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 #  20 - February 1961 

[The National Naturist Review - Autumn] Editor: Perc Cousins (Pages: 36 - 1/3 each)

Contents:-

Editorial
Letters to the Editor, Auckland
Pen Portrait - Norman Fullerton AOHC
New Zealand Sunbathing Association - Nudist Films, Presentation to Percy Cousins, Plea from Dick Whittington
9th National Rally
INF - Passports, Germany, Denmark, Japan, England
Love in Action
Naked into the World
Do You Have a Teenage Problem? (Ken Treanor)
Around the N.Z. Naturist World in 8 Days by Gerald Wakely
Talking to Women
The Junior Section
News from the Clubs (9)

Noted


National Naturist Review

 

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.

 

 

Published quarterly, 5/- per annum, post free. 1/3 per copy.

Address all editorial matter to: The Editor, N.Z. Naturist, P.O.Box 2702, Auckland.


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Editorial   


Have you ever been in the company of one of those dismal customers who always look on the bleak side of everything? Talking to one the other day, among other things he moaned about, was that the nudist movement will never progress, for the position is just the same now that it was years ago.


Utter rot! The progress of the nudist movement is very largely the result of an improved state of mind and whether we care to admit it or not, public opinion has a lot of influence. So let us look at just one result of improved public opinion.


We are all familiar with what has happened to bathing costumes and dress generally in the last few decades. We automatically accept many things today, that would have put us in prison not so long ago... men stripped to the waist in public, women in abbreviated costumes and a broader outlook in many ways for which we can all be grateful.


A typical example of our progress comes from the Woman's Mirror recently in an article about Fanny Durack, the first girl to represent Australia in the Olympic Games, by flouting convention and covering herself with glory.


In 1912 women were banned from swimming in public or at carnivals where men competed or were even not allowed to be among the spectators. It was ordained that swimming "coarsened females both physically and morally". Any woman with any pretensions to being a lady would not indulge in such unbecoming behaviour.


However, then as now, there were girls who rebelled against such a dictatorial rule and by 1900 the "unladylike" females were sufficiently numerous to justify "Ladies Hours" at public baths around Sydney.


Fanny Durack, at the age of 9, taught herself to swim and took advantage of the exception for very young girls and would compete in a girls' race which occasionally was included in the programme at a boys' carnival and later, in her teens come 2nd. in a similar carnival. Nevertheless, clubs still forbade competitive swimming before mixed audiences and rigorously policed the regulations to preserve decorum.


Despite this rigid enforcement, the Olympic Selection Committee had to give way by the sheer grit and determination of this young lady, coupled with public opinion, which demonstrated its confidence in Fanny and her prowess as a swimmer. She went to Stockholm and won the world championship and the first gold medal ever awarded to an Australian girl at an Olympic Games. She came back to a tumultuous reception by Australian women, having overcome another of those stupid prejudices, the like of which we are still facing today.


Women now swim in public and compete with men and no-one is any the worse for it. Women take their place with men just about everywhere and they are still respected and admired. The same narrow-minded old busybodies now say that it is wrong for women and children to become nudists, but just as Fanny Durack proved them to be utterly wrong in 1912, so our ladies are proving that decorum and dignity are not lost and that men can still be gentlemen, even though they be unclothed.


Yes, Dismal Desmond, we have progressed a long way, but the same conventional ideas would say we are wrong. Gradually the THEORIES of the Grundys will give way to the solid PROOFS of increased health and better citizenship to be found in all recognised nudist camps throughout the world.

Perc. W. Cousins.   

                        


DEADLINE for the next issue is 31st. March, 1961. Be there!!


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Letters to the Editor   


The last issue of the Review contained an article under the heading, "On Having the Courage of One's Convictions", by Gerald, advocating that naturists come out into the open, use their full names on all occasions, and admit to all and sundry that they are members of the naturist movement.


I don't know whether Gerald really meant all he said in that article, or whether he was just wanting to stir up some discussion on the subject, but I do feel that the matter is a very important one, and the article should not go unanswered, especially as Gerald is an officer of the New Zealand Sunbathing Association, and some readers and prospective club members may get the impression that his views represent the official policy of the N.Z.S.A.


Let me say at the start that these few words are not concerned with national officers of the N.Z.S.A., or even perhaps with club Presidents or other senior club officials. We as individual clubs, and also collectively through our National Association, need a certain number of people willing to use their full names in dealing with the Press, legal and commercial matters, various Government departements, and perhaps certain other members of the public, and we are all indebted to those who have come out into the open under their full names to represent us in dealing with outside organisations.


However, as far as the ordinary club member is concerned, this is an entirely different matter, and he should be completely at liberty, without being pressured in any way, to use only his Christian name in his naturist activities, should he so desire.


Gerald mentions "social position", but I don't think that this factor has any appreciable influence on the matter, sun clubs being generally very friendly and sociable, the naturist state being a great leveller, and club members generally feeling drawn together by their common interest. There are no doubt dozens of reasons, depending on individual circumstances, why people belonging to sun clubs may wish to keep their membership confidential, but I will content myself with listing three, which I consider are the most important, and probably have the most general application.


1. ELDERLY RELATIVES. If a member has an elderly mother, father, or other close relation, who is known to be strongly opposed to the sun club idea, what is gained by telling them that you are naturist? There is usually no possible chance of persuading them to change their ideas and outlook at their time of life, so why upset them unnecessarily? What advantage is there for you, for them, or for the movement in general? Better surely to consider their feelings and say nothing about it.


2. THE CHURCH. I am not aware of the official attitude of all the churches towards naturism, but I gather that at least some of them view it with disapproval. Nobody wishes to prejudice their relationship with the church just because they belong to a sun club - end why should they?


3. BUSINESS. People in business on their own account hold their own future success in their own hands, end can judge for themselves whether their known membership of a sun club will have any adverse effect on their customers or on their staff.


Most of us however are not in that category, and our future promotion is dependent on the goodwill and opinions of persons senior to us, frequently older people, whose views on naturism are unknown, and who are most likely quite ignorant of what a sun club is like, their only idea being that it is somehow associated with those magazines which get banned from the bookstalls from time to time. Our promotion and our whole future prospects in our particular profession or line of business is bound up with what these senior officers think, and the higher one gets on the professional or business ladder the more one's private and outside interests are taken into consideration when making a senior business appointment. In the event that membership of a sun club was considered unfavourable, the member possibly wouldn't even have the chance of stating his case, but could be passed over for promotion without ever knowing the reason why.


We all agree that this is not right, and that nobody should be prejudiced in any way through being a member of a sun club, but we have to realise that a large segment of the public is quite ignorant as to how a sun club operates, and the high standards which we all maintain. The National Officers of the N.Z.S.A. have done, and are doing a very good job in improving the situation, and we have a very great deal to thank them for in this respect, but the stage has not yet been reached when naturism is accepted by everybody as a perfectly normal activity like tennis or bowls, and until it is, persons coming forward to join our clubs should know quite definitely that their membership will be treated by all in complete confidence if they so desire.


As far as I am aware this is the rule in all the clubs, both for new and existing members, and if it is not already the official view of the N.Z.S.A. then it should be. (It is. Ed.)


With most people it takes a certain amount of moral courage to join a sun club in the first place, and the last thing we want to do is to discourage genuine prospective members by giving them the idea that, either before or after joining, they will by expected to announce themselves as naturists to the world at large.

Ken S.                

C.S.& H.C.      


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Pen Portrait   


Norman Fullerton of Auckland Outdoor Health Club.


Naturism is not the only aspect of life in New Zealand that produces a disproportionate number of negative nigglers to positive types who are prepared to work, not just physically but with their hands. When one first met him at Kaurimu it seemed that Norman was, if not a niggler, then a negative non-doer. Happily for the future of the movement in this country one has been proved wrong.


Norman has come out of the shell that, at the start, confined him to his own area at Kaurimu in a sort of voluntary, defiant apartheid, a prisoner of his own shyness and uncertainty. Cynical, self-centred, he did, nevertheless gradually take a part in the affairs of Kaurimu, and later, A.O.H.C. but distantly and, one was made to feel, definitely one at variance with the views of "the establishment". Non-conformism is almost a requirement for active participation in naturist affairs, but to be other than of a purely nuisance value, it must offer something constructive in place of the existing order. In Norman's case, at this stage, it didn't.


However, the chance to campaign on his own for the establishment of the New Zealand Sunbathing Association and election as Treasurer of A.O.H.C. gave him the chance to take a more positive part in naturist affairs, local and national.


To the wonder, and pleasure, of his friends (if not the occasional exasperation of his fellow officials) the National Rally at Auckland saw him very much absorbed in an attractive girl whom he had introduced to the club. Cynicism and self-centeredness are traits of youth, uncertainty and loneliness which melt away when another person brings love and the promise of togetherness. This has been Helen's achievement and it will surely be one for which naturism in New Zealand, and Auckland in particular, will have cause to be thankful.


Nudism in New Zealand has a great need of those with a wide view of life and an interest in other fields. In Norman and Helen it has a fine pair who fit the bill. How long they will feel able to give of their energies and time to naturism depends to a large extent on the support that the rest of us give to them.


                         

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NZSA   






New Zealand Sunbathing Association.



GREETINGS.

The Editor wishes to thank the many readers who sent Xmas greetings to this office, and takes this opportunity of acknowledging the spirit which prompted those messages. May the New Year be a happy and prosperous one for you all.


NUDIST FILMS.

"The Nudist Story" is the title of the latest effort to make our case known to the pub1c, and at the same time, line the pockets of its producers. It appears that it has been produced in cooperation with the B.S.B.A. and the Sunlanders Youth Group, and although tolerably well acted and mounted, its main fault lies in its over-glamourous treatment and over-efficient perfection. Perhaps one day the film loving public... and others... will be able to see us as we really are.


The manager of a theatre in Charlotte, U.S.A., was recently charged with obscenity for screening an English film entitled "For Members Only", depicting life in a nudist club. The chief witness for the defence said the only obscenity he encountered in connection with the film, was the testimony of witness for the prosecution. "A man with jaundice can only see yellow," he said.


PRESENTATION TO PERCY COUSINS.

Those who were at the Rally will recall that a collection was made for a 'get well' present for Percy. This, however, resulted in considerably more then was expected being collected. A small present was bought, and Percy has agreed with the suggestion of the Executive of the N.Z.S.A. that the remaining money form the nucleus of a trust fund to be named after him and to be used for the wider benefit of nudism. The sort of things that were envisaged: a bursary to enable younger nudists, say under 25, going abroad to study, to visit other nudist clubs, the contribution that this would make to international understanding being of positive value; or, we might be able to finance a refugee family coming to New Zealand; or, a grant might be made to nudists who "fall on bad times'. The actual terms are yet to be worked out and it is intended to send further details to clubs as soon as they are available, so that club members may contribute if they wish. However, those who don't belong to clubs may feel that they would like to contribute; if so, they should send their donation to: Hon. Treasurer, New Zealand Sunbathing Association, P.O. Box 6359, Wellington, making their cheque out to 'Percy Cousins Trust Fund' Acct.


PLEA FROM DICK WITTINGTON.

Dick has lost his address book and is properly lost without it. Will all his friends drop him a note and give him the addresses he wants. Thanks.


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9th National Rally   

 

Wanganui, 31st December 1960 - 2nd January 1961.


Playing 'Hamlet' without the Prince? Not quite, but Percy's enforced absence robbed the Rally of much of the tradition that has become associated with it and one missed, particularly in tho business session, his experience and grasp of the various problems that occur in our movement. Dare one say, too, that, sartorially speaking, a certain peaked cap was missed for the opposite reason that its owner's absence was lamented?


What happened? In all some 93 adults and about 25 children attended, the majority either camping or staying in Wanganui. Numbers from each centre were: Auckland 32, Wellington 35, Christchurch 6, elsewhere 9 whilst there were 11 from Wanganui.


The N.Z.S.A. Executive business session took place on the Friday preceding the Rally proper, starting at 2pm. and finishing, with only a 2-hour adjournment, at 11.30pm. Boy, did we work for you jokers! One of tho objects was to lesson the burden of detail on Percy and, to this end, a Secretary (Em from Wellington), and a Treasurer (Doug, no loss) were appointed. Other new appointments: Woman's representative - Joan Treanor; Liaison officer with outside organisations - Jim Quinlan. Percy was unanimously re-elected President, with Ivan Vice-President, Gerald Public Relations Officer and Review Editor, and Ken Youth Organiser and Overseas Correspondent.


Other decisions in brief: next Rally at Christchurch, 31st December 1961 - 2nd January 1962; the Ivan Mowlem trophy for biggest proportional increase in membership was won by Wellington, with 43 new members during the year; the Review is to be renamed "NEW ZEALAND NATURIST'; candidates for office in the N.Z.S.A. should agree to publication of their names unless the executive agrees otherwise; clubs are to be asked to send a copy of their annual reports and balance sheets to the N.Z.S.A. as a matter of courtesy; a sub-committee has been appointed to prepare a draft constitution for the N.Z.S.A. to be submitted to the next Rally; payment of capitation to the N.Z.S.A. has been defined and an appropriation has been made for national advertising.


So much for the work, now for the play. Saturday morning saw the Canterbury Sun & Health Club couple, Wendy and Jimmy, winning the Junior Tenikoit trophy quite easily. This was the fruit of much practice and competition at Christchurch, stimulated by the club's offer of a free trip to the Rally. In the afternoon Ken organised junior games and competitions, both land bound and in the pool and a great deal of fun was had. It's appropriate to say at this stage how impressed most adults were with the youngsters at the Rally, particularly the teenagers and the near-teens. In fact, later in the evening a prize kindly donated by a local bookseller, and one donated by Ivan, were awarded for general deportment and good sportsmanship, the winners being Wendy, of Canterbury, and Ian, of Wellington. With such sound youth in the movement us grey beards can be confident of the future.


Saturday evening saw the highlight in entertainment with the presentation of the Wellington Sun and Health Society's Concert Party show. Percy's preparatory work was much in evidence but the last minute changes effected so successfully in the face of his absence were a tribute to the versatility of those in the show. It's invidious to single out individuals from a good team, so I'll content myself with a few personal impressions: admiration at the vivacious versatility of a father and son team, pleasant surprise at the dramatic talent Jack hides behind a shy exterior, renewed delight at Norman's clowning and the conviction that Doris and Em weren't really acting at all - it was so natural!


Sunday morning saw the senior tenikoit provide some good games in which Glenis and Ray for Canterbury played excellently to defeat Norman and Jack of A.O.H.C. This necessitated replays the following morning when Jim and John of Wanganui defeated A.O.H.C. narrowly after extra time, thus winning back the Perc. Cousins Trophy which they had held for its first three years, A.O.H.C. holding it for the last two. Sunday afternoon saw the business session run through at record speed in a positive burst of torpid disinterest. New films and slides were shown on Sunday evening. The party began to break up on Monday afternoon and a discussion session and singsong on Monday evening were somewhat poorly attended.


Finally, let's face it. Rallies nowadays are big business and in spite of the hard work put in by a handful of Wanganui members (not forgetting Nora, always in the background, but as usual, indispensable) as a Rally venue Wanganui is a was. Toilet facilities were inadequate as were games courts, and no one at a National Rally should have to dress at any stage other than to keep warm. One must reiterate that this is not to decry the hard work done by Ivan and Duncan in particular - it is just something that needs to be said while it is in our minds so that future venues will be big enough with adequate facilities.


Cartoon   

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INF

International Naturist Federation

  news from all 
over the world 
   

I.N.F. Passports.

The secretary of the I.N.F. at the Solbakken Congress last year, stated that at the time of her report a total of 13,854 international passports had been issued throughout the world. 600 of these were issued by B.S.B.A. to British naturists.

Passports are available from this office at 5/- each plus 5/- for the anua1 date stamp. I.N.F. badges for the lapel are 3/- each. When ordering state if brooch or pin type required. Handbooks giving particulars of clubs and camps all over the world retail at 10/- each.


GERMANY.

During the 10 years that Erhard Watchler has been president of the D.F.K. (Germany's national association) the number of affiliated clubs has grown from 16 to more than 130. Surely a wonderful record.


DENMARK.

When the I.N.F. wished to purchase 15 acres of land at Vrinners to establish an international nudist centre, they were thwarted by a law prohibiting foreigners from owning land in Denmark. Local authorities also raised objections. Erik Holm, the president of the I.N.F., being a Dane, decided to buy the property on behalf of the I.N.F. and then the case was referred to the Minister of Justice. The Minister asked several organisations and authorities such as the Police, Crown Counsellor etc., for their opinions, and as no objections were forthcoming the Minister granted permission for the establishment of this naturist centre. This decision means that naturism for the first time has been accepted by the highest authority in Denmark, thus giving legality to the movement. This new centre will be known as Helio-North. It is now hoped to be able to use the many fine bays in Denmark for naturism.


JAPAN.

The National Nudist Council (U.S.A.) has obtained a new member-group in Yokohama. It was founded by an American couple stationed in Japan.


ENGLAND.

The well-known naturist hotel and beach 'Woodside House', on the Isle of Wight, has been closed. The proprietors feel too old to continue running the place, and have given it up. This means that the only naturist grounds with a private beach in England have been lost to the movement.


                         

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Love in Action   

 

THE SOCIOlOGY OF SEX.

by Dr. Femando Henriques.


Some people are shocked by what they consider to be immodest behaviour at nudist camps, yet it would appear they have no cause to be so concerned. There is considerable evidence from savage societies, as well as from modern nudist camps, to indicate that the free display of the body eventually restrains sexual interest.


For those who denounce present-day immodesty in America and Europe the answer would seem to be to allow public nudity on all possible occasions. But the problem for our type of society with regard to standards of modesty cannot be solved in the happy medieval manner of nakedness in bed and bath house.


The British and American world is full of bikinis, striptease shows, advertisements for female underwear, the pin-up girl, the alluring movie poster, and so on. All those contribute to a general atmosphere of salaciousness in which former conventions of both modesty and immodesty seem to have disappeared. However, remarkable restraint is exercised and this controls the appropriateness of clothing for the occasion.
 

Cartoon

Many Europeans believe clothing and modesty go hand in hand. This is not true. Christian missionaries, perhaps unconsciously more concerned for themselves than the natives they were dealing with, felt impelled to enforce what amounted to a forced sense of modesty.


The Jesuit priests in South America had this problem. The Indians when given clothes would make scarves and turbans out of them. When asked about it the natives said they were ashamed to be seen wearing clothes on their bodies. Early missionaries in Australia had the same difficulty. But the attitude has been modified in Northern Ghana, where many of the women habitually go bare breasted.


It is surprising to see them in and around a Roman Catholic monastery there. The fathers said they had thought of forbidding female converts to remain uncovered, but had reached the conclusion that it would be better to let example (there is a convent of nuns nearby) provide the incentive. This is a surprisingly refreshing attitude in complete contrast to the earlier missionaries.

- - -


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'0tago Daily Times' Leader, 29th December, 1960.

NAKED INT0 THE WORLD.


This is a good time for the nudists to hold their annual convention. Not only can they have reasonable expectation of a congenial climate for their indulgence but they will also enjoy moral support - if such they need - by thinking that, after all, the shores of New Zealand are currently fringed by thousands of people who are demonstrating a qualified agreement.


The Greeks had a word for the nudists: gymnasts were, literally, people who took exercise naked. But in colder climates, where exposure of the body at odd seasons was a noticeable departure from the norm, there were many words for the nudists - and none of them complimentary.


Today, there is, in general, a greater mental and physical frankness than there has been for centuries, so it is not unnatural that there should be those who, in effect, advocate that the modern equivalent of the figleaf should be dropped. They have the liberty to do so, provided they consider the rights of those who disagree with them.


Their enthusiasm does not win them many converts but it must be allowed that they have the courage to face the naked truth about themselves and others. In a wider sphere that could be a salutary discipline. 


                        


PREDICTI0N FULFILLED. - Elderly gentlemen taking their ease on Waimarama Beach (Hawke's Bay) were startled by a brief bikini passing by. It was really brief - the top half was missing.

"Golly" a member of the Waimarama Domain Beard gurgled. "We've been trying to publicise this place for years, then we get all this for free."


                        


Ken Treanor,
National Youth Organiser,
N.Z.S.A.

asks Nudist parents...


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Do YOU have a teenage problem   


A fact commonly borne out by specialists in Child Psychiatry, is that there is no such thing as a baby born a problem child... more rather they are made that way mainly by parental apathy. This is probably true, for within our movement we too have a problem that is worrying to those who see what is going on amongst our nudist teenagers.


Time and again we have asked ourselves, 'Why does the youngster drop out of things and fade away?' How many members have remarked on the absence of so and so, who 'was always out here'. Are we to blame... did we drive them away?


Generally, in my opinion, no. The youngsters are growing up fast, developing quickly and gaining independence. They want companionship of their own kind, to attend outings with their friends. They want to break away from the ties of parents and restrictions and make their own way. It is a stage of life that all young people go through, and with understanding parents to guide them, most will survive with no ill effects.


However, we do have a few parents who insist on the teenager accompanying them just the same as she has been doing for the last twelve odd years, and when young Susan happens to mention that she is not very keen on going out to the club today, Mum and Dad wonder what has become of the girl. After much argument, Susan is finally told that she must go and with much resentment she accedes. Out at the club grounds, Mum and Dad find her reluctant to undress, drapes herself with towels or keeps obscurely in the background, when previously she used to be in the centre of activity. Words are said and Susan is told to undress completely or else!!


Susan may learn to dislike the Sun Club, because she is obliged to attend, is told to. undress (or else) and is watched over by Mum and Dad 'just like a child!' Later on we my lose her. If our Mum and Dad would understand the stage Susan is passing through, and overlook the reluctance to undress, due mainly to the feeling of self-conciousness with the onset of puberty and its development of the body, persuade her by example of the value of nudism and its benefits, and generally 1t her 'have her head', treating her like one of the family, much of the so-called problem would be overcome.


Club committees can help too, by not insisting on complete nudity for a while, inviting the youngster to participate on the Social committee or to arrange a swimming competition for the children, for one of the most important things to show the teenager is that he or she is wanted. More help can be given by setting up a Teenage Group within the club, where they can conduct their own activities to their own satisfaction.


The appointment of Youth Organisers to help in those arrangements is another step in the right direction, but most of all... by understanding and guiding them through one of the most difficult stages in life we can keep those young men and women from losing all that they have gained when they were younger, and more still, maintain their interest in the movement. These people are the future of Nudism.


                         


REVIEW LATE? O.K., so it is - and have you had a baby recently and had to explain why it's sunburnt and why you are? And have you been, like Bob, a father trying to get his metabolism into order again? Congratulations, Bob and Annette on the birth of Alan Robert.


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Do YOU have a teenage problem   


By Gerald Wakely, Public Relations Officer.


Last October I was fortunate enough to be able to visit other main centres and, as a result, set up a record of visiting four main clubs in eight days. Before giving some fleeting impressions, I should like to thank those who so kindly looked after me. To Collin and Belle in Dunedin who fed me besides taking me home to have a look at their grounds, to the members of the Otago Sun & Health Club who came in to meet me, some from some considerable distance,(this goes for Canterbury too); to Harold and Marie at Christchurch who fully justified their reputation for hospitality of which I had heard so much, to Mona and other committee members for turning out to meet me, and to Joan who tried so hard but always seemed to be a move away! To Hans and Zolinda who drove in from Lower Hutt to take me out to Wellington Sun & Health Society's grounds on the occasion of their annual meeting; to David and Hilda and Percy and Phyllis who so kindly fed me and to all others at each club that I visited who were so tactful as to make me feel that my journey had been well worthwhile.


It's difficult to view one's own club dispassionately, especially after some eight years helping to guide it. I would say however, that potentially it is the best club site in the country. It needs money and work - and more of the single-minded slogging that more southerly clubs have benefited from. It needs, too, more members which should be easier to get in a cosmopolitan city than in the relatively staid atmosphere of Christchurch. Although one falls into the trap oneself, it seems too easy to make excuses for non-attendance or poor attendance. Do Aucklanders really have more calls on their time than Wellingtonians or Cantabrians?


From A.O.H.C. or Sunday to Otago Sun & Health Club on Monday. One's overriding impression was of insecurity; not just of tenure of the grounds but of the whole idea of nudism. Other clubs have gone a long way towards bringing nudism into general acceptance. I shall have more to say later on the lines open to us now as a movement, but in the meantime I would stress my conviction that leadership in this direction must come from the leaders of the local clubs. As far as grounds are concerned, wouldn't it be possible to find another possie lying better to the sun and with better security of tenure? I liked what I saw but would be appalled at the work needed to develop it and the possibility of losing it all, more or less overnight.


The following Saturday found me at the Canterbury Sun & Health Club's grounds. My over-riding impression of Canterbury, in contrast to her southern neighbour, was of confidence and an aura of success. This club is leading the country in its programme for teenagers and the keenness of the members I met was a tonic. I must confess to a disappointment at what I saw of the grounds themselves, but I'm no lover of flat country. However, the potential is there and wise planting and land accumulation should preserve this as a nudist paradise for years to cone provided that the club keeps itself to itself as a club in relation to the land accumulation by its members. Nudism is ever subject to splits in personality, if not split personalities, and it is important to distinguish between what is general property and what private. It is also important to see that success doesn't breed complacency and that too big a load is not put on to one man.


The next day I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Wellington Sun & Health Society on a cold, sunstarved day. There always seems to be a lot of new faces amongst Wellingtonians and a consequent thinning out of the faces that one remembered from previous visits. Not having the severe pressure on space that applies in Wellington an Aucklander finds it hard to reconcile himself to the smallness of the club's area especially as it seems to be overlooked and a large part unusable (although I understand that the likelihood is that this part can now be swapped.) However, one admires the keenness of the few who have put a tremendous amount of work into each successive property and one is envious of the success of the social events which make such a good impression on newcomers at any time of the year.


In conclusion may I say that, where I appear to have criticised, I have done so because this was something that struck me about the club I visited that might possibly not be apparent to those in the club. By and large, as a movement I think that we're doing well, but I'm not running a back-scratching column. Finally, therefore, may I sound a warning note which will strike you as a bit inconsistent probably after what I said about A.O.H.C. However, here it is: beware of over-keenness. Nudism is for different people a way of life or merely something to do at the week-ends but for none of us is it life itself. We need to keep a sane balance and those who run clubs need to be realistic about this. The tendency to imply that members should come out every week-end, fair or foul, irrespective of family and other ties and family feelings, should be resisted for, in the long run, this is harming nudism not helping it. Again, too much work can have the same effect. We all know that our clubs need developing but we mustn't forget that members pay their subscriptions to relax - it's better to have a contented member who does his fair share but doesn't bust himself than one who comes for a season, works like blazes, then drifts away because he feels that he can't sit down and do nothing. Hey! Where's my lilo?


                         


IT HAPPENED IN GERMANY.


By Ad, W.S.& H.S.


A lady had been looking through her neighbour's keyhole. She saw that her neighbours, a man, his wife, and two children were walking about the room completely naked. Perplexed, she rang the Police, and a police sergeant was sent down. "They should be ashamed," the lady told the sergeant. "You look through the keyhole." "Not me," said the sergeant. "Then I should have to be ashamed."


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Talking to Women   

with JOAN TREANOR.   


 

Leafing through the last Review, and noticing the request for information on sunlamps, reminded me of an amusing incident. It happenod one 'sunny' Auckland day at the Kaurimu Sun Club. We were gathered in Eric's house for afternoon tea, the day was wet and 'muggy', so we were. all dressed in our birthday suits and I was the only one sporting a 'white' suit. Bemoaning this fact and stating that if the weather kept up like this I would never acquire the tan usually seen in the clubs, one of the men present suddenly had a 'brilliant' idea and asked Eric if he still had his sunlamp around. Aftcr a long search it was finally located.


After a lot of debating from the superior sex who had suddenly become interested in my forthcoming tan, and suggstions galore, the lamp was finally turned on. Nobody was exactly sure of the required distance I was supposed to stand from the heat so I was stood fairly close to the table and left to it. About fifteen Minutes later I was told that that would be enough for that side so I turned around and did the back. Again, fifteen minutes later I was advised that my time was up as this was my first effort and to have some more next week. I felt so lovely and warm and so very grateful to these 'thoughtful men'.


About two o'clock the next morning I woke Ken up complaining of a sore back and tummy and when asked what were the symptoms explained that it was almost as if I was sunburnt. Now as it had been raining all day you can just imagine Ken's scornful laughter. He told me that I was imagining things and to go back to sleep. Unfortunately for me sleep was out of the question that night. Imagine Ken's surprise next morning to find that I was sunburnt and rather badly at that. A lovely red area glowed over my tummy and back, and I was left all summer with a darker patch of tan over my back and tummy. It was with 'delight' that I explained these marks to any newcomers. I did notice though, that none of those newcomers asked any of the men for assistance in getting their suntans, but left it to Mother Nature to help them along.


Those of you who were at the last two Rallies may remember Em from Wellington, whose story of joining a club I was pleased to receive in the post the other day. Many thanks, Em, I enjoyed reading it and I'm sure others will.


My First Year As a Naturist.

by Em, W.S.& H.S.   


I knew there was a nudist club somewhere near, but I thought, 'Anyone belonging to a club like that must be nuts.' Jim had read several books and pamphlets on the subject, and had passed them over to me to look at, but I wasn't impressed. 'That's all right,' I thought, looking at the photographs of beautiful girls and handsome men, 'that's all right for people with figures like that, but not with a figure like mine.' One night, completely out of the blue, Jim said to me, 'Let's join the Nudist Club.' I will never forget the look on his face when I calmly replied, 'Yes, let's.'


A few nights later a man rang and made an appointment to come and interview us in our home. I really got the willies then - what on earth had we let ourselves in for this time? As it was we were greatly impressed. He left us with the feeling that the movement must be good or else he would have no part in it.


We were invited to a socia1 to meet other members, and we went along. I was still dubious, and wondered if the others would be as sincere and friendly as our interviewer. We were introduced to about 30 people, using only Christian names which makes it impossible to be formal and standoffish, and this is one of the club's most outstanding features - its friendliness and sense of belonging. At first I felt vaguely uneasy watching slides and movies of members at play, but soon this gave way to enjoyment in watching, and before the evening was over, I felt I had completely accepted the idea of no clothes. We went home impressed by the friendliness and cheerfulness of all we had met.


We told our son about the club that night, and that we were going to join; all he said was it would be fun. I think he was looking foward to the swimming and games, and the wearing or not wearing of clothes didn't reaily concern him, and it never has concerned him since. I was really pleased about this, as at 12 years old curiosity can be unhealthy if not handled properly.


We visited the grounds the next weekend - we were so keen now we couldn't stay away. It was late Autumn, one of those lovely warm days, and there were only a few members there. As we entered the gate, someone called out greetings, and as I shut the gate I turned to reply. I saw a small group sitting outside the clubhouse, several naked. I stood petrified! Looking at films is one thing, meeting it face to face is a different thing altogether! "What shall I do?" I thought wildly, frantically playing for time as I pretended to fasten the gate. 'I simply can't walk over there - I'll run back to the car - no, I can't do that, I mustn't let Jim down, I must go through with it.' Thus my thoughts galloped along, and I did walk over to the crowd hoping my face didn't show my inner turmoil. I wonder if it did, or did I really look unconcerned.


Those first few seconds were agony, but by the time I had said 'hello' to everyone - looking carefully at eye level only - got settled on a seat, and tried to relax I found it was all over - nothing to it. The other members mostly all went off, and I was left with one other girl by the clubhouse. The sun was getting warmer and I removed my cardgian (we went on talking); then I thought 'To pot with this, here goes', and off everything came. I quickly stretched out on my rug, trying to look as though I wasn't there, and very soon we were joined by several of the others. Jim came back, still dressed, and when he saw me, the look on his face!


We really enjoyed our first experience, and we went home that night feeling like old members - well, not really, not on my part as I hadn't moved off the rug, but I had made a start. We went out each weekend, and inside a month all strangeness had worn off. I could even walk around and play games without feeling embarrassed. I soon realised all this turmoil was in my mind only, not in anyone else's, as they didn't see me in the same way as I saw myself. Now, as an 'old' member, I understand how it is - clothes don't mean a thing.


We go to the club every chance we get, Even some Sundays when the weather isn't suitable for sunbathing, just to meet our friends, to help around the grounds, or just sit and relax. Relaxation - I never understood the meaning of the word before. To go out after a heavy week's work, all tensed and worried, and to relax completely, to come home refreshed and ready to face another week - what a boon to a working mother.


Looking, back, I can smile at those early fears of mine, and can honestly say I have never felt happier or more contented. I had many friends before I joined, but I have made many more, and I really look forward with keen enjoyment to visiting the club and the many social meetings connected with it. I conclude by saying sincerely 'It has been a wonderful experience, and an interesting and enjoyable year.'

. . . . . . . . . . . .


Although a different story has appeared in each Review, I will still be pleased to receive other women's articles and any ideas you may have. Our Review is sent oversees to the Nudist Clubs there and already I have been pleased to hear that one of our stories published was read with such interest in Denmark and is to be published in 'Sun & Health' as the Editor is sure that the article may help hesitant women there too. So perhaps even if your story doesn't help anyone in N.Z. it might be of some value overseas. Don't forget my address, Joan Treanor, P.O. Box 6359, WELLINGTON.


                         


DO YOU BELONG?


Are you on active member, the kind that would be missed,

0r are you just contented that your name is on the list?

Do you attend the meetings, and mingle with the flock,

Or do you stay away - and criticise and knock?

Do you take an active part to help the work along,

Or are you satisfied to be the kind that 'just belong'?

Do you ever go to visit or call member that is sick,

Or, leave the work to just a few, and then call them the 'clique'?

There's quite a programme scheduled that I'm sure you've heard about,

And, we'll appreciate it if you, too, will come and help us out.

So come to the meetings often, and help with hand and heart,

Don't be just a member, but take an active part.

Think this over, nudists, you know right from wrong,

Be an active member and not 'just belong'.



                         


Those looking for a way of introducing naturism to friends might find the answer in 'Parent and Child', a good magazine which is the official journal of the N.Z. Parent - Teacher Associations and should carry an article called 'Naturism: a family benefit' in its January/February issue.

- - -

(Top)

The Junior Section

The Junior Section



No doubt you all know that I conducted a survey of all Sun Clubs to gather material for our records. As yet all the figures have not been tallied up, but from those in hand we can see that the majority of youngsters in the clubs are under the age of 11 years, with only a few in the 13-18 age group. Only one club, the Canterbury club, can boast of a large group of teenagers, though in a few years time all clubs will have a substantial group of future nudist leaders to look after.


Of the games and recreation in the clubs, we find that tenikoit is still the favourite, with volley ball, swimming and badminton all tagging on behind. And, mind you, this recreation is very important. All of us and especially the young men and women should enjoy their fair share of recreational exercise. Our clubs should have reasonable facilities for swimming, running, jumping, a couple of games courts, a small outdoor gym, where you can have fun on the horizontal and parallel bars. Youth Organisers please note!


Don't be satisfied with the shudder that your club committee gives when you mention these projects - tell them that you want to do it yourselves and with the assistance of some of the older folk you can put up a fair effort. Perhaps they may be persundod to allocate an area of the club grounds to your Junior Group, so you can develop all those ideas and have your own games courts, gym, etc... it's worth a thought, isn't it?


However, the main item that we don't have to conduct a survey on, is that we all, no matter what age group or sex, think that naked sun and air bathing is just the best, and that our trips to the sun club do more for us than any street corner. Everyone you meet is envious of your deep suntan, your healthy looks and you will be respected for your outlook, because nudism teaches us to be warm and friendly, understanding and tolerant of our fellow man.


I hope that you all have had and are still having a glorious summer and a happy time while on holiday. I wonder who has spent the most time at the sun club? It would be very interesting to know. How about dropping me a line soon, telling me of your total time out at your club.


News of our Junior Competition for 1961 will soon be out; in the meantime... GOOD SUNNING


Ken.   


                        



RECIPE.


Far be it for this movement to encourage the destruction of our protected native birds, but we came across a Maori recipe the other day that is too good not to share. It refers to the cooking of the beautiful blue swamp bird with the red beak, the Pukeko. It recommends that, after plucking, cleaning and drawing, the carcass be placed in a tin of boiling water with a large stone for company. After several hours of fierce boiling, jab a fork into the stone. When it 'gives', boil for another two hours, throw away the Pukeko and eat the stone.


(Top)

Club News   

 

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 2702, Auckland.


A local Rally was held over Anniversary weekend, and our traditional 'Open Day' is planned for February 19th.


A hedge of 50 bamboos has been planted and as rain becomes less frequent, watering these has become a major job. However, the bamboo has a spectacular growth rate and is expected to form a complete screening belt 30 feet high in 5 years.


While many members attended the National Rally and clubs further south, others spent the holiday period camped on the grounds and were able to welcome visitors from other centres. Due to a break in the underground cable, power has been available at the switchboard only, but it is hoped to have the supply restored to the club house shortly.


Tho junior section of the club has been building up and our newly appointed Youth 0raniser is now planning some activities for this group. Bring your family along and be in from the beinning.


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


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


We have inserted ads, in the Auckland Star for the first time this year and have had several enquiries. From these we have gained members in the form of a married couple who have two young daughters, and also a single man who is in his fifties. We say 'welcome' to them. Things are looking up as we have more enquiries to deal with.


Plans for a children's slide-swing-seesaw came to fruition with the purchase and erection of this during the week-end of Dec. 17th. Work on the combinod kiddies splash-pool and shower was also furthered, when the apron was poured, and the next week or so shou1d see the supply and drain lines completed. Those projects have been made possible by virtue of generous donations from Norman and other members of the club. Our thanks to them. A children's sand pit will, in all probability, be put in before the summer's end. Duplicates of colour slides of the club grounds are being obtained so that we can make other clubs, outside of Auckland, acquainted with, and perhaps envious of, our truly splendid bush environs.


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


By the time this appears in print yet another of our ever popular Annual Rallies will be just a pleasant memory, but leaving us all with a keen desire to be present at the next one. Proof of that, if needed, may be had by the obvious fact that each one features more people present enjoying the opportunity of companionship with many others from different parts of the country. We gratefully acknowledge the help and consideration of members and visitors in maintaining the high esteem in which we are hcld and tolerated by both Government and Municipal Authorities in this city.


Our membership continues too - well-known member Eileen presented Peter with a son last night (9/12/60). (Another 'single man'!!! what will we do, kick him out? when, what age, why???)


Before closing these few remarks and as a help to some may I state that the Police, City Council, Press, and very many of the general public with whom I deal every day know perfectly well who and what I am and I have NEVER, repeat NEVR had anything but respect from any of them. You see if I an asked I never "hedge' nor dodge the question.


Wellington Sun & Health Society Inc. (Members.) Box 6359, Wellington.


Social activities were brought to a happy conclusion for the year by a most successful 2 hour revue and fancy dress party in November and a Christmas party for the small fry at Fiveacres. A tree laden with presents, and Father Christmas and his protecting fairy were the highlights, not to mention a wonderful afternoon tea, complete with a decorated cake.


New members continue to be enrolled and work goes on at the grounds. A permanent wooden fence is now being erected, enlarging the playing area at the same time. The pool is now comlete with a brand new circulation and filtration plant. Painting in pale blue is nearly finished and by the time this appears in print it will be in operation.


February 19th. has been fixed for the official opening and a welcome is extended to all members who would like to join in the fun. The Social Committee has some ideas to brighten the proceedings and it should be a memorable occasion. A volley-ball court has been laid out and we hope to be able to take time off to play during the coming months.


Eileen and Peter of Wanganui added a new member to the club in December, and Annette and Bob have done the same thing in January, Congratulations to all concerned.


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


0tago Sun & Health Club. (Members.) Box 2058, South Dunedin.


Southern Sun Health Club. (Members.) Box 486, Invercargill.


Some difficulty has been encountered in maintained the strength of our club and consequently, work on the grounds has suffered somewhat. We look foward to an increase of interest in the New Year and regret that we are too far away to attend the Wanganui Rally.


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


S 0 L A R


Australia's Leading Bi-monthly Naturist Magazine.


Profusely illustrated


Direct from the publishers

3/6 per copy, 28/- per year.

Goldray Publications, Box 2, Austral,

N.S.W., Australia.


"Can't you cheer your little brother up and stop his crying?" the little old lady at a nudist camp asked.

"Well," said the small boy, "Did you ever try to cheer anybody up that just had five bananas, two hot dogs, seven ice creams, and is sunburnt all over?"

 

Noted:- 

Gerald Wakely: Around the NZ Naturist World in 8 Days; Editors

Pen Portrait: Norman Fullerton (AOHC)

Dr. Femando Henriques: Love in Action

Prediction Fulfilled (Waimarama, HB)

9th Rally Wanganui - 1961


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THE AUCKLAND SUN CLUB - the club house on the edge of the bush

THE AUCKLAND SUN CLUB -
the club house on the edge of the bush

Relaxing with a cuppa

Relaxing with a cuppa

HEY! Can't you read

HEY! Can't you read

THE HAWKEY FAMILY a very early picture

THE HAWKEY FAMILY a very early picture

A present day shot of the family

A present day shot of the family

Growing up

Growing up

Holiday mood

Holiday mood