#  40 - September 1966 

[The New Zealand Naturist - Spring] Editor: Perc Cousins (Pages: 40 - 2/-)

Contents:-

Guest Editorial - John Hedley-Brown
Quote of the Month
Talking to Women with Gaynor Robieson
Soviet Views on Sunshine
News from the Clubs (6)
Australians on Television by Elsa King
Health in the Sun
Penelope's Predicament by John Hedley-Brown
Peggy 8
A Beach Experience by Pat
Talking about Books
People You Meet in a Nudist Club - Number 4 - Perc. Cousins
News From All Over the World - European Tours, Corsica, USA, Poland, Sweden, Israel, Denmark
On the Inside Looking Out
Letter from a Son (4)
NZSA Notes - A Reminder, Perc Cousins Trust Fund, Nudist Swimming Baths (London), A new Nudist Film, Magazines for sale, Recognition
From the Editor
Three Gates of Gold
Readers Have Their Say
Directory: (13)

Noted

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THE NEW ZEALAND NATURIST
NEW ZEALAND'S ONLY NATURIST MAGAZINE

A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A BETTER WORLD

 

NEW ZEALAND SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 6359, WELLINGTON

President		Perc. W. Cousins, Wellington
Vice-Presidents		Ray Clark, Christchurch Jock Shoolbread, Auckland
Secretary - Treasurer		Doug. Cousins, Wellington
Public Relations Officer		Gavin Robieson, Wellington
Overseas Correspondent		David Williamson, Auckland
Youth Organiser		Ken Treanor, Christchurch
Women's Representative		Gaynor Robieson, Wellington
Delegates representing all clubs
N.Z. NATURIST
Editor		Perc. W. Cousins
Business Manager		Doug. Cousins
Artist		Bob McIver
Copy Preparation		John Hedley Brown
Advertising		Bernie Gartner

 

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We recently received a long letter from a worried couple who have had some doubts thrown into their minds after reading an article entitled "Nudity in the Home, the Pros and Cons" by Dr Rose N. Franzblau. We passed on the material to an able nudist writer who is also a parent, and can speak from some experience. To those interested we recommend the editorial in issue No. 35 on this same subject. We are glad to publish these thoughts in the form of a guest editorial and invite similar articles for this feature in the future.

CONFLICT

I have just read an article entitled "Nudity in the Home" written by an American psychologist, herself a mother of two children, who decries nudity as a whole and particularly in the family circle. She parades a lot of psychological jargon and hypothesizes many dire and unhappy reactions and resultant confusions and emotional conflicts. In every case she states what could occur, what may happen, but in no case does she bring forth any factual case histories to substantiate her statements.

Children are said to form invidious comparisons between their own physscal appearance and that of their parents, that they become envious of the older members' greater physical attributes, that they feel dominated and feel inferior. She suggests that nudity brings about abnormal emotional attachment by a child towards the opposite sex parent. She theorises that parental nudity is pure exhibitionism, a subterfuge to conceal hidden sexual conflicts, a trespass upon privacy. Obviously a disciple of Freud, her theorising presupposes the sexual factor as being the dominant motive.

It is indeed a tragedy that well-meaning but misguided people must envisage complications where none need exist, and thereby confuse a situation where common sense is all that is necessary for clarification.

	PICTORIAL EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE WRITER'S CONTENTIONS

Madame Psychologist appears to have lost sight of the basic naturalness of nudity in young children, of the fact that the young child, male and female, sees nothing evil in the naked body, and play and bathe together with no thought of immodesty. It is only when their elders in their wisdom (sic) implant the seeds of shame that the child develops its false behaviour pattern. Modesty? Yes, by all means. But not false modesty.

Nudity is not synonymous with evil, for neither does a reversed collar make a man a saint. "As a man thinketh", could be synonymous with "As a child is taught".

As for the child developing envy for the larger physical attributes of his elders and forming an inferiority complex: well, how ridiculous. Parental love and understanding are automatic antidotes to that type of development. If a child loves and is proud of his parents his natural desire is to emulate them. If the statement of the psychologist is true then of what use is it to tell our children of the mighty deeds of the outstanding personalities of history, of what use is to show them our leading athletes in action? Surely this stimulates and encourages a child to greater goals, not creating jealousy and envy?

Madame contrasts the privacy of the parents' bedroom at night with public nudity during the day as being a source of confusion and giving rise to a feeling of neglect. But whether a family are practising nudists or whether they are strong opponents of nudism, parents the world over have personal privacy and I have yet to find a child who considers it unnatural for its parents to wish to be alone at times.

I feel that Madame Psychologist has obscured the clarity of her thinking with the dogma of her profession. I do not deny the value of psychology nor of the inestimable help it can be in solving many of the problems that beset the individual; nevertheless, I do consider that its use must be leavened with commonsense, otherwise the rigidity of its implementation will defeat itself.

- J. HEDLEY-BROWN

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with Gaynor

 

JUST at the moment I am trying to hold down two jobs as well as run my home and I ask to be excused from writing my usual page for our magazine.

But rather than let you down, I have agreed to the editor publishing a letter, written by a woman now in America, who is doing the same sort of job for the movement that I am here. Although she and her husband have a full-time job running a successful club known as Glen Eden, they have the same sort of problems and her article might help to convince some of you hesitant ladies that there is really something in this idea for you, and more especially, your family.

Dear John ... and Mary,

Your names may not be John and Mary, but your problem is the same. And some day you are going to say to me, "Why did we waste all that time? Why did we take so long?" And I'm going to smile a little sadly and wish that there was just some way of making all the hesitant women in the world understand what they are missing, and why.

You see, Mary, I thought all the things you are thinking, and I had the same fears, and my husband had to coax and persuade me, but that was 25 years ago. And nudism is older than that, and completely legal, fully protected by the authorities. So shouldn't that tell you something? Could there be anything basically wrong with a way of life that survived the test of time and enjoys the freedom and respect of all thinking people? If any of the things you fear or suspect about nudism were true, we would have been closed up long ago.

No, John, you cannot visit us without your wife. And that ought to convince her of something else. We are not out to steal a man away from his wife, nor the other way round either. We simply do not take one of a married couple. Yes, you have our map, so there is nothing to stop you coming to Glen Eden. But you won't get past the office. Come and talk to us if you wish, but the answer will be the same: Mary must decide in her own mind that a happily married couple should trust each other and believe that you would not take her into danger, not even danger of embarrassment.

Now stop and think a minute, Mary. What are we suggesting? Forget this fear of "taking your clothes off in front of a bunch of strangers"! We are simply asking you to be broadminded and intelligent enough to decide that you can come with your husband and sit in our office and talk. Then if you want to turn around and go back home, that's your privilege. And even if you decide that we haven't got two heads, and maybe you could trust yourself to go on into our secluded grounds and see our pool and our rec. hall and our lovely shaded places, you still can do this without the slightest fear of someone jumping out from behind a bush, or saying, "OK it's time to take off your clothes." We never do that. We have had women come for several visits before they decided to join fully in our activities. And we have had women come and never return. But the point is, they did come. They finally got up courage enough to at least come and see what it was that they were determined not to have anything to do with. Will you? Please do! Soon.

If any of you ladies have a problem, write to Gaynor, P.O. Box 6359, Wellington.

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SOVIET VIEWS

ON THE

VALUE OF SUNSHINE

AT THIS time of the year many New Zealanders are soaking up the sun's rays and some of them may be wondering if sunshine is of much value after reading some gloomy remarks of English doctors.

Soviet researchers consider that the complex rays we call sunshine are just as necessary for human health as food and air. Especially in northern regions many people suffer illnesses, early ageing, due to solar starvation. In city dwellers this is especially bad because city air screens out much sunshine, and they work inside. Everywhere, even in the tropics, people may be sun starved because they wear too much clothing.

Very wide band heat waves you get in sunshine has strong stimulating effect on metabolism, Soviet doctors believe, and that is why sunbaths are always part of treatment of overweight people in the USSR. Sunbathing uses up calories, either in food or body fat. Metabolism is stimulated, by the sun's infra red rays, directly through countless nerve-endings in your skin, and indirectly, by increasing the activity of the adrenal glands (which play a vital part in fat formation and fat breakdown).

Your nervous system, Soviet specialists say, is also markedly benefited by the sun's infra-red. (Exceptions are certain mental patients). This effect is well known to all sunbathers, who experience a delightful feeling of relaxation not obtainable any other way.

Your skin's breathing (respiration) is also speeded up by heat rays in sunshine. Solar hunger, say USSR doctors, often shows up in poor skin tone, with sluggish blood circulation in the skin. As for the sun "ageing" your skin, Soviet doctors point to an obvious fact: almost without exception, thousands of very old and healthy men and women in the Soviet Union are found to be deeply tanned.

The American Medical Association claimed that ultra-violet in sunshine does nothing but make Vitamin D in your skin, and that we don't really need vitamin D. Soviet research says that lack of ultra-violet from sunshine gives rise to general metabolism disturbances in human beings. People who suffer solar hunger often show marked abnormal calcium content in their blood; and often associated nervous disorders, sleeplessness, lack of energy. In the USSR people with such symptoms always get prescriptions for sunshine (summer) or artificial ultra-violet treatments (winter).

Research on teeth in the Soviet Union shows that there is less caries in children who get maximum sunshine during vacations. (sunburning, of course, is strongly disapproved of).

Sunshine (notably its ultra-violet rays) greatly raises one's resistance to colds, and to other chill diseases. Dramatic tests in Soviet schools have shown how markedly colds and other infections can be reduced by giving children either sunshine or (in winter) artificial ultra-violet rays.

Soviet scientists do not scorn lamps that are strong sources of ultra-violet and infra-red rays. They use them widely, especially in northern regions, and everywhere, daily, on underground miners. But their research convinces them that all rays found in sunshine - even the visible light - are of profound importance to human health.

For years Soviet specialists have frankly stated that unknown factors in solar rays must be involved in the effects they have recorded. Nowadays, work in many countries confirms that even cosmic radiation from the sun appears to affect human life and may even be involved in long-known but mysterious waves of illness and fatal blood circulation failures.

This much Soviet scientists claim is established: prolonged lack of sunshine as a whole leads to symptoms that cannot be explained by lack of ultra-violet or heat rays. Main effect: the person who is starved for sunshine develops a general instability of the organism, and increased sensitivity to harmful influences: bad weather, nervous strain, physical exertion, infections.

In the USSR they do not use sun baths as a kind of "cure all". Rarely do they use sunshine as the sole treatment for a sick person. But on a mass scale they do prescribe sunbathing for a wide variety of everyday complaints, in people who are not sick enough to need hospital care. Some examples are, all kinds of anaemia. To improve eyesight and visual work. To raise one's ability to do physical exertion without getting weary. To overcome insomnia, and to improve the "depths" (resting power) of sleep. To combat nervousness resulting from common life: problems and overwork and over study.

A noted Soviet scientist, Dr A. P. Parfenov, sums up in these words: "Human health, long life, and happiness, are inseparable from sunshine."   •

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N E W S F R O M  T H E C L U B S I N  N. Z.

 

Groups often languish until they find a leader who is really enthusiastic and dynamic, then they go ahead. Several areas in NZ are suffering in this way, but we are pleased to report that a young couple in the GISBORNE area is anxious to get a club organized. Although at the moment their time will be limited, they want to meet others in the district. Please write to P.O. Box 126, Gisborne.

FIVEACRES can be very cold and wet in the winter, but although attendances have dropped, work still goes on. The bridge at the entrance has been widened and strengthened and the roof of the new toilet block has been painted. The rest of this building is on the agenda for early attention. Clearing unwanted brush and the annual tree planting is well under way. The first social evening of the season was a most successful "International Evening", when members contributed unusual foreign dishes to the supper. It was impossible to do justice to all the good fare provided and most members were on a diet for a week after. Further socials included a visit to the Downstage Theatre, a combination restaurant and theatre that is proving very popular in Wellington and an organized party to the film "My Bare Lady".

The Dominion president, while in Hamilton on business, made a point of arranging a write-up in the Waikato Times, which the WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY turned to good account by adding a reference to themselves and their search for grounds. This brought some interesting offers from land agents, one property in particular being £25,000. Most of the local members enjoyed a get-together to meet the president one Sunday afternoon and evening, when in addition to a showing of slides, many problems were discussed and thrashed out. The club is continuing its search for land and monthly meetings maintain the interest. Two new members from overseas have been showing coloured films of Continental naturist beaches and resorts, which filled everyone with envy. The club hopes to have its own grounds before the summer comes round again.

Eric, of Kaurimu, writes as follows: "There has been much publicity in New Zealand, Australia and elsewhere regarding the geodesic dome or plastic club house which was erected last year on the Kaurimu Club grounds. While no one would try to belittle the great work done by the builders of that dome - a truly painstaking and back-breaking task for the two principals - it is high time that all those interested in the nudist movement, as well as the editor granting space to these accounts of that particular dome, should know that it was wantonly destroyed by an act of vandalism last year.

"However, we at Kaurimu have erected a new, improved, dome on the same site and trust that before long we will enjoy the real winter benefits of this revolutionary type of clubhouse. Provided further acts of vandalism do not frustrate our hopes and endeavours, we hope to be snug and warm in our new dome by the end of April. It is precisely during the winter that this kind of structure comes into its own, since the least amount of sunshine will provide warmth, when outside it will be far from comfortable. Year-round nudism will be possible and enjoyable at last and we look forward to laying on the dome sand in comfort all through the winter months. The new building being larger and providing for both seating-reclining facilities, will have storage space galore, something we did not have before."

When members of the CANTERBURY SUN AND HEALTH CLUB arrived at the grounds one Saturday in March, they found that the swimming pool had undergone a mysterious change. The usual clear blue water was now a murky brown with dark oily stains at water level. Guesses as to the cause of this phenomenon ranged from diesel oil to a dead sheep and it was with some trepidation that someone submerged to grope for the drainage plug. Only when the last of the water had drained away was the cause of the discolouration discovered: an open plastic bag of Condy's crystals. Although this substance in solution is an effective antiseptic and can also be used to supplement a tan, its use in swimming pools was not recommended by those who spent several hours scrubbing down the walls and floor of a badly stained pool. Vandals please note!

Another old tractor has been purchased and this is to be cannibalised to provide additional wheels and other spare parts for the earlier acquisition. A new system of smaller, more frequent working parties is to be tried in order to get the greatest use from this investment.

The AUCKLAND SUN CLUB is proud to announce the arrival of its most recent new member, a bonny girl born to the president and his wife. It is their first and everyone is proud of the acquisition. Before the winter set in, they enjoyed a visit with other local clubs and Waikato, to AOHC, and they also held their own picnic at Cornwallis, unfortunately not a naturist beach, but everyone enjoyed themselves for all that. This past season has seen them outclassed by Kaurimu and its dome, so it looks as of they have just got to get cracking and do something noteworthy: but what? Anyhow. they have started their winter evening get-togethers, and any members from other clubs who may be visiting Auckland near the end of each month and who may be free, should get in touch with Jack, the secretary, who would then make arrangements for them to join them if the time was suitable.

Easter was a memorable time at the HAWKES BAY SUN CLUB for visitors from Wellington were most welcome and Hawkes Bay turned on its usual good weather for them. During the day time, a major job was tackled by members, ably assisted by the visitors, by the removal of an old coal range and its surrounding brickwork chimney. This was even more difficult than it appeared as there was a brickwork copper alongside. The hole left in the wall has been replaced by a window, and of course, weatherboards to match the rest of the house. In the evening there were films and games. Many were skeptical about playing with racing model cars until they attempted it.

At Queens Birthday weekend, another job was commenced which again proved more difficult than anticipated. A few boards on a lean-to portion of the clubhouse were rotting and when the roof was removed to get at them, it disclosed many pieces of wood were defective and had to be replaced, the whole job taking about six consecutive fine weekends.

 

The owners of SUN VALLEY GARDENS in Canada.   We have a surprising and well illustrated article coming up on this progressive club, which shows what can be done with initiative and courage.

 

 

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	AUSTRALIAN NATURISTS FACE TELEVISION CAMERAS     by ELSA KING
ELSA KING GIVES HER VIEWS

 

IT IS no longer unusual to see nudist representatives being interviewed on various TV shows, but when a nudist club decides to co-operatae with a local TV station in producing a nudist documentary, the daring venture creates a Jot of excitement and causes widespread comments.

The first documentary on nudism in Australia was successfully filmed at the end of summer, 1965, and televised by GTV 9 in Melbourne on a programme called Nightwatch (news documentary on Victorian TV).

The film itself consisted of a series of interviews by reporter Michael Schidlberger of various members of SUN VAI.LEY, the most distinguished club in Melbourne, mingled with shots of the grounds, and members playing volleyball, tennis, splashing around in the pool or just relaxing on the lawns, as well as shots of the children at play.

The film received no advance publicity, yet a lot of people saw it, and only complimentary comments were voiced in the press.

A CHAT WITH WOODLAND'S OLDEST MEMEBER

The Melbourne Age daily morning paper, in its TV column, marvelled at the aplomb of Michael Schildberger (in casual clothes) interviewing nude men and women, and suggested that: "This young reporter deserves some sort of accolade for the casual, efficient way in which he conducted the programme filmed at a nudist club approximately 25 miles from Melbourne. And the producers of Nightwatch should take a bow for the tactful way in which the film was edited".

The Australasian Post (weekly national magazine) was full of praise for the film: "Now here was a moving picture account handled with a restraint and dignity reflecting the greatest credit on all concerned; nothing coy, furtive, or defiant about male and female nudists appearing; nothing sly or derisive in the film editing and commentary.

About one year after Nightwatch presented this factual report on nudism to its Melbourne viewers, Australia's premier nudist club, WOODLANDS SUN AND HEALTH CLUB (approx. 500 members) was approached by Miss Tanya Halesworth from Channel 10 in Sydney with a similar request for Telescope, a documentary type programme that often deals not only with topical but also controversial subjects.

At a meeting of about a hundred adult members, an overwhelming majority of Woodlanders decided in favour of supporting the film of the proposed documentary.

A LONG SHOT OF A VOLLEYBALL GAME

After a period of negotiation to ensure satisfaction for both parties, the filming took place on 17th April, 1966, which incidentally happened to be the last warm and sunny day of the Sydney summer. About 200 members had turned up to participate in all the usual activities and obligingly co-operated with the camera crew, John Gillies and Ron Stannet, during the filming.

With the excellent co-operation of the official Woodlands photographer and the subjects appearing on the prints, several photographs were released for early press publicity. As a result the programme was well advertised and reached a high rating of viewers.

Apart from three anonymous crank calls to the studio, all letters and the rest of the phone calls to Channel 10 have been appreciative and complimentary. The studio is now arranging for a repeat of the documentary.

Columnists in Sydney newspapers were full of praise. Elizabeth Riddell in her TV column of the Daily Mirror (daily Sydney paper) said: "Tanya Halesworth's informal she was dressed — visit to the nudist club for Channel 10's Telescope was most enjoyable."

Dita Cobb in the Sun (Sydney daily newspaper) commented: "Tanya Halesworth took herself and the Telescope team to a nudist colony and handled the whole thing with great tact and charm.

"After the first shock of seeing naked men and women romping merrily around the place playing ball games, it suddenly became the most natural thing in the world. They all looked so healthy and happy that I felt almost inclined to have a go at it myself."

Veritas, the TV critic, closed a report with: "If anyone saw anything dirty in it, they must be rather odd. Miss Halesworth handled a difficult job tactfully and sensitively. I understand Ten has been inundated with phone calls from people wanting to see the programme again. I predict that it will be repeated, control board or no control board."

The successful filming of the first two documentaries on nudism in Australia has now set an excellent precedent to other Australian sun clubs and TV stations throughout Australia.   •

A YOUNG MOTHER IS INTERVIEWED

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EXCUSE US . . .

•  PSORIASIS

This skin disease is a worrying condition and there is absolutely no doubt that worrying makes it worse. It can affect any part of the body, but the areas most commonly affected are knees, elbows and scalp. Psoriasis (pronounced saw-eye'-a-sis) is seen as oval patches of rough skin covered with curious silvery scales.

In most people there is no itching or discomfort, but in a few cases the patches of psoriasis do itch and, of course, scratching makes them worse.

In girls particularly, psoriasis often starts at puberty, with the beginning of the periods. It is very uncommon in children and old people. Nobody knows what causes it. It is not an allergy, and there is no kind of infection. Therefore, it isn't catching, and you cannot convey it to other people.

It tends to run in the family and is a special sort of reaction to almost anything: worries, tension, anxiety, illness, bruises, bangs, scratches, even midge bites.

Psoriasis is not easy to treat and it is never possible to guarantee a cure, but it is helped by tar and tar derivatives, and by some new drugs notably triamcinolone, which is taken by mouth. Sunshine and relaxation also help a lot. In fact, doctors always see the best results in people who stay philosophic about it, and combine regular treatment with relaxation in the open air, with the affected areas getting a full dosage of sunshine.

- Dr Philip Lawson

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PENELOPE'S PREDICAMENT

by JOHN HEDLEY-BROWN

I WISH the other kids wouldn't make fun of me," said Penelope tearfully. "It isn't wrong, is it, Mummy, to be a nudist?" Sylvia Penton gazed with compassion upon her ten year old daughter. How well she knew the difficulties that arose when one decided to differ from what the majority of people regarded as acceptable behaviour.

Sylvia remembered how, like many other children in her day and age, it was so difficult to discuss the facts of life with her parents. It was always considered that providing a child was well fed and dressed, learnt the three "Rs", went to Sunday school and church, and behaved with strict propriety, then its education was complete. To know how a baby came into the world was something a child should not be told in case it corrupted the maturing mind. And as for seeing the opposite sex unclothed — well, that was anathema in the extreme.

As she mused on, she recalled her growth from childhood, through teenage to adulthood, and to her later realization of how incomplete had been her education. Her life had not been dull, though it had followed the usual pattern of girls of her age: dances, occasional parties, basketball, swimming, the usual run of the mill. And so the years had passed and then came the day she met Peter.

Yes, Peter. How well she remembered the day that he came into her world. For several weeks the house next door had remained vacant; the "House for Sale" notice and attractive exterior inviting prospective buyers to bring life and warmth back into it once more.

And then, one evening as she went down to the front gate to pick up the evening paper, she heard a voice from the other side of the dividing hedge say: "Hello, I'm Peter Penton." Glancing across she saw the voice belonged to a young man of about twenty-three or four, about her own age she guessed; tall, broad shouldered and with smiling, somewhat rugged features. "Hello," she had said. "I'm Sylvia Marston, glad to have neighbours again."

And so began a friendship which culminated within a few months with her engagement, shortly afterwards marriage, and then their children, Penelope, the oldest, Michael now seven and Jan ice aged four.

Her reverie was interrupted as Penelope's tearful voice said, "Mummy, are we really wrong, really, really wrong?" Taking Penelope's hand, Sylvia led her to the couch. "Sit down, dear," she said, "and let us see if we can't straighten things out a little. You see, Penelope, I know exactly how you feel and what difficulties you are having because I, too, suffered as you are doing."

Yes, thought Sylvia, and how I suffered. Memories crowded back as she remembered her shock when Peter said to her one day some weeks after they had been 'going steady', Sylvia, I've got something to tell you, something which you'll have to know eventually and which I hope you'll understand. You see, i'm a member of the Sundale Health Club."

The disgust in her voice at the time was still a vivid impression. "What," she had said, "not that nudist crowd?"

It had almost meant the complete severance of their association. They had discussed the question hotly. Peter, defensively, but with conviction and enthusiasm. She, with equal conviction, and embarrassment. Recollection of the way she had tossed her head in the air and stalked away saying angrily, that she never wished to speak to him again, brought a rueful smile to her lips.

Through the mist of her thoughts came once again the voice of Penelope. "They're horrid, Mummy. They're always calling out 'Rudey, rudey, rudey, Penelope's a nudey'."

Sylvia took out her handkerchief and dried the tears from the corner of her daughter's eyes. "There, there, darling," she said, "it's not really as bad as all that. They don't really mean to be cruel. It is just that they don't understand."

Understand. Yes, how she, too, had failed to understand when Peter had told her that he was a member of a nudist group.

It was at least a week before she spoke to him again. She had timed her departure for work in the mornings so that she left after Peter had gone, and as Peter was working overtime every night she had been able to be home before he was. Knowing how difficult it would be to avoid him at the weekend, she had left on the Friday night to spend the weekend with a girl friend some miles away.

Sylvia remembered how she had gone home, locked herself in her bedroom and cried herself to sleep. But, as the days passed, though she avoided seeing him she realized that he meant far too much to her now, but stubborn pride prevented her from making the first move towards reconciliation. It was with a deep sense of relief that the following Tuesday night, as she had left home to go to the pictures, she had met Peter coming out of his house.

"Sylvia," said Peter, "I know you've been avoiding me. Now look here, let's talk things over. Just because we differ over something doesn't mean to say it's the end of the world; that we've got to break up."

When Peter had suggested he get out his car and that they go off for a drive to some quiet spot she had agreed, almost too readily.

This time their discussion, tempered by the pangs of absence, was no longer bitter and defensive. Peter had pointed out to her that the club members were a normal cross section of the community, no better and no worse than those with whom she mixed on Sunday at church; in fact, if anything, their standards were perhaps even higher: their outlook was neither narrow nor bigoted, their moral code was unimpeachable, they regarded the human body as being pure and wholesome in its entirety, not dirty and salacious in parts as mistakenly regarded by so many. After all, she remembered Peter as saying, all races and in all ages, erroneous thinking had made hidden fetishes of every part of the body whilst leaving other parts exposed; and mentioning as examples, hands, ankles and faces. Eventually she had agreed to visit the club with Peter.

Sylvia thought back to that first visit and the trepidation with which she had entered the gates. She had been prepared for Bacchanalian revels, lewd and immodest behaviour, and to be oh, so acutely embarrassed.

But what had she found? A group of friendly, joyous people, from babes in arms to grandmothers, behaving with the decorum of any average community at a well disciplined holiday resort: youngsters revelling in a delightful swimming pool, boys and girls, men and women taking part in vigorous games of tenikoit and other sports, and the older folks lying in the sun just chatting, or reading, or merely basking, and all naked and unashamed.

Yes, Sylvia recalled, she was embarrassed, but only because, of her clothes. Well, shyly at first, but with gentle and considerate persuasion, she had finally undressed and taken her first step toward conversion.

Conversion. That was what it was, Sylvia thought. Conversion from a narrow Victorian outlook to a frank and balanced way of life, a way which she had never regretted.

These past years of happiness and health with Peter and the children at the club were cherished memories. Prejudice and scorn there had been from neighbours and friends when they had learnt of her views but time and tolerance had overcome all but the most bigoted of her critics.

A sob from Penelope brought her mind back to the present. "Don't cry darling," said Sylvia, "remember always that life is never easy, but providing you are true to your beliefs and never ashamed of the body that God gave you, then people will respect you for what you are and for how you think. After all, my dear, the real you is the personality and character that is within you and which no amount of fine clothes can disguise or improve. It is a human failing to judge and condemn, even without malice; but you,Penelope, are helping to make this world a healthier and happier place to live in.

Never forget, dear, that your Daddy and I love you and would not teach you and guide you into anything bad or harmful. We must pray always for tolerance and compassion, for those qualities, darling, are the very pillars of understanding."

Penelope smiled up at her mother through the tears. "Thank you, Mummy," she said,"you are the best Mummy in the world, and I think I understand. It does hurt when the other kids make fun of me, but they are nice to me too. I'll try not to be upset again, and maybe, Mummy, I might just even persuade some of them to come to the club with me, that is if their Mummies will let them."

"Yes," said Sylvia, "who knows?" And maybe I'll have a talk with their Mummies sometime and see if I can't persuade them to come along. Now run along dear, off you go and play; remember, tomorrow is Saturday and we're off out to the club, and the sun will shine again and dry away those tears."

So, Penelope, wiping away the last little tear with the back of her hand, ran off to play, her predicament no longer the heavy burden that it was, but now something understood and tolerable. •

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THE STORY SO FAR While setting off on his bicycle on a camping trip, Dennis, Peggy's boy friend, experienced a nasty spill and had been looked after by a Dutch family living nearby. Or rising the next morning, he had been disgusted and alarmed to find the family playing on the lawn below and all were completely naked. He decided he must get away, and as quickly as possible he dressed and made his way downstairs. In no time at all, his objections were over-ruled and Dennis was led to a summer house, where his host began to explain something of their philosophy. Before breakfast was over he was impressed by the health of these people and began to wonder whether they were so silly after all. He was to be completely convinced before the day was over.

AFTER Mrs Hoekstra had declared his wound only superficial, she suggested that what he most needed was rest. No one knew that to be truer than he, and when she suggested that he accompany the children on a trip in their boat to Paradise Island, he was imbued with the desire to linger and yet something kept saying it was all wrong and the sooner he got on his way the better, lest he get dragged into something that he might repent for the rest of his life. His remonstrances must have been somewhat feeble, for although he could not eliminate the feeling that he was embarking on something very wrong, he had to admit to himself that he was a little intrigued, especially when his nervous glances flitted towards Annie.

She was all he imagined a girl should be in face, form and nature. Like the rest of the family, she had a way of looking straight at him with sparkling eyes that he found difficult to meet and yet, he argued, if anyone had anything of which to be ashamed, it certainly should not be him.

Mr Hoekstra offered to contact his parents and let them know that he was safe and sound and he barely had time to collect his sketch book before he was hustled on his way to the river with Annie and her brothers. As the trip across was exposed to view from two other farms, Annie wore a pretty dress of floral design and the lads just shorts. Racing on ahead, these two young people had the lunch basket stowed away. Although he offered to take an oar, Dennis was just as pleased when they would have nothing of it and insisted on him sitting in the stern with their sister.

The river at this point spread out in an irregular bulge about three miles across, while in the middle nestled a lovely island, covered with trees and shrubs. They made their way across to a sandy beach shelving gently into the water. During the animated chatter, Annie informed him that they had christened it Paradise Island and told him how they spent so much of their time over there.

"You see," she explained, "its position is perfect. The beach faces our farm and we have made tracks and clearings among the trees. We play at Robinson Crusoe and have lots of fun. Sometimes we take a tent and stay the night." And then, as if expecting him to demur, she added, "You'll love it.

We do." He hastened to reassure her on that point, and as they were all dressed, he somehow felt quite brave. "Yes," he agreed, "I do love this place. I think all of it is simply marvellous. After months and months in the town and never going anywhere at all or ever doing anything, you can imagine how I feel." And he nearly capsized the boat as he threw out his arms and took in great draughts of the summer air.

It didn't take long to make the journey across, and they soon had the boat pulled up on the beach and the lunch things stowed away under a shady tree. The boys decided he must make an official tour of inspection of their island, and he was amazed at the number of birds, insects, lichens and other interesting things that he passed unnoticed, but they pointed out.

The trip only took about a quarter of an hour, but every inch was packed with thrills and delight, and when they returned to the boat, and, incidentally, to complete privacy, a swim was immediately suggested and seemed to be the most desirable thing in the world. And here was his testing time. He knew there were no bathing costumes among the lunch things and he was worried. Yet be did want a swim so badly, but found himself making excuses that his head was still aching, that he wasn't much of a swimmer, that he had no togs, and so on. In less time than it takes to tell, the two young hopefuls slipped out of their shorts and with wild whoopees made for the water in unison. How he longed for their cheerful abandon.

He was sure that Annie knew what was going on in his mind, for she discreetly turned her back to him, undid something at the back of her frock and it fell from her. Kicking off her shoes and quite naked, she called out, "See you soon," and off she ran among some rocks at one end of the tiny beach. He heard a splash around the corner, and when the boys called out to him to join them, all the forebodings and misgivings of a life's teaching just vanished. Off came his clothes, and running like a madman, he charged into the water for concealment.

That no doubt, was what Annie was waiting for, because she joined them almost at once. He had never experienced anything like it before. The complete freedom, the marvellous day, the happy company and sheer unutterable joy of it all, not to mention the spirit of adventure, was an event not to be forgotten. However, he still had to come out, a thought that began to exercise his mind after a while.

Annie, the designing little hussy, saw to that, too. "Come on round to the springboard," she called, leading the boys with a long graceful crawl to the spot from which she had entered the water. There a diving board had been cemented into the rocks with about twelve feet of clear water beneath. The twins soon scrambled up, and amidst lots of laughter and banter executed dives more or less to pattern, giving way to their sister as she came out of the water. Dripping with a million drops that glistened in the sunshine, she walked to the end of the board and stood poised, naked and unashamed, a veritable goddess of beauty and in surroundings that added charm to the picture, if that were possible. Dennis gasped and excitedly called out, "Just a minute. Hold it!"

(To be continued)

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THE three of us belonged to the same tennis club. We were in our twenties and as fit and full of life as any three girls could be. Although most of the people in the club were good sports and easy to get on with, we three seemed to hit it off pretty well. So, it was natural after a while for us to rent a flat together and share the chores. Daphne was a pretty blonde, short and very well built; Rene was just the reverse, being nearly six feet tall and quite muscular and with well trimmed red hair; while I was sort of in between, average and medium.

Anyway, we got on well together and more often than not wherever one went the others tagged along too.

I can't remember how it started, but Rene and I must have had a bit broader view of things and quite often we would sit around the flat with nothing on and think nothing of it, but Daphne must have been conscious of her very full figure and always seemed a bit self-conscious about her body. Nobody took any notice anyway, and nothing was said. Daphne certainly drew the admiring glances of the boys and never failed to attract opportunities to go to parties and car rides in the moonlight.

It was during one very hot summer and we had spent nearly as much time at the beach as at the club, when Daphne suggested we skip the club one Saturday and have a picnic at a secluded beach miles away. The idea appealed to us all, so we piled into my little Morris and away we went. It was a lovely spot, miles from anywhere and the thought of spending the whole day in and out of the surf was delightful. We got into our swim suits and did just that. We spent the whole day there and it was as well we were already tanned, for the sun shone all day and there was not much shelter.

I suppose we wore our costumes without giving it a second thought and I felt that was the only thing that spoilt the outing. Rene was usually the daredevil and she must have been thinking along the same lines for it was she who suddenly suggested we take them off. As the place was so private, and we hadn't seen a soul all day, the idea appealed to me, but Daphne was not at all happy about the idea.

Anyway, Rene and I took our costumes off and although we laughed at the funny striped effect of our bodies, we felt just fine. We decided to enjoy a swim that way and it must have been our whoopees of delight that eventually brought Daphne down the beach. After a bit more hesitation, she took off her costume and ran for her life for the concealment of the water. She soon had to admit how perfectly marvellous the sensation was and the three of us just revelled in our new-found freedom. So much so, that we did not see a lone man come along the beach and calmly sit watching us.

I must admit I felt a bit embarrassed and as we were getting chilly, we had to come out sooner or later. We called out to him and told him to go away, but he bluntly refused. This went on until Rene, in her usual forthright manner, said she was going out and she would tick the stranger off good and proper. So saying, she strode up the beach directly for him and, I must say she looked quite formidable. I followed behind and poor Daphne hadn't enough hands to try and cover herself up with.

The man rose to his feet, obviously enjoying the treat and in answer to Rene's explosion simply kept saying, "Gosh, you girls are beautiful." We strode past him to our clothes, looking as dignified as our nudity would allow, and when we peeped out shortly afterwards the man had gone. We decided to stay as we were, although Daphne was obviously shaken up, but the day passed without any further incident.

Now that I am married and am a member of a nudist club, I can understand the reason for the attitude of our strange intruder. He undoubtedly was one of the vast army of unfortunates who are unable to enjoy the benefits that accrue from being in a club and he would probably have been all the better for having seen us girls as we were, Although we were angry at the time, I can see now we should have felt quite sorry for him, for he needed a spot of mental detergent.

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PSYCHOLOGY OF SEX

by Havelock Ellis

"With regard to the therapeutic treatment, I should like to point out that it might be likely to prove effective if carried out in connection with a sunbathing camp on nudist lines of the kind now becoming widely recognized and accepted.

An exhibitionist who is encouraged to practise nudity among men and women who, being themselves completely nude, accept him as a matter of course, is at once to gratify his narcissistic desires so far as they are innocent and to deprive them of their intensity. If his impulses cannot be restrained within innocent limits, he faces the certainty that he will be deprived of the privilege conferred upon him.

A wholesome and socialised channel is provided for an impulse which otherwise becomes isolating perverse and degrading."

TEMPTRESS RETURNS by Edward Allcard

"We both went below; one forward, one aft. Clad in nothing but my towel, I mounted the deck and made my way to the foredeck where I threw the towel off and got busy with the soap. Noises of buckets being drawn came from aft. A quick look round for sharks and I dived in, swimming down level with the cockpit. I had to duck my head to avoid a smile; she was making a very ineffectual attempt to bath in full costume; but then she realized how silly it was to try to pretend that living on the ocean in a small boat has in any way its counterpart on land.

"Otilia was not afraid of cold water. Later I poured bucket after bucket over her.

"For those who might think otherwise, I would like to state that in those clean and pure conditions of both the sea and the mind, the idea of anyone having an open-air bath, wearing a costume, seemed degrading and positively indecent."

TO MY WIFE - 50 CAMELS by Walys Reece

"The bazaar to be held in a place nearby ... and all night long people were passing by the light of the moon to congregate in readiness. Most of the men had splendid ostrich feathers in their mud-caked hair, and were naked except for a soft leather buttock-cover, a sort of apron worn back to front, leaving the genitals uncovered. Turkana women are suspicious of any man who hides his privates, and so for the most part they are left bare to prove the owner has nothing shameful to hide."

JOURNAL OF THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, Vol. XV

by H. H. Johnston

"The Wa-chaja of Kilimanjaro are not markedly immoral: in fact, as they have come but very lightly into contact with Mohammedans, they may be said to ignore real vice; but they are, nevertheless, the most utterly shameless people I have ever encountered. With them indecency does not exist, for they make no effort to be decent, but walk about as nature made them, except when it is chilly or if they wish to look unusually smart, in which case they wear something around their shoulders."   •

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SUN   CLUBS   IN   NEW   ZEALAND

 A  SERIES  OF  VITAL
INTEREST TO READERS

 

 

PRESUMING that you have opened your mind and have at least discarded some of your false notions, a very natural question that immediately presents itself is, "What sort of people am I going to meet in a nudist community?"

The purpose of this article is to give you that very information. In actual fact, the answer is simple enough, for naturists are very little different from any other body of people. Disabuse your mind that they are all longhaired Bohemians or moral degenerates, either slightly dotty or sex-crazed. Nothing could be farther from the truth nor a greater libel against as fine a set of people that may be found anywhere.

Naturism has an appeal to all folk who love and appreciate the wonders of nature and they take an equal delight in the beauty of their surroundings as they do in the faces and figures of their fellow members.

Naturism appeals to people who think for themselves, for that is obvious by the very nature of the radical departure from the recognized standards of convention.

Naturism has a ready appeal to those unfortunates who were deprived of the opportunity of learning the facts about themselves and of the opposite sex when they were young. The company of clean living people who are not ashamed of their bodies and their functions is a positive Godsend to such as these.

Similarly, naturism appeals to those wise parents who wish their children to grow up in an atmosphere of freedom and correctly directed knowledge and thus avoid the ghastly fruits of narrow-mindedness.

Physical culturists, models, photographers, sedentary workers, in fact, everybody finds an appeal in some direction, in the recognition and acceptance of the principles of naturism. And just because this and other magazines publish pictures of beautiful girls and handsome men, do not think that everybody in a club is like that. No sir, there are all sorts, fat, skinny, young and old, tall and short, and so forth. The strange thing about it is that after the first few moments you take little or no notice of what people look like because you are so interested in finding out what they are.

Different from most communities of people, you will find these folk are anxious to make you welcome. Their friendliness becomes catching and you can't help being influenced by it, because they can and do, look you straight in the eye. They bestow such an air of sincerity that you become one of the "gang" before you have had time to get embarrassed, and that only lasts about three seconds, anyhow, whatever you think about it.

So those people whom you will meet will be the same as all the rest of the Bill Smiths and Mary Jones you know, with the difference that they acknowledge and appreciate natural things, seeing beauty in every unclad form for that very reason. You will probably hear some weighty discussions on every subject under the sun and find these nudists can make up their own minds about what is right and what is wrong and are not affected by the mass psychology of the majority of people.

To those who are learning life the clean way and the right way, you will meet folk who are really living for the first time. Their very buoyancy and vim tells all too clearly of what they have put behind them and of the joy and release the future holds for them. And you will certainly be thrilled to see the children who have never had any false notions about themselves and who are going to grow up to be the worthwhile citizens of tomorrow. Just think of the pure and wholesome outlook they will have on life and then remember your own upbringing.

The young mix with the not-so-young, each helping the other in various ways, but no matter what their religious, political, social, or business lives may be, they each and all have one thing in common: the acceptance of the unclothed body as natural and undefiled, in company and amidst surroundings calculated to do it the utmost good, physically and, above all, mentally.

Are you afraid or ashamed to be associated with such people? •

Next issue we will publish a couple of aerial pictures of the famous Montalivet nudist camp in the south of France, where thousands of people congregate every summer. Our pictures show a portion of the huge grounds and hundreds of naked swimmers on the beach, a truly breathtaking sight to those of us used to more conventional rules.

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

 

INTERNATIONAL NATURIST FEDERATION                

The CCBN in England has been arranging special charter flights to various nudist resorts in Europe. We were rather staggered to read in the last "British Naturism" that although they still had about 3 months to go before the first departure of these organized flights for this season, only 14 vacant seats remained out of a total seating capacity of 416 for visits to Corsica alone. Other centres such as Montalivet are similarly popular. That indicates the transfer of a lot of people and a lot of money, hut in view of what the average English summer is like, it seems to be an excellent idea.

David L. of AOHC has sent us an account of his travels in Europe, fuller details of which are available to any likely travellers in these parts. His report reads like a travel agency itinerary, but the outstanding memory was his visit to Dalmatia where he spent 2 weeks accommodated with a Yugoslav family who spoke no English. His spattering of German was some help.

Each day he crossed by motor boat to the town, with its maze of streets and large square, the atmosphere being very cosmopolitan. Small motor boats conveyed passengers to the "free" beach, where the payment of 50 dinars (about 6d) was made for admittance. Although the shore line is pebbly, the water was crystal clear and always blue. The most popular activities seemed to be water polo and paddling rubber canoes and air mats. A refreshment centre was also popular, a meeting place of many nations.

Other interesting places were visited, especially the idyllic little island of Havar, 1 hour's sailing time from the mainland, where the sunshine tops the whole of Dalmatia. David heartily recommends a visit to these parts to any young New Zealander with a yen for travel.

 

The new settlement called HELIO-TERRICE where bungalows are being built, now has an approach road almost completed and the number of prospects interested now amounts to over 200. A wilderness is quickly being changed into a paradise.

A record number of visitors was recorded last summer at the TROPICA grounds which cover 115 acres.

CORSICANA, a 5-acre area, was also full to capacity at times. Cheap charter flights from Germany and England have done much to boost the Tropica and Corsicana grounds.

 

The ASA was forced to expel a nudist club in Louisiana as its leaders were not above board. Specimen copies of no fewer than 74 different nudist publications are now available in USA.

It is also of interest to read that the Eastern Sunbathing Association held its annual meeting for 1965 at the Empire Haven Club, Moravia, New York, without the slightest interference, despite the ban on nudism in the State of New York.

The Running Bares Club in Wisconsin has every normal club comfort, including a swimming pool, television, and offers winter sports facilities.

Motels here and there in the USA offer nudist facilities in their swimming pools.

 

Reports to hand refer to the Polish Naturist Youth Group, SPARTA-SLOVAN. This is not a club but a circle of friends who go for long hikes combined with mixed nude bathing.

There is a good deal of sports activity and singing and dancing around camp fires. Smoking and alcohol are forbidden, but nude bathing at secluded spots near Warsaw is enjoyed.

 

We learn from Tidlosa, a genuine nudist magazine, that steps are being taken to set up a free bathing beach on the Baltic island of Oland on the lines of those in northern Germany. The naturist film entitled The Naturist Weekend has been having a good reception. Although the Swedish National Association has over 1,000 card-carrying members, the number of Swedish naturists runs into thousands. As many of them live far away from the clubs, much of their naturism is practised in family circles, where nude bathing expeditions are organized among the many secluded lakes throughout the country.

 

The newspaper Haaretz in Tel Aviv reported that the first Israel nudist camp had come into being near Haifa. The village belongs to the South American Eastern Caravan Hotels Co. with Israel capital. Holiday visitors can have meals, entertainment and accommodation in 68 bungalows.

 

The Danish Society for Open-air Activities is a federation of sports organizations, youth groups, scouts, camping organizations, etc., and receives millions in subsidies from the State each year.

Eric Holm states that the Central Committee for Naturism in Denmark has been fighting for 3 years for official recognition from this powerful body and it is pleasing to learn that this has finally been granted by 35 votes for, 3 against and 8 abstentions.

The Danish papers published long articles on naturism on this occasion and the largest Danish daily, Politiken, featured a 5-column headline with its report.

 

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           by
GORDON SCOTT
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

FACING UP TO IT

Many people who are not members of a nudist club, hut are also not violently opposed to the idea, seem to have an almost awesome idea of what it must be like to be a nudist. Typical remarks such as, "You must have a lot of nerve", "I just couldn't ... what self control you must have", all point to the fact that some of my friends at least regard me as some sort of superman, simply because I go to a nudist club.

This attitude is not of the tongue-in-cheek type, but I know it to be quite genuine, as it comes not from a few remarks, but out of long, serious talks. I have one friend, a married man with a large family, who just cannot believe that it is possible for a club to exist. On many occasions he has asked me if "I really enjoy going to the club, what we do, is it mixed?" etc. He is not in the least narrow-minded, in fact he regards himself as a man of the world and in many respects he is. It is just the old idea that nudity and sex are one and the same thing and the sight of a member of the opposite sex unclothed is erotic.

We, the writers in this publication, and others have for many years tried to convey the true outlook of nudists in this regard and my own feelings are that because of this desire to correct popular misconceptions, many of our articles and statements to the press are becoming hackneyed to the point that we never say anything else beyond the fact that it is all fun, healthful and all very moral. Any nudist publication you pick up usually carries many articles, but they all virtually cover the same theme.

Well, what am I going to do about it? Yes, I will admit that I have been guilty of the very same thing in the past, but when you have an eye on the editor's blue pencil and the other on how much the public will accept, it is very difficult not to fall into the old rut and think up the same thing in as many different words as you can find.

This takes me back to my friends of the first two paragraphs. They have read our statements, thumbed through the magazines, and have arrived at the same conclusions that I just have, hence the idea that perhaps there is something more to nudism than meets the eye: perhaps we are a sort of secret society, dabbling in all sorts of things from witchcraft, up or down, depending on the viewpoint. From the information given out to the public as a whole, the confused thinking of my friends and others is perfectly understandable. The fact that nudists are perhaps regarded in awe and as people out of this world is a natural reaction because of imagined repression of the true lowdown on nudist life.

Amusingly enough, one night I was driving with a carload of members of the club to a meeting in a public hail. The whole district knew of the meeting and we had to ask directions from a shop, but the furtive looks through blinds, around doors, etc. from the occupants of the attached house were the funniest things 1 had seen for a long time. What did these people expect to see? Something from another planet or just a bunch of nudists with two heads? Once again, all they knew was that nudism was fun, it was healthful and all very moral.

I think after all these years that the above three points have been hammered home enough. We are accepted by the authorities, the Government, the law, and mildly put up with by the majority of citizens, so surely that should be proof enough. Let us as writers from now on explore the nudist way of life as it affects our lives; let us adopt a more positive attitude in our articles. It has been said that we are usually on the defensive. Regretfully I think this is so. Let us be proud of our movement and stop the afternoon- tea-party thoughts with the attendant small talk type of article. I will endeavour to do so and with the editor's permission, would ask other writers to do likewise. •

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The fourth of seven letters

 

Dear Mum and Dad,

It was great to hear from you again. Greater still to note you speaking so much more kindly in your last letter, of naturism. We see you're now calling it naturism instead of the more common nudism. Well, either way, it means the same: healthy indulgence in sunlight, without fetters.

Sorry to hear you say though, Mum, that you couldn't ever join in such an activity since your figure isn't the best. Mum, we don't go to the sun clubs to criticize a woman's figure. The majority of women at these groups have had children and so their figures aren't what they used to be. Some of the women have scarred figures but they're not shy. It's all so natural, Mum dear. Helen's had kids too and her figure isn't what it used to be but you keep her away from a sun club? Not on your life! She knows the advantages of these clubs, especially in educating the youngsters and she's all for these groups.

So far as the kids are concerned, they learn in the most natural form possible, in association with other naked kids. I only wish we'd been brought up, Dad, as our kids are now. We had so many inhibitions, our kids have none. And keen on the club? The kids are always first into the car; you couldn't keep them away either! They just love the freedom. The swim pool, the games fixtures and so on. And it's there they get the exercise they need, plenty of it.

Don't be afraid of joining us, Mum, you'd be most welcome. And you wouldn't be the oldest woman there, not by a long shot. While we have many youngsters at these places, the majority are in the middle ages group but there are many in the getting-a-little-older age groups too. Both men and women. And healthy. You've never seen such happy and healthy folks. Do you think we can make a date sometime and take you along so you can see for yourselves? We surely hope so. Our love to you both.

              Your very fit and happy,

                                          HELEN and JIM

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New Zealand

Sunbathing Association

Notes

A REMINDER

The 15th National Rally of NZ nudists will be held at Oranui, the grounds of the Auckland Outdoor Health Club Inc. from 31st December, 1966, to 3rd January, 1967, with the NZSA Executive meeting on the 30th December. Full information will be sent to club secretaries by the organizers in due course.

PERC. COUSINS TRUST FUND

With the inauguration of this fund in 1960, it was not only intended to provide a sum of money which could be used for some worthy purpose within the movement, but at the same time to perpetuate the name of the founder of the movement in NZ. Perc. is grateful to those who instigated the idea and is happy to be associated so intimately with such a worthy cause, and with the many who have contributed to the fund ever since. It is steadily creeping up and we are pleased to acknowledge the following contributions since the last issue. Balance £222/6/5; EBR, Nelson 14/-; Anon, Otago 11/-; WTG, Masterton 13/-; Anon, Otago £1/l/-; Bank interest £3; Smaller donations £2/13/-; New total £230/l8/5.

NUDIST SWIMMING BATHS

Plans are well in hand for the Central Council of British Naturism to hire a London baths where non-members as well as club members can enjoy swimming the naturist way. Would NZ clubs like to follow this idea?

A NEW NUDIST FILM

Now screening throughout NZ, "My Bare Lady" is a film in colour, well worth seeing. An American girl unbeknowingly spends the night at a nudist camp (North Kent Sun Club) and is not easily convinced that naturism is a good, decent way of life. It is a straight propaganda film and the dialogue brings out the usual arguments in favour of naturism.

Parthenos   

FILMING AT NORTH KENT SUN CLUB

Shots taken in a Paris sun club and a beauty contest are highlights. The male lead is Dennis Carnell, who played the part of the American in Nudist Paradise and gives a good and convincing performance. The general impression is that it could help the movement in New Zealand. Watch the papers for screening dates.

MAGAZINES FOR SALE

In addition to back issues of this magazine, we now have on hand a number of various overseas back issues available, thanks to donations by several friends. These may be purchased at very low rates and we will be pleased to help you while stocks last. Particulars on request.

RECOGNITION

Among his many other interests, Doug., our secretary-treasurer, is a keen Scouter in the Lones Section of the Boy Scout movement. His enthusiasm and willing service has been recognized and he was recently awarded the Chief Scout's Commendation, signed by the Governor-General. Congratulations Doug.

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In an effort to provide readers with the best and most popular material, I have discussed their views and various likes and dislikes with a number of our readers. While opinions naturally vary and always will, there nevertheless emerges a preponderance of interest in members' true experiences and the fictional stories. This result was not altogether surprising and I will be glad to continue these features while they are available. There must be a lot of members who have had amusing and interesting highlights in their nudist experience and as they make such good reading, why not share them with us? If necessary, we can knock them into shape for publication.

As for writing short stories, it is not given to everyone to be able to do this, but it has to be admitted that it is easier and much more acceptable to hear the old arguments in the more pleasant form of a story and there is often many a true word spoken in jest. If you cannot write a full story, you might have the germ of an idea. If so, send it along and maybe we can do the rest.

Anyway, please help me in my efforts to continue to provide a popular and worthwhile magazine by your contributions, photos, and especially by letting me know what you like - or perhaps dislike - about the NZ Naturist. It is only then that I am in a position to try to give you what most of you want.

Following the extra four pages for our special birthday issue, we are happy to continue providing our readers with another four pages from now on.

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THREE GATES OF GOLD

by JOAN DETWILLER

Experienced organizational workers recognize certain human characteristics as the bane of those who are charged with the responsibility of running any organization. The nudist movement is no different from other groups in having those who indulge in envy, untruth, thoughtlessness, disloyalty, personal vanity and malicious gossip, and the last is perhaps the most malignant.

These human traits have apparently beset man since earliest times. The following excerpt taken from the Sanskrit gives us some sage advice: "If you are tempted to reveal a tale someone to you has told about another, make it pass before you speak Three Gates of Gold. These narrow gates: First, "Is it true?" Then, "Is it needful?" In your mind give truthful answer. And the next is last and narrowest, "Is it kind?" And if to reach your lips at last it passes through these gateways three, then you may tell the tale or fear what the result of speech may be."

Keep this in mind when you feel the urge to spread the word. Be sure that what you say is true and needful and kind. Don't be a "tearer-downer". Rather be on the other side of the fence and work for the good of our organization.

Reprinted from the Meadowlark,

Bulletin of the Meadowbrook Sun Club

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Readershave their say ... 

 

BOUQUET FROM AMERICA

The New Zealand Naturist is the only naturist magazine that we have seen that seems to be written for the actual nudist family. We enjoy it very much and we are enclosing two dollars to make sure our subscription does not run out before we are due to leave this area. - ART & EVA, USA

IS THE NZ NATURIST THE ANSWER?

The NZ Naturist is quite the best naturist magazine that I have seen:

well produced, full of interest and variety, natural and balanced. I think that it would be ideal material to give to one of the 'hesitant husbands' or 'nervous wives' that we often hear about. - ALD, Australia

NUDISM AND COMMUNISM

I recently read that Hungary may be considered as a potential member of the INF.

I, for one, cannot enthusiastically welcome the possible introduction of a Hungarian organization into the INF. This may seem to be a very negative attitude but one cannot welcome the introduction of politics into an international organization dedicated to the freedom of the individual and the group.

Although one of the more progressive of the Iron Curtain countries, Hungary today is a People's Republic, governed in accordance with the precepts of Marx and Lenin. Even so, a large proportion of the Magyar people are staunch Roman Catholics, especially in the rural areas. Every square millimetre of Hungary is state owned. Every organization and club is sponsored by a government ministry. The borders of Hungary are sealed by a strong force of frontier guards. In addition to the National Police Force, Hungary has a large force of Internal Security guards (BKH) to keep a constant watch on the population; and, of course, there is the Soviet Army stationed in Hungary.

With very few exceptions, the majority of Magyar children attend a State creche before graduating to a State school and compulsory membership of the Young Pioneers, the children's branch of the Magyar Communist Party. Thereafter, the adolescent may become a member of the KISZ, the Young Communist League, and partake in social and political activities. For sports and outdoor recreations, the young adult may become a member of the MHS (Magyar Defence Sports Association) to learn swimming, camping, shooting, driving, gliding, parachuting, etc.

The implications are therefore fairly obvious. It would be impossible to form a club or national organization without governmental approval, permission, and control. Even if it were possible, the problem of finding and using a site without government grant and permission would be insurmountable. To make temporary use of a suitable piece of land or lake would attract the ubiquitous attention of the BKH. To invite foreigners to share such facilities would reflect on both host and visitor in BKH records.

At present, tourists are handled by IBUSZ (the state tourist organization) and all information on all visitors is filed away by the BKH for possible future use. Add to this the present sad state of Hungarian family life (lowest birth rate in Europe, abortion officially permitted) and one may be able to understand the difficulties confronting anybody visiting to form a strictly non-political club advocating personal freedom in Hungary today.

On the brighter side. Although - the majority of the rural Magyar peasants are 'old fashioned' Roman Catholics, a fair proportion of the city dwellers, especially in Budapest and the university towns, are of Austro-Germanic descent.

Hungary's summer climate is eminently suited to outdoor activities. Swimming is a very popular (state sponsored) sport and brief bikinis and sun tans are much in evidence at Lake Balaton and the many pools in Budapest. Tourist camping is being encouraged and expanded by IBUSZ, with an eye to gaining hard currency, although the innocent tourist immediately becomes a well documented file in BKH HQ. 'Selected', politically cleared, Magyar citizens are permitted to tour abroad, although on return, they are required to furnish details of people and places visited, contacted, etc.

Statues of both male and female nudes (in the Socialist-Realistic school) adorn the entrances to most sportsdromes giving the visitor the first impression that even an indoor tennis hall might be a naturist club. It is a fact however, that quite a few city dwellers do enjoy sunbathing in the privacy of roof-top or balcony without clothes, although it has been suggested that the scarcity of female foundation garments may make this more of a necessity than a pleasure. Nude bathing is permitted in the Budapest thermal bath houses, but men and women have separate pools, entrances, etc.

Graduating ex-Young Pioneers are not joining KISZ and MHS in the numbers expected, many young Magyars preferring to seek their own amusements and interests; the Party even had to let them have the Beatles. It would be reasonable to expect, therefore, that many Hungarians would welcome the introduction of a State-sponsored naturist organization, even though this in itself might be a further subjection of the individual to the Party.

To sum up. 'Organized' naturism, as we know it, in Hungary is impossible without Communist approval and control. Membership of such an organization would entail loyalty to the Communist system. Representation of such an organization in the INF would, in fact, be a Communist infiltration of the federation.

With the possible exception of Jugoslavia, all the foregoing would be applicable to any of the communist countries, probably even more so. Much as one would like to see naturism spread amongst the Iron Curtain countries, it must be understood that our basic concept of absolute freedom to enjoy the benefits of naturism could never be tolerated in a communist state. Only if naturism can be made to serve the Party will it be permitted in the communist world. Optimistically, it must be sincerely hoped that a taste of the freedom offered by naturism might reveal to the inhabitants of the communist countries that the true, free enjoyment of life transcends any political doctrine or regime.

- JANCSI

Q.E.D.

We enjoy reading your magazine and find the answers to many of our previous queries. In fact we hope to join a club next season. We find the pictures interesting and the contents varied and informative. I'm not so keen on the cartoons, but my wife loves them. Perhaps I'm dumb, but that last one seemed pointless, the doctor saying to the nude girl, "You've got acute appendicitis," and she says, "Doctor, I came here to be examined, not admired."

(Ed. Try reading the doctors remark this way, "You've got a cute appendicitis.")

 

THAT SINGLE MAN SITUATION AGAIN

I have read a lot of the English H. and E. and some Australian Solars, and note that youth and young men are almost taboo, yet they scream for young women. Old or young, you will always get good and bad club members and there must be weeding, but that goes on in every club, and I feel that the energy and drive of the young man would be of great value to the nudist movement in many ways, so why bar him?

Every magazine, paper, film, etc., are all packed with pictures of nude, near nude women, clothed and any other way they can think of. One gets a bit tired of the same old fare all the time. It does my heart good when I see the all-too-few photos of some of our virile, rugged swimmers and surf guards, etc. Why should men be pushed into the background all the time in all of these publications? I'm in my fifties now. Family is grown and gone. I would like to be a member of a club now that I live within easy distance of 4 of them.

- Mac, Auckland

10 YEARS LOST

You have not heard from me for ten years or so; I dropped out of communal naturism for that time (from fear: a boy I remembered seeing at the club turned up at my school as a third former, and in panic I left the club). I re-joined last year, on medical advice.

It might amuse you to read that shortly after I re-joined the club, one of my last year's sixth form pupils turned up and was duly amazed to see me. She told me that there had been a rumour at the school for years that I was a member of the local nudist group (partly because of my well-maintained tan, partly because of my very liberal and outspoken views on many topics in discussion with my sixth form). Some ten years of withdrawal from the club did not "save my reputation". The irony of it!

- TEACHER

CO-OPERATION PLUS

I would like to thank you for your letter and information re NZ clubs. I would like to congratulate you on the quality of your magazine, too. I was prepared for a duplicated newssheet type of thing and was surprised to find such an attractive production. There is quite a nice tone about the articles and I was impressed with Ray Fussell's apologia.

Enclosed are a couple of photos a friend took on our Christmas holiday. They are not artistic but may be of use.

- NJ, Australia

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CLUB DIRECTORY The secretaries of the clubs listed below will be pleased to hear from genuine enquirers. Please enclose a stamped, self- addressed envelope. NORTHLAND SUN SEEKERS P.O. Box 4126, Kamo. AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB Inc. P.O. Box 2702, Auckland. AUCKLAND SUN CLUB Inc. P.O. Box 2925, Auckland. KAURIMU SUN CLUB P.O. Box 20015, Glen Eden, Auckland. WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY P.O. Box 619, Hamilton TAURANGA SUN CLUB P.O. Box 3028, Greerton, Tauranga. HAWKE'S BAY SUN CLUB P.O. Box 551, Napier. TARANAKI OUTDOOR SOCIETY P.O. Box 3046, Fitzroy, New Plymouth WANGANUI SUN CLUB P.O. Box 410, Wanganui. WELLINGTON SUN & HEALTH SOCIETY Inc. P.O. Box 2854, Wellington. CANTERBURY SUN & HEALTH CLUB Inc. P.O. Box 1823, Christchurch. OTAGO SUN & HEALTH CLUB P.O. Box 2058, South Dunedin. SOUTHERN SUN & HEALTH CLUB 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: Gisborne (PO Box 126) Rotorua Nelson Stratford Blenheim Palmerston North Westport Masterton Timaru     To contact them, write to:         N.Z. Sunbathing Association,         P.O. Box 6359, Wellington

SOLAR incorporating SUN REVIEW        AUSTRALIA'S NATURIST MAGAZINE Profusely illustrated From your newsagent or direct from the publishers 35c per copy (NZ 3/6d) GOLDRAY PUBLICATIONS Box 2, P.O., Austral, N.S.W, Australia Read and enjoy                         Health & Efficiency The   world's   greatest   100 page  sunbathing  magazine  SCORES OF PLATES in every issue PLUS the official news and pictures of  all  British  Naturist  Clubs Full Colour Cover 16 issues yearly including 4 special DOUBLE SIZE extra numbers Send NOW for specimen copy, 3/- post paid or 50/- post paid for 12 months HEALTH & EFFICIENCY PLANT NEWS LTD 43 Shoe Lane London, E.C.4, England

 

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Noted:- 

John Hedley-Brown: Conflict (Guest Editorial)

15th Rally Auckland - 1967

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WHAT A WONDERFULL FUTURE THESE DELIGHTFUL TWINS HAVE.
TAKEN AT FIVEACRES, WELLINGTON

THE TENIKOIT COURT, PINEGLADES
HOW BETTER TO SPEND A HEALTHY WEEKEND?

BEAUTIFUL NEW ZEALAND - MARIKOPA FALLS, NEAR WAITOMO CAVES

THERE IS MUCH TO DO AND TALK ABOUT AT PINEGLADES' CAMPING AREA

LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN MOTHER AND CHILD

STUDIES IN BLACK AND WHITE

MORE NATIONAL RALLY PICTURES 1965

AN AUCKLAND FAMILY

THE SLIPPERY SLIDE

JUNIOR SWIMMING SPORTS

A SMILE FROM JOAN

HELD AT FIVEACRES, WELLINGTON

WHO'S WHO IN THE NZSA
JOCK SHOOLBREAD, VICE-PRESIDENT,
WITH HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER

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FAMILY UNITY IS ONE OF THE STRONG FEATURES OF THIS MOVEMENT

 

IT'S GOOD TO JUST RELAX

THOSE NUDIST BEACHES AGAIN -
NEAR GISBORNE

AN AUSTRALIAN READER
FINDS A SECLUDED SPOT

SOAKING UP THE SUNSHINE AT KARIMU

THIS PICTURE IS OF THE NORTHSIDE COUNTRY CLUB, NEAR MELBOURNE
An article and picture of this friendly club will be featured in the next issue, due out in December

THOSE NUDIST BEACHES AGAIN - NEAR WELLINGTON

A NATURIST NATURALIST AT ORANUI

AN IDEAL SPOT IN THE WAIKATO

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