleil, the beach at Papmelonne, near St. Tropez, Southern France, may be used for naturism this year.
Naturist photography came into its own when a first festival of this art was held in Paris last December. It was a great success and awards were made for black and white photographs, transparencies and films. A collection taken during the festival for the victims of the dam catastrophe at Frejus realised 44,200 francs.
Under the name of Heliomonde, a new large naturist centre is under construction near Paris and it was opened at easter 1960. It will be the largest centre in France covering 2-3 million square feet, or thereabouts. Fine grounds for sports and games will be included. Work is being directed by the Soc-Nat, a sub-section of the F.F.N.
Young French naturist members spent 10 wintry days in camp in the Savoyard Alps. At Easter they visited the Netherlands.
DENMARK.
The 7th. International Naturist Congress will be held in the grounds of the Solbakken Club in Denmark between the 23rd and 27th. July, 1960. The camp itself will last from July 16th. to August 1st.
GERMANY.
Activity has already begun on the DFK beach near Grube in Western Germany. Among its fine assets are its fine, white sands. Germany's naturist youth organisation has formed an association with the aim of providing good literature for young people. At a height of 4,300' in the Allgau Alps, a local German club has bought a mountain hut in which naturists may spend their holidays. It will be open all the year round. Naturist camping on the island of Amrum in Northern Germany is to be organised by the DFK.
In charge of the enquiry office in Berlin for naturist contacts between France and Germany, Roger Sommer has been honoured by the French Institute of Humanism in Paris. He has been presented with a bronze medal of special merit for bringing about understanding between the people of the two nations.
Celebrating the 10th. anniversary of their Youth Group connected with the well-known club at Bremen, 15 young boys and girls made a five week trip to the Bolic Islands in Southern Italy.
ENGLAND.
The Sunlanders, the English Youth Association, are planning a holiday trip to Montalivet, France, from 23rd. July - 7th. August. This is their second trip across the Channel.
According to an article in the French Magazine, Vie au Soleil, it appears that naturism is permitted on a beach in Jersey, one of the Channel Islands.
SWITZERLAND.
The Swiss Sunbathing Federation held its annual congress in Newchatel in March last. The three clubs near Geneva, Lausanne and Aarau made good progress in 1959 and the Swiss Helio Club was accepted as a new member. The well-known naturist holiday camp, Chlab, is marching ahead, space for a further 100 tents has been cleared for this year. A reservoir, built last year has solved the water problems. This pleasant camp was visited by thousands of naturists last year.
VENEZUELA
The Federation Neo-Hipocratica de Venezuela, that country's national naturist organisation, is making slow but sure progress. Under the leadership of Prof. Vix, it hopes to receive recognition by the Government and after that the organisation will ask for membership of the I.N.F. So far its financial position has prevented it from acquiring grounds of its own.
By the Rev. Ray Fussel1.
Some time ago an article appeared in a certain Church newspaper condemning Freemasonry in no uncertain manner. The writer of the article was not himself a Mason, but from the information he had collected, condemned Freemasonry partly because he believed they made a religion out of it. Very few Masons, it seems go to Church because they get all the religion they want by going to 'Lodge'.
As could be expected, certain Masons rose up in wrath in defence of the Craft, and said Freemasonry was not a religion, and in spite of the faults of some of the members, Freemasons in general were normal Christians.
Being a Naturist, I am a sympathetic critic, but like the writer of the article on Freemasonry, there are a lot of people who judge the practice of Naturism by what they read. It is quite common to come across statements in official Naturist magazines, describing naturists as Sun-worshippers. I can remember a photograph which appeared in H. & E. some time ago, showing an attractive woman, with arms outstretched, gazing skyward, with this caption: "Worshipping the Sun".
I am open to correction on this point, but "Health & Efficiency" - which is an admirable publication - is (or was) on sale in most booksellers. The ordinary man or woman, reading our magazines, and coming across such a statement, could be forgiven for believing that all Naturists are pagans.
It is well-known tat the pagan cult of Sun-Worship was once quite common. The remarkable group of huge stones on Salisbury Plain, England, known as Stonehenge, is believed to be the site of Sun-Worshippers, who sacrificed human beings. Some years ago, a party of mariners landed on East Island, and actually saw the inhabitants engaged in Sun-Worship.
Naturists will laugh at the idea that they really worship the Sun. The outsider does not know whether you are a Naturist or not, but he does think that Naturists arc "queer people", and possibly he believes that all Naturists are pagan Sun-Worshippers.
The newspaper which published the article condemning Freemasonry, said that only Freemasons could correct the wrong impression which the un-informed held about them.
As a fellow-naturist I suggest that we are the only people who can correct the wrong impression that we worship the Sun, by showing that we are fully aware that we simply make full use of the benefit of something which God has made, and that while we rejoice in delicious sensation of sun and wind on our naked bodies, we do not neglect our worship of Him.
SEEN IN THE WORLD'S (AUCKLAND'S) PRESS.
From Robert Gilmore's Column (Give and Take) in the Auckland Star, 11th. June, 1960:
"Despite our occasional rudery, local bare-bods kindly send us their ever-fascinating magazine, from current issue of which we learn that international association of nudist clergy is forming in wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen... That Tito Tourist Office is advising bare-bod clubs all over the world that at English Bay, on Rab Island, Dalmatia mixed bare-bod bathing is legal... That Wellington bare-bods are organising bare-bod expedition to Ruapehu in July, repeat July..."
We have great admiration for columnist Gilmore who stuck to his guns over the All-White-Spingbok tour issue long after others had given in or decided that they liked a trip more than their principles. So much do we admire Gilmore that we have invited him frequently to visit A.O.H.C., even giving him dispensation to come suitably attired in top hat and tails. However, with characteristic journalistic ingenuity, he has thought up a different excuse each time.
Regretful conclusion: odd-bod Gilmore can give, but can't take it.
G.W.
A MISTAKE.
A mistake can be a valuable help if you will do these five things:
1) Recognise it.
2) Admit it.
3) Correct it, if possible.
4) Learn from it.
5) forget it.
A.S.A. Bulletin
with JOAN TREANOR.
Spring is on the way - the season of bursting buds, daffodils, green grass and growth... a busy time for Mother Nature, and she never to tire of throwing off her old winter coat and fitting on a new, fresh, exhilarating gown of pure delight.
Spring is for us too in the Sun Club a busy time; flowers to plant, pavilion to clean out, new curtains to be made and the hundred and one odd jobs that have accumulated over the winter. This is no time to sit around and chat and knit, rather it is a time to get out and about in the fresh Spring sunshine, exercising those muscles that have been cramped up in layers of clothes for months, and baring the skin to the gentle touch of the season's sun gradually acquiring that enviable tan that will build up over the ensuing months. This is the time to bring in that girl friend who has been chewing over your glowing accounts of life at the sun club. An introduction now, when activity is starting off and the rays of old 'Sol' not so keen, will help her along no end.
Recently on a wet Sunday and while our men-folk were busy elsewhere, we of the fairer sex were knitting talking and our conversation turned to when we first joined a sun club. It was interesting to note the various ways of "entering a club". Some thanked the pictures 'Garden of Eden' and 'Nudist Paradise' for helping them to make up their minds, while others had the help of magazines. The most popular idea was the encouragement of friends, who after gentle 'nagging', finally managed to make them come out for a visit and after eventually taking the plunge decided that this was the life and have never regretted it since.
If every member of the sun clubs throughout New Zealand brought a new member into his or her club we would certainly have good memberships throughout the country. Sometimes it is the person who you would least think to be interested in joining a club who turns out to be so keen as I have myself found out.
Three of us, plus our young baby, recently took a trip to one of the South Island's popular health resorts at Hanmer Springs, where one can soak in mineral water in the natural state - men segregated from the ladies. Being all true blue nudists we could appreciate, with much amusement, the antics unenlightened members of the public got up to, to conceal the fact that they were nude, even amongst their own sex! Once in the water, however, they considered that they were decent again even though the water was as clear as the air they had just slipped from! We caused quite a stir with our unconcerned approach to the poolside one could almost imagine the comments made after our exit especially after hearing "Why, she's brown all over" in a most disgusted tone. Ken tells me that there was not quite such a prudish attitude in the men's poo1, although there was the occasional display of 'modesty'.
Yes, girls, even in this day of the broader-cut look and gradual acceptance of nudism and sun clubs, we still have years of Victorian upbringing to challenge us. And just to help you, here is my first letter received in response to my appeal last issue. Pix, of W.S.& H.S. tells of her first experiences in naturism and what happened to her can happen to you. Just read her letter and if you still need convincing, drop me a line, for so often a complete stranger can do more for you than a friend or relation. Just address your letter to: Joan Treanor, P.O. Box 6359, Wellington.
And thanks, Pix, for your lovely letter. Here it is:
Twelve months ago, if I had been asked what I thought of naturism, I would have blushed a fiery red and spluttered something to the effect that it was alright for other people, but I wouldn't consider becoming a naturist at any price.
When first the subject was mentioned in our home the weather was as it usually is in May, and talk of getting about in the nude was enough to give me the shivers. Anyway, what would people think of me with all my various old op. scars, bulges etc.? The idea just didn't appeal at all. So, for a short time, no discussion was entered into, and the subject just mentioned in passing when talking to friends who belonged.
Gradually and quietly there appeared various items of literature on naturism in the house. This seemed to be the first subtle move, and being of a curious nature, naturally I had to read them, but only when I was sure I was alone, just in case someone should think I was seriously contemplating joining such a movement.
How very misleading were most of the photos in those magazines. The women were, oh so nicely proportioned, and none seemed over 25 at the most, or displayed blemishes of any kind, strong reasons why I just couldn't join. Being somewhat over 25 and nothing to look at in shorts or bathing costumes and displaying plenty of blemishes, it just wasn't for me.
Time went by, and as my husband is as persuasive as most other males, I was persuaded in due course to at least look over the private property, where, I was assured all those people went wherever they had a few hours to spare and when the weather wasn't too bad.
We arrived at last, one cold, damp, dreary day, to look the place over and to meet whoever may turn up on such a day. Luckily for me, all present were fully dressed; what a relief, and we were able to concentrate on exploring all the corners, and points of interest, without fear of suddenly finding ourselves face to face, as it were with complete strangers in a state of undress.
The grounds made a very pleasant impression on all of us. As it is sometime since we had any front or back yard of our own, the grounds seemed enormous. Our two children proceeded to make themselves at home, rushed about as if the matter was already settled once and for a11.
So started our infrequent visits throughout the winter months. Of course as the weather got warmer and warmer, so the number of naked bodies increased, which is one way of getting used to things gradually. From the outset I could see the advantage of naturism for the children, but unfortunately I wasn't a child.
The time came when I knew I would have to make up my mind, the rest of the family being a11 for the idea, an watching those carefree people enjoying themselves soon convinced me, and I took the plunge into my birthday suit, and wondered why I had held back for so long.
For me to become a naturist was a slow process, and now I am wholly convinced, and am sure I must be quite a bore at times, the way I go on about the joys of being a naturist. At times I did envy those of you, who came to the club for the first time, and thought, this is for me, and went away laughing,as the saying goes.
Now, as a family we have a great interest in common. Our children keep it from all strangers and unbelievers and guard it as some precious secret, sometimes feeling, I am sure, that they are just a little superior to, and certainly more enlightened than some grown-ups. For myself, I can honestly say I haven't felt so well for years, and look at it from all accounts.
It is winter again, but we have the summer to look forward to, and then it will be out to the club whenever the sun is shining, the work not too pressing, to lay in the sun, sleep, read, play games or just natter, (you can work if you like) an you have only to hear the squeals of delight and laughter of the children to say nothing of the Mums and Dads, to know everyone is having a wonderful tine.
I am, and always will be, happy and proud that my family and myself have become naturists. No-one can feel an outsider for long among those natural, friendly people who make it so much easier for newcomers to get accustomed to things in their own time, as I did.
We are pleased to welcome thc writer of this little piece to the pages of our magazine. He came to N.Z. on Operation Deep Freeze and wishing to spend some of his leave in a club in N.Z. was welcomed to Pine Glades in Christchurch. It was there that he met Glenis, who is known to many of us and it deems that Cupid was around at the time. Will, who is now back in the States will be back early in September to claim his bride. October 6th. is the day arranged and we all wish Glenis and Will everything good in the future. The couple will live in America, for some time anyway. Meantime, we would like to say, thanks Will, and let's have some more copy when you have the time.
By Willard Bellais, Pen Mar Club, U.S.A.
There was a little penguin named Will; he was an Adelie penguin and he lived far away from the rest of the world - down on a block of ice named Antarctica. Well, Will had an idea one day and that idea was a simple one, he wanted to take a walk and so he walked and walked and walked. What did he see? He didn't see a mulberry bush like you might expect. He didn't see red fire engine, like you might expect. He didn't see a castle with a mighty king in it or a beautiful princess, like you might expect. He just saw ice and ice and more ice until he was very tired of seeing ice. You know, this penguin, named Will, real1y didn't mind the ice, because to him it wasn't very cold.
He was tired of his rookery. All the other penguins in his rookery always talked about everyone else in the rookery. He didn't like that very much; the lady penguins always talked about their fine feathers and how nice they looked. Now, Will didn't have anything against penguins, especially lady penguins, you know, but he didn't like a11 their chatter, so he went for a walk.
"You know what I'll do," Willy said, "I'll go for a swim." He found a nice little hole in the ice and dived in. He swam and swam, but something bothered him, he didn't know what it was. So Willy got out of the water and walked some more in the sun; thc sun which always shines in the summertime started to bother him. He found another hole in the ice and he dived in. It still didn't do the trick as he had hoped. Well, what was he going to do? He did what was only right; he took off his black feather waistcoat and dived in. This was right.
The other penguins in the rookery started to come by just as he was jumping out of the water and they saw Will without his black feathery waistcoat and they laughed. They laughed and laughed and 1aughed. "What a stupid penguin." one of them said and he looked at Wi1ly without his clothes. "You aren't dressed, Willy!" And they laughed. Will was hurt, 'Why should they laugh at me?' he thought, 'I just went for a swim without my waistcoat.'
Only a little lady penguin wasn't laughing, she looked as sad as Willy, and they all went off laughing and making fun of Willy except the lady penguin. Willy looked at her. She was the most beautiful lady penguin he had ever seen. "I don't think that was so funny," she said with a slight smile. "If you want to be different it is your business," she continued.
Willy felt better now and he smiled. The swim was good, he thought and I did the right thing, that feather waistcoat was just in my way. "What's your name?" Willy asked the beautiful lady penguin, and he asked it very shyly.
"My name is Matilda," she said. "What's yours?"
Will blushed all over and his white feathers turned a scarlet red. "My name is Willy," he answered.
Matilda and Willy just stood there and looked at each other and smiled. "Would you like to go for a swim?" Willy asked.
"I wouldn't mind," she answered, "but you don't mind if I take off my waistcoat, too, do you?"
"Not at all, Mati1da," Willy answered. She did, and they dived into the
water together, and they darted after fish and had a wonderful time. When the swim
was over they sat on thc ice and just smiled at one another.
Then the other penguins came back and looked at both Willy and Matilda and laughed and said, "You both are undressed!" And they laughed at the two penguins sitting on the ice. Matilda was angry and she looked at her fellow penguins and said, "You shouldn't laugh, we wanted to do this and found it a wonderful thing and a proper thing and it should be right for everybody."
The other penguins laughed again and one of them said, "You are different from the rest of us! You look so funny."
"What's wrong with being different?" Matilda asked. And the all stopped. "If you would stop laughing and join us and see what it is like to swim without waist-coats and enjoy the perpetual sunshine I think this would be a better world."
A penguin far in the back spoke up: "I think Matilda is right. You know if we would remember that the waistcoat isn't important, it's what we are that's important. I think I'll join them and see what it's like to swim without my waistcoat." Others followed and they jumped in the water without their waistcoats, too. Everybody was having so much fun, they stopped laughing at Willy the penguin who was in the thick of the swim, too.
Before long everybody in the rookery was swimming without their waistcoats and found it a lovely thing to do, to be free of their waistcoats. When the afternoon was over and everybody got out of the water they went to Will and one said, "We are sorry we laughed at you, Willy."
Willy smiled ands said he didn't mind. The other penguins that to be different wasn't wrong and you only laugh at what you don't understand. Willy was so happy that he had found such a nice way to live. He looked at Matilda and smiled and Willy penguin and Matilda penguin knew that they were in love.
He took Matilda penguin's flipper and they walked off down the ice together, to find a preacher and this is the story of how Willy penguin founded a Nudist club for penguins in Antarctica and fell in love with a lady penguin and lived happily ever after.
The moral: DON'T EVER LAUGH AT ANYTHING YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO BE DIFFERENT. IT MIGHT BE BETTER THAN BEING LIKE THE CROWD.
Hi there Junior Sunbathers,
Right now I suppose that you are all itching to get rid of that pale-as-death-warmed-up skin and acquire that glorious tan that you all had last season! But don't let that tan cover up all the other benefits that you gain by letting the sun and air about your body. If you hadn't had that benefit last year you might have had a lot more coughs and colds than you did, for one of the things that the sun does is to build up resistance to infection and disease.
Besides this, you are learning to regard your body as something to be proud of and not to hide behind layers of clothing (through they are handy in the winter.)
You ought to be proud of Mum and Dad for introducing nudism to you and aim to live the naturist way of life. After reading Carol's essay I am sure that you will agree that she has the right attitude, and the other young sunbathers who sent in their efforts are to be congratulated on the way they regard nudism.
I want to congratulate the Wellington Club on their appointment of two Youth Organisers, Noel and Maurice, who, I am sure, will really turn themselves inside out to ensure a grand time for the youngsters of Fiveacres. Another step forward...
Of course the most prominent thought in all your minds will be... who goes to the Rally in the teniquoit team? and I'll bet that the courts will get a thrashing with all your practise!
Now I had better stop to make room for the Winning Essay:
"Why I Like Nudism." by Carol, aged 14, of CSHC.
I do not remember much about the early days out at the club as we have now been going for nearly five years. When Bill and Anne came to interview us I remember I didn't say a word all night and understood very little of what was going on. I didn't even know what the word nudist meant until several years later. I was more excited at being allowed to stay up than what I was staying up for.
My uncle and his family joined at the same time as we did and we both met a member of the club who showed us the way out to the grounds. I thought the club was just a group of people who got together every Sunday on some land they bought between then and had a picnic. At that tine I was very keen to join and go out regularly. However the day came when the first brave man stripped; the first in that season. Soon a few others followed his example. I was shocked to see people running around with no clothes on. Soon I realized this was what everyone did. I was very self-conc ious when the time came for me to take my clothes off. I remember I kept myself well hidden for the next few hours but I soon got used to it and liked the freedom.
I discovered it was a lovely feeling to have the wind blowing around my body. I found I could run and play so much easier without clothes to handicap me. In the later years when the pool was finished discovered it was so pleasant to swim without a bathing costume. Having a bathing costume on made me feel cold so quickly and the cold water seemed to cling to me and hold me back so much. It was so pleasant to have the cool water lapping freely around my body. When I got out of the pool there was no getting changed and hanging out my costume to dry and there was no waiting for it to dry if I wanted to go for another swim. I shall tell you of an incident at Kaiteriteri in the last Xmas Holidays when I decided to go for a swim.
We were parked a long distance away from the bathing sheds because there were so many cars we couldn't get any closer. It took me about 8 minutes to the bathing sheds where I changed, another 8 minutes to carry my clothes back to the car as it was forbidden to leave your clothes in the bathing sheds. Then I walked back to the beach, had a swim, walked back to the car, collected my clothes, walked back to the bathing sheds and changed, and walked back to the car again. Goodness how long it took to have that swim. What a process.
Also there is another freedom in the club. There are very few rules concerning children which gives me so much more freedom to more or less as I like, when I like. In other words the club is not over-organised.
Another reason I like going to the club is the companionship. If I was to go to the beach the only people I would know would be the people I go with who in most cases are my own family. It is such a relief to get away from your own family and play with people of your own age for a few hours at the club. Some days I leave home feeling in such a bad mood and I come home contented and happy. It seems to do me good to have a day at the club.
What has kept my interest even more is being on the junior committee and planning future fun for other children and trying to keep their interest. It will be the children of today who run the club of tomorrow.
If I had a choice of a holiday at the beach or at Pine Glades, I would choose a holiday at Pine Glades without hesitation.
And here is the first essay of those which were highly commended.
"Why I Like Nudism." by Rachel, aged 10.
I always look forward to the weekends and hope that the sun will shine so I can enjoy myself at the club. It feels good when I take off my clothes and feel the warm sun and the fresh air on my body. I look forward to seeing my friends there and always look around to see if there are any more new children to join in our games because the more there are the more fun it is. It is much better and easier to play in the nude and it is the way to good health. The sort of games we play keep us fit and give us plenty of exercise.
The game I like the best and play most is teniquoits and I hope to be in our junior team at next year's rally. Another sport we enjoy is at the club is swimming. We can only use the children's pool or the stream for now but the big pool will soon be ready and we will enjoy our swimming much more. We have also have a play area for the children where we can use the swings, see-saw, or have a spin on the roundabout or can do keep-fit-drill, cartwheels, hand-stands and exercises like those.
The clubs that I have visited are the only place where everybody is so friendly because we are all nudists and are all equal. By the end of the day I feel very contended but sorry that the day is over and long for the next visit to the club.
The secretaries of the clubs listed in this section will be pleased to hear from all genuine enquirers.
Drop a line today and ensure a prompt reply, by enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.
Auckland Outdoor Health Club Inc. (Members.) Box 2792, Auckland.
Kaurimu Sun Club. (Proprietary.) Box 15, Glen Eden, Auckland.
Auckland Sun Club. (Members.) Box 2925, Auckland.
The club house is nearly lined inside now and we hope to build a shower outside soon. That's our swimming pool for the time being. A bit more land has been cleared in the new area. We have a now a single man who is an asset to us and a couple with three children who joined a while back. Let's hope that the new season will bring some more members.
Wanganui Sun Club. (Members.) Box 410, Wanganui.
Work is proceeding apace in preparation for the Rally and although there do not appear to be many workers, we will nevertheless have everything ready. We are opening up the back paddock for camping and cars may be driven right alongside the tents. We will be installing a big marquee again and with Covent Garden, we will be all right even if we do have rain. Our membership has recently risen by one, though we can't expect much help from her for a while. Duncan and Evelyn now have another daughter and both are doing well.
Wellington Sun & Health Society Inc.(Members.) Box 6359, Wellington.
Our social programme is now well under way and several enjoyable eveninGs have already been spent, including film; fun and games at which a member was operated on for floating kidneys, 12½ people got into a hula hoop; and illustrated talk. The next on the list is a Brain's Trust, and visitors are welcome every last Saturday in the month.
Work is steadily proceeding at Fiveacres, all the current developing projects being proceeded with. Members are still staying overnight in the clubhouse and the building of more sleeping accommodation is important.
We had a nice letter from a new member recently, who put into words that important aspect of nudist club life found everywhere. He said, "Just to let you know that Joe, Harry and I took a trip out to Fiveacres yesterday afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed it. We put in a bit of time scrub clearing and played teniquoits and soccer with the children. I would like you to know that as complete beginners in this form of activity we were so happily impressed with the nice surroundings and friendliness of the other folks that you could use this letter at any time as a testimonial to sunbathing camps and their activities in New Zealand.
Yours sincerely,
Ernie."
We are happy to say that our membership has now passed the 100 mark for the first time in our history.
The Youth Organisers have sent some interesting ideas to be put into operation as soon as the new season starts, and it is hoped to be able to try some of them out at the next National Rally. Meantime Mum's the word.
Canterbury Sun & Health Club Inc. (Members.) Box 1823, Christchurch.
Here's news that will make you all positively green with envy! Yes Sir!! Right here at 'Pine Glades' there reposes twenty three of the neatest little cabins that ever was. 'Twas like this... one of our keenest members heard tell of the sale of many small cabins, which, on inspection, proved ideally suited for Pine Glades and before one could say 'Six sunny sunbathers', our members were clamouring for a cabin each.
Our works wallahs tramped about the grounds with plans and serious faces; the Club Committee deliberated muchly, with the result that trees were felled, ground cleared and bulldozed to allow the cabins in. Now, we have two rows of sunshine cabins overlooking our games and camping area... oh dear, you are green!!
Perhaps the news that Harold is once more President of the Club will cheer you up again, for many of you will remember him as President when the Rally was held down here in the 'Mainland'. Mona is again Secretarying, Dorothy is Treasurer, and, a new appointment, Ray is Vice-President.
The zeal in real estate has come off and the Club is now the better off by three more acres, plus six more which have been bought by a club member for his own use. Club total acreage is now 18.
Ian, the Works boss has been busy supervising the planting of the first 1,000 or more trees about the place, and club approval has been given for the introduction of electricity.
With the heralding of the Spring and the promise of many months of sunshine ahead, the 'Pine Gladers' urge those who are contemplating the plunge into nudism, to give it a go now; drop us that long chewed over letter and share with us the far reaching benefits we can offer...
Otago Sun & Health Club. (Members.) Box 2058, South Dunedin.
The A.G.M., hold in May, was very successful, almost the entire membership being present, and a strong committee being elected, to ensure that the Club has another successful season next sumner.
Activities at the club grounds are at a standstill just now, although the writer enjoyed a few hours there in the nude on June 15th, only a week from the shortest day. Several improvements are projected for thc next few months, including the painting of the swimming pool.
Southern Sun & Health Club. (Members.) Box 486, Invercargill.
We are cutting a new access track to the area and are also enlarging the main area which is now in the bush proper. We have a contractor on filling and clearing manuka for firewood. This area will house our club headquarters, games courts and play area. The prospects look very rosy. Once a month we have a social evening at one or other of the members' homes, where we play games, show slides etc., and each time a member donates a worthwhile prize, which is raffled, the takings going into the club funds.
Waikato Health Club. (Forming.) Box 4032, Hamilton East.
Gisborne Sun Club. (Forming.) c/- Box 6359, Wellington.
Great minds in Wellington, Auckland and Napier were thinking alike on Friday, 15th July when New Zealand's first memorable weekend was held in the snow at Ruapehu.
We arrived on the mountain about 6 o'clock and soon lugged the supplies the few minutes walk to the Lodge which was to be our home for the week-end. Snow lay all around, though not enough for skiing, but to some of the party it was a "first". The Auckland party arrived around midnight, and by Saturday midday, all were present, 9 from Wellington, 14 from Auckland and 1 from Napier, including 6 children.
On Saturday morning, with the wardrobe empty, a party set off for the summit in a cold wind and an ominous mist. The weather slowly deteriorated, so we stopped at Scoria Flat and watched the ski instructors putting their pupils through their paces and giving us a few laughs at their expense.
Returning to the Lodge, the weather had really closed down in earnest and food became the order of the day. In fact dinner that night was a tender roast with all the trimmings and sweets, a real 5 star job, plus coffee in the lounge.
Sunday brought heavy rain, the worst skiing season for 10 years, so we decided to make for home. It was a memorable week-end all the same and let this be the first of many more in the future. Will be you with us next time?
Noted:-
Pen Portrait: Russell of O.S.& H.C.
