President

Perc. W. Cousins

Vice-President

Ivan Mowlem

Treasurer

Doug. Cousins

Public Relations Officer

Gerald Wakely

Overseas Correspondent

Ken Treanor

Youth Organiser

Ken Treanor

Female Representative

Joan Treanor

Liaison Officer

Jim Quinlan

Photographer

Doug. Cousins

Delegates representing all clubs

N.Z. NATURIST

Editor

Gerald Wakely

Business Manager

Doug. Cousins

Production

Annette and Bob McIver

Norman Bell

We live in a small country, rather turned in on ourselves through what we feel is our distance from the rest of the world. (Why is this? Look at the map: we are on the edge of the cockpit of the twenty-first century - South East Asia - and in between the two areas with the biggest potential for the coming century: South East Asia with China and India and Australia on the one hand and the vast potential of South America on the other.)

However, as things are now, we're very much on our own, disregarding for the moment our adolescent pleadings to Mum at the other side of the world and to big brother next to us and big cousin the other side of the Pacific, neither of whom owes us a living - nor does Mum any longer, for that matter.

What on earth has all this got to do with naturism? You may well ask - but it has a lot to do with the 'Point of View" article in this issue, and it is directly related to the problem which faces us as naturists.

In the context quoted above I suggest that, as a country and not just as the naturist movement in this country, we need to examine our attitudes and develop great tolerance of each other's attitudes and failings so that we can meet the challenge that is going to hit New Zealand with a resounding wallop. When it hits, will the sound be virile as against the muscle of physical and mental preparedness, or will the sound be a bloated slap against the rot of security-minded gutlessness and internal division? Each community has the potential to prepare itself; as a movement, let's show that we're doing our part.

Gerald Wakely

Although the New Zealand Naturist is the official journal of the New Zealand Sunbathing Association, opinions pressed in this publication are not those of the Association unless expressly stated to be so.

One would expect that we as nudists would have a high degree of tolerance and understanding. After all, one of our expectations is the gradual tolerance, through understanding and education, of the general public to our way of life. We have broken through one of the most jealously-guarded conventions - the wearing of clothing, believing that clothing represents respectability and guards morality. You, fellow nudist, know the falseness of this belief. You have learned the truth through your own experience. Are you content to open your mind in one direction only?

You know that by a large section of the community you are regarded as a "crank" for being a nudist. You know that the clean free experience of nakedness, if indulged outside your club grounds, would be regarded as abnormal, "obscene exposure", an offence punishable by the law. In the eyes of almost everyone except nudists, you are not normal, because you do not follow the usual pattern of behaviour. However, there is consolation in the knowledge that there is not an expert living who can define "normal". Indeed if the word can be used to describe human behaviour patterns, it should be employed with great care. From your own knowledge of nudism, it is obvious how bigoted it is to label as abnormal any practice which is merely not conventional, customary or acceptable in our particular social set-up. One does not, for instance, consider naked aboriginals as corrupt, immoral lawbreakers. Each individual regards his own actions, reactions and behaviour as customary, and the other person, when he behaves differently, as odd. The barrier this view builds up is the result of ignorance. Granted, there are degrees of abnormality, some serious enough to require treatment. But, serious or simple, the pattern is the same. He who is odd is the last to realise it, and in his eves it is you who are peculiar.

The belief that physical and mental sickness belong in different categories is becoming out of date as we are educated to understand they are inseparable. Indeed physical sickness is very often the symptom of mental and emotional disturbance. The stigma attached to mental sickness is gradually disappearing. It is now known that an alcoholic is not a weak-willed fool who ought to "pull his socks up and leave liquor alone", but the victim of a sickness from which he is unable to recover without specialised treatment. Similarly, the person who suffers from some type of sexual abnormality may not even be aware that his behaviour does not conform to the usual pattern.

If he does, he is confused and guilty because his individual behaviour is more satisfying for him. He may not realise he can be helped, possibly does not know whom to consult, or he may be too embarrassed to seek help. He carries a sorry burden which he keeps to himself at all costs, for if his sickness is revealed he knows he will be regarded as disgusting, revolting or dirty.

This raises the question of how we should deal with persons in this category when they are members of our clubs, and it would be most interesting to learn what other readers have to say on the subject. It is worth noting that cases of unacceptable behaviour do not seem to have occurred on club properties, but there have been instances of members being prosecuted for various offences outside of clubs. Let us not delude ourselves that all who join our ranks conform to a standard pattern. People give a variety of good and convincing reasons why they wish to join, and those who interview are not superhuman in their ability to form an opinion or diagnose abnormalities. It is a reasonable assumption that the naturist way of life can and does bring about a transformation or cure in mild cases of abnormality. It is not disputed that our reputation for high ideals and standards must be carefully guarded, nor that our own members expect that anyone likely to prove a menace or lower our good standing should be weeded out.

How would YOU deal with an "odd" member? Expel him, promptly and unceremoniously? It does not seem to tie in with our policy of friendliness and tolerance, if we add to his misery and exposure the loss of membership of his club, plus the "cold shoulder" treatment even outside of the club, because he dared to join our numbers with THAT sort of affliction. Could we recommend a specialist in his field of treatment - perhaps send a senior member with him for the first visit? Would it be practical to help with the cost of the initial consultation fee from our Trust fund? Should we ignore an offence committed outside of the club so long as his behaviour while at the grounds is above reproach?

It's over to you, readers, to consider this problem, for it has occurred, and will again as our numbers increase. We should be prepared to deal with it, with tolerance, open minds and sympathy.

Mona, "Pineglades"

He cannot read his tombstone

                Al Travers

If with pleasure you are viewing

Any work the camp director's doing,

If you like it, if you love him,

        Tell him now.

Don't withhold your approbation

Till the parson makes oration

And he lies with snowy lilies

        On his brow.

For no matter how you shout it

He won't really care about it;

He won't know how many tear drops

        You have shed.

If you think some praise is due him,

NOW'S the time to slip it to him.

For he cannot read his tombstone

        When he's dead.

More than fame and more than money

Is the comment kind and sunny,

And the hearty warm approval

        Of a friend.

For it gives to life a savour,

And it makes you stronger, braver;

And it gives you head and spirit

        To the end.

If he earns your praise, bestow it.

If you like him, let him know it.

Let the word of true encouragement

        Be said.

Do not wait till life is over,

And he's underneath the clover;

For he cannot read his tombstone

        When he's dead.

This poem was written by the leader of the Edmontans, U.S.A., a week before he died.

Our copy per favour of "Sunny Trails"

Dear Editor,

Sunday the 11th February was rather a highlight in our experience as husband, wife and parents.

As a result of an advertisement in the local newspaper we had obtained an invitation to Visitors' Day at the A.O.H.C., and now the day had dawned.

It is difficult to set down on paper the thoughts we had held on nudism. I do not know whether we really approved, but I do know that we were interested. Nearly two years ago we had made a move to express that interest but the sickness of one of the children had prevented us from going further. The advertisement had revived that interest.

Again it would be difficult to analyse my feelings as I drove the car through the trees into the property of the club - I do not know how my wife felt; but despite the inclement weather, the huddling together in the club house coupled with a cup of ever-welcome tea had us feeling right at home.

When three o'clock came and members hastened to discard their apparel with a complete dearth of embarrassment we certainly felt no more embarrassment than they showed.

This note is written because it is realised that whilst the aim of such Visitors' Days is to obtain new members, and no doubt the aim is to a greater or lesser degree achieved, visitors realise that to some members at least such a day presents its trials and problems. I want to assure members that as a visitor and a complete newcomer to nudism I was impressed with the bearing of members, with the organisation of the club and with the answers which could exist to some of the problems inherent in raising a family.

My good wife has read this note and joins with me in thanking the committee of the A.O.H.C. for the opportunity granted us. We know others felt the same way and we put this in writing so that every member of A.O.H.C. or any other club might realise that the sacrifice of the day is worthwhile.

J.K.H., South Auckland   

[Thanks, J.K.H. I know that your experience will have been mirrored in other clubs and that members of other clubs that have had Open Days will be glad to know that it was worthwhile - even if they couldn't turn on the sub-tropical conditions of Auckland! - Ed.]

Nudist Beaches

At the last meeting of the N.Z.S.A. Executive, two important decisions were made, aligning ourselves with similar associations overseas. One was to affirm our stand against racial discrimination and the other to plant the idea in the public's mind that nude sea bathing is not only beneficial, but is pleasant as well. New Zealand is far behind some countries in the world where nude bathing has been accepted practice for many years and its popularity is growing by leaps and bounds. People from all over Europe congregate on these beaches by the thousands in the summer and visitors from Great Britain and U.S.A. are helping to swell the crowds in ever-increasing numbers. The newcomer soon overcomes that initial embarrassment and feels, to his delight, that nude people can romp and play together without sexual urges or demoralising thoughts at all. Furthermore, because of its universal acceptance, "Peeping Toms" and other sightseers are seldom encountered, all of which proclaims a state of mind, freed from convention, to the lasting benefit of all involved.

The N.Z.S.A. looks forward to the day when we can let go some of our old-fashioned ideas and accept what is already a natural and enjoyable pastime elsewhere. The N.Z.S.A. is in the forefront of this move, but, realising the obstacles likely to be met, is content at this stage to inform those willing to listen, that it is only a matter of time when portions of our beaches will be made available to those wishing to swim without costumes. Conducted on right lines, such privileges cannot fail to be a benefit all round in the same way that our camps help those who join our ranks.

To illustrate what we mean, let us refer to just one of the many European beaches called Helio Marin de Montalivet, on the south-west coast of Bordeaux. Opposition had to be overcome in the early days, but now that they have established that conduct is exemplary, these beaches are legally protected, and other municipalities that have not granted similar privileges to date are now reconsidering the decisions.

One municipality was forced to reverse its decision last summer when everybody Flocked to a neighbouring "free beach" leaving the place deserted.

Montalivet, as it is familiarly known, covers a tract of land 1250 acres in extent, with up to 300 yards between the public warning signs on the beach. The area includes 250 furnished bungalows, fully equipped; two volley ball courts, a miniature golf course, pavilion with table tennis, and swings, toboggan and Punch and Judy shows for the children. There is physical training every morning, private swimming lessons, individual sauna baths and evening entertainments. A count taken on the 15th August 1960 disclosed that 2500 nudists were present, while at a nearby resort known as Agde there were 2000 on the same day. 

The Eleventh National Rally

To be held at "Fiveacres", Wellington, 28th-3lst December, 1962.

The Rally Committee makes the following request. If any intending visitors require us to hire anything - tents, bedding, cooking equipment or what have you - let us know at once. Leaving it may be too late. Does anyone want a billet? Let us know if you do. We would like to know how many are coming, too, and although it is still on the early side, we would appreciate some indication of how many to expect.

Warning, South Islanders: If you have not already booked for the crossing, do not leave it any longer. You can always cancel later if necessary.

For all information or help, write to the Hon. Secretary, P.O. Box 6359, Wellington.

An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought into it.

Corsica

Tropica is the name given to a new naturist playground, covering some 250 acres and including a 2 mile long beach. Administration and reception blocks are being erected and bungalows, canteen and other amenities are planned for erection this year. Enjoying 365 days of sunshine each year, it is being planted with palms, citrus and other tropical trees.

England

When the nudist resort in the Isle of Wight had to close down, the villagers protested at the possibility of a conventional camp for 700 holiday makers, saying that nudists are better mannered, are quieter and have no undesirable elements to cause damage.

Germany

A group of British Naturist Youth received a hearty welcome from their opposite numbers during a recent tour of Germany. In Hanover the British guests were welcomed by the local mayor at the Town Hall.

Nudist Movies

Walter Bibo, the producer of "Garden of Eden", has completed a second nudist movie entitled "Quiet in the Sun". Scenes were shot at the Oakdale Guest Ranch in U.S.A. and the film is scheduled for release early this year.

Unfortunately such films as "Erotica", "Bikini Busters", "My Bare Lady" and "Not Tonight Henry" are screening in Los Angeles shabbier halls and are making money for their producers at the expense of our movement.

In view of the spate of nudist films appearing lately, the natural question arises, "Why don't we get more of them in New Zealand?"

Kerridge-Odeon brought out "The Garden of Eden" and screened it through their theatre chain. Although seasons were short, it paid its way, but owing to criticisms received from narrow-minded types, neither Kerridge nor Amalgamated Theatres are prepared to incur any further displeasure.

When a distributor brought out "Nudist Paradise" we backed it to the hilt, but, being denied the two largest theatre combines in the country he was left with the smaller independent theatres for screening it. The managers of these theatres were not too keen, but eventually one or two in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch tried it and it has met with considerable success.

Consequently the distributor has covered his costs and we have been able to persuade him to consider bringing out another one. We have suggested "Travelling Light", for that has received praise from the severest critics in England and should be a splendid boost to us in New Zealand, as well as be more acceptable to the public. We hope to be in a position to advise the availability of this film in the near future.

A serial specially written for the
NEW ZEALAND NATURIST

by Joan Jellett

So far: Bruce, trainee salesman, gets an introduction to Rotorua hot pools from a nudist family, boggles at joining in but goes back on his own later. While resting in the forest near a pool he's awakened by shouting and finds he is nearly in a forest fire. As he dashes out on to the road there's a shout: "That's the joker. I seen him. Didn't have no clothes on. He started it. Get him quick!"

"Cut that out!" a strong voice commanded, "get to work to put this fire out. We'll see who's to blame afterwards. Here, youngster" - to Bruce - "give us a hand. And, you lot, get stuck in there with these beaters."

Luckily the fire had only burned some scrub near the road and had not got a hold on the forest proper. However, it was a good hour before they had it under full control. While they had been fighting the fire other cars had arrived and there had been more help.

After it was over Bruce looked round for the owners of the voices which had accused him of starting the fire. They were nowhere to be seen. However, he was surprised, and agreeably so, to see that among the new arrivals whilst they had been fighting the fire were Frank and Joyce and their children, Linda and Garry, who had given him a lift to Rotorua and had introduced him to bathing in the nude in the nearby hot pools.

Frank came over to Bruce.

"Hallo, Bruce. Good to see you. I must say I didn't quite expect to see you back that quick. Thought we'd scared you away!"

Bruce explained what had happened and mentioned that he had looked for the carload in the V.8 who were the ones who had accused him of starting the fire when he came out of the forest.

"That explains it", said Frank. "That carload took off pretty quickly after I arrived. But I recognised them and, from what I know of them, I reckon they were trying to blame you for what they did themselves."

The man who had taken charge of the fire lighting came up.

"Do you know this lad?" he asked Frank. "Some youngsters who were here when it started said he did it but I can't see them now."

"Too right you can't!" replied Frank. "They cleared out pretty quickly when they saw me. I know that lot and I'm darn sure that whatever they were doing here wasn't any good. I'm quite sure Bruce didn't have anything to do with it."

"I was sunbathing in there and dropped off", said Bruce. "First thing I knew was when I was woken up by the shouting."

"Well, thanks very much for your help, Bruce," replied the fire-fighting leader. Turning to Frank he said:

"You know, I'm sure I know your face. Were you camping out at Auckland a couple of years ago?"

Realisation slowly dawned on Frank's face.

"Well, I'll be blowed. 'Tom the tent man'! Auckland Rally."

"That's right - and you and your wife and kids were camping as vell, weren't you?"

"Yes. Here they are now."

"Why, its Tom", said Joyce, "and Bruce, too. Hallo, both. Had any more tents falling on you. Tom?"

Tom laughed.

"No, I haven't been camping since then anyhow. I've been fire-watching here a lot of the rime."

Listening to them, Bruce learned that Tom was also a nudist and that they had all met at a naturist rally at Auckland a couple of years before.

"Well, I don't know about you folk, but I know where I'm off to now," said Tom. "Let's carry on getting up to date there."

"The hot waterfall," said Linda.

"You've said it."

"Coming, Bruce?" asked Garry.

"I'm right behind you!"

At the waterfall

Bruce got into Frank's car and they followed Tom's truck a short way along the road. This time Bruce felt none of the embarrassment that had afflicted him before when Linda and Garry had told him to strip and join them in the pool. It seemed quite natural to strip and join the rest. The waterfall was a low one flowing into one end of the pool. It was, at this time of year, almost cool - just what they wanted after the exertion of fire-fighting.

When they at last decided they had had enough they moved over to the far side of the pool to dry off in the sun. While they were talking a head appeared at the top of the bank down which they had come from the car.

"Sorry", said a voice, "I didn't hear any splashing so I wasn't sure if there was anyone here. We'll wait till you're ready."

"Oh gosh!" groaned Bruce. "that was the boss!"

(To he continued)

Social nudity is not in itself indecent: only widespread and persistent social convention has made it so.

Howard Crosby Warren, Stuart Professor of Psychology, Princeton University.

Courage

Before delving very deeply into this important subject, anyone contemplating the formation of a naturist club needs several attributes that are highly essential. It is obvious that the organiser should be completely conversant with the aims and objects of the movement and thus be able and willing to offer sound advice to the enquirer and counter the criticism that may be expected from the scoffer. This in its turn demands courage to stand up for our rights and proclaim the truth regardless of the jibes and misunderstanding of the misinformed. While it is possible to form a group by remaining secretive, we should be prepared to come into the open and be proud of the fact that we are associated with a movement capable of doing so much good in a world desperately in need of the very things for which we stand. Secrecy, nom-de-plumes and hole-in-the-corner methods only engender well-deserved suspicion, whereas the open and fearless approach demands respect and tolerance.

Broad shoulders

With the courage mentioned above, a further attribute is necessary, without which discouragement can upset the best laid plans and good intentions. You will receive taunts and a certain amount of criticism from the intolerant that you should fearlessly and politely counter. Unfortunately quite a fair amount of criticism will come from within the ranks and this needs all the enthusiasm one can muster in order to carry on in the face of it. When we come to think of it, for the average person to give up their conventional ideas about the body and accept social nudism, they are obviously folk able to think for themselves. Most individualists, having a mind of their own, often remain individualists and readily question the thoughts of others even though they agree with general principles. Thus it is expecting a lot to hope for complete agreement and smooth waters in a nudist club.

Is he genuine?

The matter of selecting applicants for membership requires something of a psychologist, for you need that additional sense that enables you to decide who is genuine and will be a real asset and the other type who can well bring you into disrepute or give trouble in some form or other. Men accompanied by their wives are usually genuine and desirable, but the single man, or husband without his wife, can well be a different story. Mind you, there are many fine examples of naturists among the "singles" who would be an asset to any organisation and one needs care and discretion in choosing. We must be fair and just, for it is just as harmful to turn down a good type as it is to admit an undesirable. Experience will undoubtedly help, but a study of human nature from the psychologist's angle would be a valuable asset to the would-be organiser.

Enthusiasm

Still another aspect that requires plenty of enthusiasm is, after accepting the various types of newcomers into your club, that of trying to blend them into a happy sociable membership. You will have those who argue, a few who are passive, some who work and others who won't, some who are keen and a few whose apathy is enough to drive you round the bend. This sort of thing is encountered in any club or group of people, of course, but it all has to be accepted and the attempt made to blend it into a harmonious whole. It normally follows that tact plays an extremely important part in achieving the ensuing happy atmosphere. When the inclination is to throw a brick, a soft word is not always easy to find, but a leader should set aside his temptations and set a good example, even though it be bad for his ulcers.

So, when this superman, with the courage, enthusiasm, tact, psychology, etc., etc., etc., is still anxious to start a club, then we wish him every success in his efforts.

(To be continued)

Perc. W. Cousins

Off-beat Corner

The Puritan through Life's sweet Garden goes

To pluck the thorn and cast away the rose,

And hopes to please by this peculiar whim

The God who fashioned it and gave it him.

                                             Kenneth Hare

Conversation with a five-year-old:

"Don't argue."

"Well, don't arg me."

What a pleasure life would be if everybody would do half what he expects others to do.

The rain it raineth every day,

Upon the just and unjust fellow.

But more upon the just, because

The unjust stole the just's umbrella.

                                            Anon.

Thoughts like fleas jump from man to man, but they don't bite everybody.

                                            Stanislaw Lec

Epitaph

Here lies my wife,

Here lies she;

Hallelujah!

Hallelujee!

                                            Anon.

I have more respect for those who work for the improvement of society than for those who merely pray for it.

                                          "Line Logic"

The price of justice is eternal publicity.

First come the hardy pioneers

With guns and ploughs and axes;

Then civilisation follows fast

    With jails, and thieves, and taxes.

John F. Hall quoted in

"Houghton Line"

Sunswept

British naturists have understandably been incensed by the so-called "nudist" films which are nowadays a regular feature of British screens, which, though they may show a brief scene in a sun club, give no true idea of naturism and merely exploit the commercial value of nude young girls.

The first film to win the Certificate of Approval of the Federation of British Sun Clubs is Sunswept, made by Michael Keatering. Nudist films so far have been very weak on plot (there are understandable difficulties here) and are either naive stories of a conversion to naturism, or travelogues. Sunswept is a loosely organised travelogue, with no story line, which travels with its main characters to sun clubs in Britain, France, Corsica, and Yugoslavia. The lack of development or climax is its greatest drawback. It has also been criticised for showing, in Corsica and Yugoslavia, sun clubs that are the least accessible to the ordinary nudist.

At the beginning we see Elizabeth, the well-known British naturist, visiting the North Kent Sun Club, and meeting there a newly-married couple. Later she rejoins them in the South of France, they visit Yannick, the swimming star, on the Ile du Levant, and the party sets off by schooner to visit the other clubs.

Unlike most nudist films, the characters in Sunswept remain totally unclothed after the opening sequences. Skilful direction has managed to keep the letter of the law against total exposure without resort to the customary embarrassing contortions and handy newspapers. A commentary by Elizabeth replaces dialogue.

The virtues of Sunswept lie in its exquisite colour photography and in several delightful sequences. The best of these are underwater ballets by Yannick; beautifully and imaginatively photographed and played, these have a genuine poetry of motion and remain etched in the mind. Another noteworthy sequence shows Lita Soria dancing in the moonlight on the Ile du Levant to the music of Chopin. I found this myself a little too obviously "arty", but it has a certain odd charm.

If Sunswept lacks the satisfaction that comes from an integrated script, and is too scrappy in nature, its pictorial values are exceptionally high. Best of all, the film has a happy atmosphere of enjoyment and gaiety that truly reflects naturist living. In this respect, and in its absence of leering exploitation, it marks a real advance in nudist films. The British Censor has given it an "A" certificate, as opposed to the usual "rudie-nudie" "X". The ease and naturalness of Sunswept should do much to convince audiences of the essential health of naturism.

Ben Trovato

Some day, perhaps, a new moral reformer, a great apostle of purity, will appear among us, having his scourge in his hand, and enter our theatres and music halls to scourge them. It is not nakedness he will chase out, it will more likely be clothes.

Havelock Ellis

Often I have been asked, "What do you like most in a sun club, besides the actual sunbathing?"

Well, this is one question that I have no hesitation in giving a ready reply. Always, I answer, "Definitely the friendliness of everyone".

I'm not saying that every member of a sun club is a bosom pal; that would be hard to find in any group of people, particularly in the larger clubs.

No, I mean the downright friendliness - the welcome extended to strangers - people putting themselves out to be of assistance. One of the highlights of our Rallies, but even more to the point, is when one visits another club where a great deal of trouble is taken to make the visitor most welcome, though they may be perfect strangers.

Typical

Let me take for example my own experience during a recent trip I made to Dunedin. On arrival I paid a call to the Secretary of the Otago Club, Colin and family, and was greeted like a long lost friend, which needless to say made me feel very welcome. I hadn't been there very long when they were making arrangements for the boys and me to come to dinner one evening, and following this plans were made for a special evening to enable me to meet again some of the club members. Although the weather wasn't kind, an enjoyable evening was had by all, with a super supper that made me forget the elements to be braved when finally I had to leave. I mentioned during the course of the evening that I intended to go on to Invercargill for a day and the words were hardly out of my mouth than I was given a list of names and addresses to call on, all of whom, with one exception, were unknown to me. I promised to see them all if it was possible.

Further South

I arrived in Invercargill close to lunchtime (timing it right, you might say). Ted, his wife and family were at lunch, and in no time I found that we were all around the table with plenty to talk about.

Suggestions and ideas flew about from both sides; I told them how our club was progressing and they told me about theirs, their members that I would not be able to see, and some of their problems.

Afternoon tea found us at the door of the President, Laurie, with more talk and discussion. We left Invercargill late in the afternoon with the good wishes of Laurie ringing in my ears and the knowledge that soon I may be able to repay the hospitality.

Calling at Gore, homeward bound, I met two strangers, who had no hesitation in sharing their prepared meal with a female and her two ravenous boys. I had intended arriving in Dunedin about sevenish, but after spending a very interesting evening with these two sun lovers, I drove into the city well after ten o'clock. In return for this enjoyable interlude arrangements were made for them to stay at "Pineglades" over the Easter holidays. To think that a few hours previously I didn't know them!

Convinced

The following Sunday I spent at the grounds of the Otago Sun & Health Club, meeting more fellow nudists, some of whom I did not have the opportunity to see at the previous function, and wound up with a picture evening with an excellent attendance.

It was with genuine regret that I left these friendly folk and headed the car northwards, convinced that it is this wonderful friendliness under the sun that makes the sun club the place for me... and for you too!

(Top)

Cover Story

"It is often assumed that if we lived in a nudist world, our nakedness would produce such excessive sexual stimulation that we would all rush to cover our bodies in order to survive. Hence the widely held but mistaken belief that the effect of wearing clothes is to inhibit sexual stimulation.

"It is now well established that the contrary is true. This is humorously recognised in the story of two young men who visited a nudist camp and were introduced to a beautiful girl in the nude. On her departure one young man remarked to the other: 'Can you imagine how exciting she would look in a sweater!'"

- From Clothes and Nudism in
The Importance of Wearing Clothes
by Lawrence Langner (Constable, 1959).

HI!

What to do in the winter seems to pose a problem for those who have spent so much time out in the open, and especially us naturists. Surely we aren't going to lose all this wonderful all-over tan that has made all our non-sunbathing friends envious! How can we still enjoy the benefits of naturism while old Jack Frost marches over the countryside? Is there a solution to this problem? I believe there is.

Yes, I do believe that we can all retain the pleasures of naturism in the winter, for statistics prove that we do get quite a fair amount of sunshine even in July, and what could be better than to attack homework in front of a roaring fire after a good old stimulating soak in the bath? Make it a point of having a laze in the "bare skin" after your bath for a little while and you will be amazed how nice it can be, and don't forget to get Mum and Dad to pay the odd visit to the club on a fine Sunday.

Another Idea

Noel, the WSHS Youth man, tried a new idea when he made his arrangements for a day's hike, and on Sunday November 19 they set out for Red Rocks, not far from Wellington. The weather was fine, but windy and cold. However, keen and undaunted, the youngsters fully enjoyed the trip, spending the day climbing around the rocks, digging for crabs and doing all the things that kids love to do. It was intended to visit the seal colony too, only it proved too rough to see them.

[May be some photos in the next issue. - Ed.]

Interesting too is the history of the area, for the Maori has very old legends concerning Red Rocks and the youngsters probably felt the ghostly presence of Kupe as they happily wended their way homeward, fully intending to come back not only for another day trip, but to spend a night there too.

Congratulations to Noel and to the club for making such a wonderful trip possible. Take note, other clubs!!

Cheerio.

Ken Treanor

News from the clubs

Tom, of Auckland Sun Club, writes that the club was incorporated last December. He goes on: "Thanks to the hard work and keenness of the members we have gone ahead with most of our programme and improvements for the year, foremost among these being the provision of new and better toilets, the extension of our car-park, the building of a new dam for the creek which now has a maximum depth of 5 feet and is near 18 feet wide. This project was completed in time to enjoy most of the good weather. A start has been made on throwing a rustic bridge across the creek.

Adult membership is now in the 'thirties', which is a considerable improvement on the mere handful just over two years ago, a very heartening feature being our retention of the 'happy family' spirit with our increased numbers."

In a verbal report Norman of A.O.H.C. said: "You know what's happened just as well as I do." Headlines: Visitors' Day - vile weather, many visitors, shivery smiles all round.

To: Business Manager,
     "N.Z. Naturist,"
     P.O. Box 6359, Wellington.

 Please send me "N.Z. Naturist" for ........
    issues (5/- for four issues), starting with No...

I enclose cheque/M.O./cash for £ .... / .... / ....
    (please add exchange outside Wellington).

Name ...........................................................

Address ........................................................

............................................................... (25) 

Testimonial elsewhere in this issue. Annual meeting: new faces committee-wise - Joan, Max, Roy, Simon.

From Wellington Sun and Health Society we hear: "While a contingent of members were in the South Island at Christmas quite an encampment of members and visitors pitched their tents at Fiveacres and had an enjoyable time. The pool was illuminated and strings of coloured lights added a bright touch in the evenings.

"Two new areas have been cleared, levelled and grassed, and a bulldozer has done a huge levelling job 'down below' in readiness for the coming influx of visitors next Christmas. A Rally Committee has been formed and has most of the organisational problems well tied up." Much still remains to be done by the sweat of their brows.

Ken of Canterbury Sun and Health Club writes: "'Pineglades' seems intent on sending ambassadors abroad this year, for no fewer than two families and three singles have proceeded or intend to proceed overseas.

"The impact that the film 'Nudist Paradise' has had on the club can be evidenced by the fact that of the 7000-odd pamphlets that we had printed as handouts, only a little under a thousand remained after the six days the movie was screened at one theatre, and from there it went to another in the city later in the month. Already membership has increased, and our mailbox is crammed with inquiries."

THE DOBBIE PRESS

AUCKLAND

CLUB DIRECTORY

The secretaries of the clubs listed below will be pleased to hear from genuine enquirers who enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB Inc. (Members) P.O. Box 2702, Auckland.

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB Inc. (Members)
P.O. Box 2925, Auckland.

KAURIMU SUN CLUB (Proprietary)
P.O. Box 15, Glen Eden, Auckland.

WANGANUI SUN CLUB (Members)
P.O. Box 410, Wanganui.

WELLINGTON SUN & HEALTH SOCIETY Inc. (Members) P.O. Box 6359, Wellington.

CANTERBURY SUN & HEALTH CLUB Inc. (Members) P.O. Box 1823, Christchurch.

OTAGO SUN & HEALTH CLUB (Members)
P.O. Box 2058, South Dunedin.

SOUTHERN SUN & HEALTH CLUB (Members),
P.O. Box 486, Invercargill.

If you are not close to any of the above clubs you may like to know that other naturists are ready to form clubs in the following areas; to contact them, write to:

N.Z. Sunbathing Association, P.O. Box 6359, Wellington: