#  49 - December 1968 

[The New Zealand Naturist - Summer] Editor: Perc Cousins (Pages: 44 - 30c)

Contents:-

Editorial
Important Announcement - Sun and Health; Good News for Readers
News of the Clubs (12)
Quote of the Month
Talking to Women with Joan Treanor
History - Waikato Outdoor Society
Haere Tatou Tahanga (Hinemoa and Tutanekai)
From the Editor
The Bare Truth - The Press Attitude to Nudity; it's Silly but Serious by Leon Gilbert
Talking About Books
NZSA Notes - 17th National Rally, Holiday Visiting, 11th International Congress, We Reach the Half Century of Publishing, Magazine Subscription, Another NZSA Free Service, Ferraniacolour Films, An Overseas Service, Nude Beaches, The Indecent Publications Tribunal, Overseas magazines, An Apology, Obituary, Perc Cousins Trust Fund, Attention all Photographers
Peggy 15
Readers Have Their Say
Competition
The Junior Section with Joan Treanor
Health in the Sun
News From All Over the World - England, France, Germany, USA, Australia
Self Induced Exile by David Gaw
Recipe for a Healthy Club
A roundup of Titbits from here and there by Perc Cousins
You Never Can Tell by Joyce
The Three Bears by Oranuian
Directory: (14)

Noted

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	NEW ZEALAND SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION INC. P.O. BOX 6359, WELLINGTON, N.Z. PUBLISHED QUARTERLY MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, DECEMBER
	ARTICLES AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE INVITED

A    VALUABLE    CONTRIBUTION    TOWARDS    A    BETTER    WORLD

 

N.Z. NATURIST
Editor		Perc. W. Cousins
Business Manager		Doug. Cousins
Copy Preparation		John Hedley-Brown

 

NEW ZEALAND SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION INC.

President		Perc. W. Cousins, Wellington
Vice-Presidents		Jock Shoolbread, Auckland Norman Bell, Napier
Secretary - Treasurer		Doug. Cousins, Wellington
Public Relations Officer		Ralph Riccalton, Christchurch
Youth Organiser		Joan Treanor, Christchurch
Women's Representative		Joan Treanor, Christchurch
Delegates representing all clubs

 

Enquiries regarding naturist clubs or any matters concerning naturism in New Zealand
or overseas should be made to the association at its office

NEW ZEALAND SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION Inc.

P.O. Box 6359, Wellington, New Zealand

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP OF CLUBS SHOULD BE MADE DIRECT TO THE CLUBS

  

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IS YOUR CLUB A SECRET SOCIETY?

The nudist movement enjoys an acceptance and a measure of freedom nowadays, fought and won by a few people who had the courage of their convictions in years gone by. Is your particular club accepted; is it even known to your powers-that-be; your municipal authority, your civic PRO, your Press, your police and so forth? It might pay you to advance your public relations programme now, for to be known and accepted in your district can save you a lot of bother later on.

We read recently of a club in the States that had been functioning secretly, and when its existence was discovered, irate citizens forced a court case on them. No better example of the necessity for sound public relations is needed.

There are still many people who know little or nothing about us, many of whom are violently antagonistic to what they think we are. Sexual freedom with which we are often associated, paper-backs and pornographic literature, and the ever-increasing promiscuity of our young people, will probably bring about a backlash, sooner or later, and we could be involved by the ignorant.

It is better that John Public be correctly informed about us. This magazine is doing a tremendous job in this direction, but it is up to each club and each individual member to do the job in their own particular area. While we do not envisage court cases against us, it is not an impossibility, but such a thing can be avoided by a well-informed public such as we enjoy in official circles already.

One or two of our readers complain that the tone of our magazine is too much on the defensive. Well, while we are misunderstood, we are defending our rights, because we know we are right and we actually have something to offer a mentally sick world insofar as sex education and mental health are concerned. We have every right to take the offensive, but it needs the vocal support of all our membership, not just the tiny voice of the NZ Naturist and a few leaders calling, as it were, in the wilderness.

 

• PROGRESSIVE CLUBS ARE THOSE WHICH FAVOUR PUBLICITY
THIS HAPPENS TO BE FIVEACRES, WELLINGTON

The clubs showing the most progress are those that seek publicity. They are the accepted ones and they are the ones that prosper. As we said before, we have something to offer and we know from our own experience, that this is true, even though we are a minority group and so misunderstood and maligned, largely by the very people who could benefit by our ideals. Let us keep this in mind and ensure we each do our part, so far as circumstances permit, to win over some of these people, who, through ignorance or prejudice, are at present against us. See that your club and its high ideals are known in and around your district and ensure acceptance now!

- PERC. W. COUSINS

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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Sun and Health . . . Good News for Readers

Following a recent report by the Indecent Publications Tribunal when discussing the merits or demerits of nudist magazines, they said, "If pleasant and unretouched nude pictures were as common in the community as it appears they are in nudist clubs, then it is likely that their publications would be greeted with no more unseemly excitement than it is there.

"We are inclined to deprecate the practice of painting out pubic areas in health or naturist magazines, and we do not believe the Act requires that young people should be kept in ignorance of the appearance of the adult form."

Following this announcement, the NZSA will shortly be reviewing its policy regarding the illustrations for NZ readers, but we are now privileged to sell the well-known Sun and Health to readers who are not necessarily club members. We will invite non-members to fill in a form aimed to protect the Association and on completion, we will be happy to accept yearly subscriptions at $7. A limited number of back issues are available at 60 cents per specimen copy. This well-illustrated monthly, now published in England, includes colour photos as well as black and white and depicts nudists, as is, all over the world.

 

 

THE VALUE OF A SMILE

A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business and is the countersign of friends.

It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine for the sad and nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen, for it is something that is of no earthly use until it is given away.

If someone is too tired to give you a smile, give him one of yours anyway. Nobody needs a smile as much as those who have none left to give.

*                       *                     *

POLAR BARES OR THE HIDE OF AN ESKIMO

by Penworthy

Did you know that Eskimos are used to sleeping nude inside their snug igloos and timbered shelters? The inside temperatures would make their clothing of furs and skins an uncomfortable covering. No, you're absolutely wrong! Other tribes practise this as well as those near the Baring Sea.

 

•   3 OTHER NZ PROGRESSIVE CLUBS

•   PINEGLADES, CHRISTCHURCH

•   ORANUI, AUCKLAND

•   RAPERE, HAWKES BAY

  

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

 

It must be borne in mind that these reports were compiled three months ago and they represent the happenings of the previous three months. Much hard work, coupled with better weather, will have changed the position with all clubs by now, especially those clubs which have recently acquired new grounds that have to be broken in.

The Taranaki Outdoor Society have now changed their name to THE TARANAKI NATURIST CLUB and are seeking incorporation. Indications suggest that they are making haste slowly.

The TAURANGA SUN CLUB is happy to report that they have acquired grounds and are busy developing them ready for visitors. They are installing a pumping system to provide drinking water and a shower. The grounds are easily accessible and have definite potentialities. Several applicants answered an advertisement placed in the local paper. The Kaurimu Club in Auckland will be paying them a visit at Labour weekend.

Yes! KAURIMU SUN CLUB does it again. They have leased 15 acres of land from one of their members, with the right to buy it, on the road to Bethells Beach. They will also be using Eric's place in the meantime, while they develop their new one. There is ample scope for all the facilities needed by a sun club there and members can drive right into the centre of their new grounds. They have a stream on one boundary with beautiful native bush all round them. Working bees have started there already and the members are keen to see this develop into one of the best clubs in New Zealand. They have a developing committee which holds office for 5 years, which means they will have the, best advice available.

Eric's grounds are looking the best ever with all the projects completed. By the time this goes to press, they will have visited the Tauranga Club over Labour weekend and Waikato late in November. They intend to hire a bus for this trip to take them as one, big, happy family. They welcome families who wish to join a progressive club and don't mind a bit of work to see it develop. Please note their new address: P0 Box 6238, Wellesley St West, Auckland 1.

The WANGANUI SUN CLUB hope by next issue to say that they have also procured new club grounds. They are at present negotiating for the purchase of a piece of property about 12 miles from Wanganui, with an old home that would make an excellent club house. The property has a Maori land title and that may take some time to straighten out, but they have great hopes.

Other than the usual monthly social evenings and a trip to the Mountain, they have nothing to report. They are looking forward to their Labour weekend visit to Fiveacres and know they will have a splendid weekend with their hosts.

We are pleased that the OTAGO SUN AND HEALTH CLUB has broken its long silence. They have a young enthusiast who is infusing new life into the club, so we look forward to hearing of more progress from them. Vandals and heavy rains have taken their toll at their grounds, but they are facing up to the revitalising programme with determination. We all wish them every success.

The GISBORNE SUN CLUB members are continuing their search for grounds and having added one or two valuable members to their ranks, we are sure of good news any day now.

Members of THE CANTERBURY SUN AND HEALTH CLUB were too busy to notice that winter had been and gone; all keen types having been occupied on works, Rally preparations and/or miniten.

The list of jobs to be done was as long as your arm, and included the building of a second flush toilet block near the clubhouse, installation of a better electronically-controlled hot water system in the ablutions building, preparation of new camping grounds, and repainting of buildings, etc. The aim is to provide for the greater comfort and pleasure of the crowds they expect to accommodate at Pineglades during the summer.

The mid-winter highlight proved to be the August tree-topping drive, when about 30 families turned Out to help make sure that the fast-growing pine trees continue ri future to provide them with screening and shelter rather than too much shade. Ideal weather conditions, sounds of axes and saws, smell of pine, shouts of "timber", good humour and activity were the order of the day.

The game of miniten (similar to tennis) which is so popular in the English clubs lucky enough to afford a hard court, was introduced to Pineglades by an English couple in 1967 and has proved to be an excellent all-the-year-round game, of particular value throughout the winter months when a vigorous, challenging game is needed, and there are not enough people around for volleyball.

Plans for the 1968.69 National Rally will soon be coming to fruition and those at Pineglades look forward to seeing you all there for a swinging holiday.

THE WELLINGTON SUN CLUB members have had the arduous lob of removing all the paint from their pool again end a painter member hopes to provide them with a permanent coating ready for the coming season. Lots more trees have been planted and undesirable growth cut out and they are in the final stages of completing the surround for the cookers in the kitchen. The main lawn has been topdressed and the grass is coming away abundantly. The welcome mat is out for all interested. Their caretaker reported that on July 12th snow fell at Fiveacres with flakes up to 2 inches across and it lay thick over everything for a short time. This is a record and it was a pity no other members were present.

On the eve of another summer season, THE AUCKLAND SUN CLUB is naturally hoping and looking forward to another fine one when they and all naturists everywhere will be able to enjoy the benefits of sun, air and water to the full. Some will be lucky enough to attend the Rally, and renew friendships. To those who may possibly be in Auckland they extend the hand of welcome, but they would like prior notice of intending visits. Remember to have your national passports, visitors. The winter season has passed pleasurably enough with socials, swim nights, trips to mineral pools, and quite a few spells of winter sunshine at the club where work has continued on concreting a portion of their steep drive, and with digging the "hole".

They have a long way to go yet on both projects, time, money, and labour being scarce, but they provide something for which to aim. Members of the general public who may read this and be curious about naturism are invited to get in touch and an SAE will bring prompt details. ASC and all clubs wish their friends the very Best of Season's Greetings and Good Sunning.

The WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY INC. is stealing the lion's share of publicity in this issue. The spread on pages 13-15 records the visit from the Waikato Times during the summer visit of the President and a full page article extols the virtues of the site.

By the time this issue is published, Opening Day will have been celebrated on the new grounds, enhanced by a visit from Tauranga, their first official guests. In November they will have been hosts to Kaurimu. By then these two poor guinea pigs should have given them sufficient experience to welcome the "thousands" of members they expect to fly up and taste the delectable air.

There should be electricity, washing water and a three-wall clubhouse (protection from the snow) all operating by summer. They will enjoy a well-earned rest after months of cutting barbary, planting screening and providing play areas, with a visit to Kaurimu in February something to look forward to.

They cannot guarantee you will not be given a saw or a spade to use, but you all are very welcome. Bone fide member visitors with passports can find a phone No. to contact by a call to the PRO, Hamilton.

At HAWKES BAY SUN CLUB they have been very busy and have overcome all their problems. They now have water. They have also discovered that sheep, silly as they can be, can work out ways of getting through fences, It was thought that the gates were being left open by vandals (and they were) but the sheep gained egress to the lush lawns mainly by crawling under the fences.

With the winter programme of clearing end planting bamboo and ornamental trees nearing completion, thoughts are turning to a hallow-e'en fancy dress social, Guy Fawkes bonfire and a resurgence of volleyball at the AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB INC. They have welcomed a few new members during the winter, including a family from North Kent, who are keen to take up miniten again, as well as visitors from Whangarei and Wellington. Doug., NZSA secretary, was greeted by a hailstorm on his arrival, but they are pleased to say the afternoon was brilliantly fine.

An advertising campaign has started well and they look forward to seeing the swimming pool full of golden bodies, apart from the frog caught recently. How it survived chlorination they cannot say. •

 

 

HAVE YOU NOTICED

•   That tots who are allowed to bathe au naturel don't behave unnaturally.

•   That nudism is knocked on the head as a topic of drawing-room conversation.

•   That letters to the editor of our magazine are rare.

•   That people flinch when the words "breast" and "buttock" are mentioned in daily chats.

•   That social nudism may not be as widespread as family or corporate nudism.

- Penworthy

  

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with Joan Treanor

RECENTLY I visited a night club and saw the strip tease acts. Why should I attend one of these places? Well, I am a very nosy sort of person and I like to see how the other part of the world lives. Whilst overseas, I had once attended a night club, but I was extremely pleased with it, as the talent was terrific and it was exciting watching the girls doing marvellous feats of acrobatics.

There was a small amount of strip teasing, but mainly to fill in the corners, I suppose. I didn't expect to find this show up to the standard of overseas clubs, and it certainly wasn't.

Firstly, I found that none of the girls had any talent, and by the end of the show, which lasted for an hour and a quarter, I was quite bored with the repetitiousness of the acts. Secondly, tapes were used for the girls singing, which made the show more false than ever and when they finally did "strip" my only thought was that, with all my curves in the wrong places, I still had a better figure than any of the girls present. But it was the males in the audience who interested me most. Their reactions to these girls seemed to me to be terribly childish. Quite a few were with their wives, but they didn't hesitate to help "strip" the girls, and I honestly wondered what pleasure they derived from this gesture. How refreshing to see the male members of our clubs completely undressed, and if a girl passes by who has an interesting figure, they presumably admire her, but certainly not with eyes a-popping and tongues hanging out.

There was one act that was terribly suggestive and made me feel quite sick, but I noticed that a few of the women felt the same way. I know that I left the place glad in one way that I had been there, mainly knowing that I would certainly never go again, but also well aware of how better off I was living in an environment like I do. I am still not clear in my mind as to what any of the men present felt from that experience, but then I am only a female and not to know how their poor minds work.

One of the things I truly appreciate in the movement is the friends that I have made. Not only here in New Zealand, but also overseas. Which reminds me, I received a letter from a chap in Australia who criticizes my saying that I like to see NZ women featured in the photographs and not overseas women. He informed me that as far as the Australians go, they consider the magazine as much theirs as ours anyway, and would like to see some of their girls in it too. Well, I agree slightly, but still feel that our women should be the more predominant and have written to him advising him of this.

Unfortunately though, our women seem to be terribly shy or something, as we seem to have a continuous battle to get any photos from the members except from the same ones all the time. Another reminder ladies that we would be delighted to see your faces and figures, with or without your families, gracing our pages.

Now, as I was saying, with regard to the friendliness of the movement. Without our clothes, we are all equal and I don't think that there is any other organisation that could boast of this fact. I have found over the years only one family that felt that they were a cut above the rest of us, and I think this is a terrific indication of how close we become through naturism.

I was thinking the other day that if I hadn't joined the movement then I wouldn't have had a club member's daughter out for the school holiday, nor would my son have gone to a farm to other club members for the first week of the holidays. Then a couple of men arrived from Auckland and I wouldn't have known them except via the movement and so it goes on. Actually when I stop to think of it, my life would be very dull without the club and the interests I have gained from it.

What I am trying to stress is that there is more than just coming out for a sunbathe. I am the sporting type, so enjoy being able to participate in all sports going, but being a very talkative person as well, I appreciate having someone to talk to, not only about the club or the movement, but life in general. I, too, like having a good tan, so I can also lay in the sun and acquire this. There is so much to do that some days go by and I could wish for far more hours in it to do all the things I wish. Of course, I could always combine the sports, sunbathing and talking, but find that this gets me into trouble with my silent partner. I wish that I could have become a member whilst still a child and certainly hope that I can continue being one for a good many years yet.

There have been many tales of how one joins a club and mostly they are through friends or the advertisements in the paper, but the other night I heard a very novel idea. This member joined a pottery class. Now, don't start rushing out to do likewise until you have heard the rest of his story. Whilst there he made friends with another chap, and later on they arranged a trip to Hanmer for the weekend. Now, our friend had been practising sunbathing in the nude on his back lawn and had acquired quite a tan. Whilst in Hanmer, he went to the hot pools and in those days one swam in the nude. He hadn't been there that long before a man approached him, also sporting a good all-over tan, and asked if he belonged to the movement. When our friend replied that he didn't, but just practised on his lonesome, it was suggested that he join a club and after some deliberation, he finally applied and became one of its members, much to his pleasure, for he too, has made friends from the movement and has no regrets, as it doesn't affect his position at work in any way. So there you are, one never knows where our new members will spring from, do we?

Do hope that I will see a lot of you at the Rally at Pineglades and ladies, don't forget to bring along your ideas and suggestions for the women's session. My poor old brain needs a rest and you must surely have something that has been worrying you, or some new ideas you would like to see carried out.

(Joan's address is P.O. Box 6359, Wellington.)

  

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FOR some years the movement was kept alive in the Waikato by a small group of enthusiasts battling against many odds. This enthusiasm held them together in spite of lack of grounds and a certain amount of prejudice from several sections in the district.

Probably in an agricultural nation such as New Zealand, it would be hard to find a few undeveloped acres in which to play in the sun, but in the Waikato there seemed not even an inch which was not highly productive, highly-valued pasture. Week after week these stalwart members were out searching for and viewing prospective sites, often to be refused sale when the vendor learned the nature of the club seeking purchase. Could it be that these lush and lovely pastures breed a somewhat conservative outlook? Finally in spite of difficulties, their determination was rewarded: fifty lovely acres was bought for them by one of the members.

It is situated way up in the clouds where the air is clear and tanning, the view magnificent, the Waikato Plain sitting down below like a tufted hearth rug. What a pity that the next few years will leave so little time for lying and looking.

There is much to be done, fresh water has to be taken there at every visit. Washing water will have to be pumped from the springs soon; although the slopes offer numerous possibilities for young people's pastimes, a swimming pool will be the first major project.

The owner has brought in electricity and a part of one ridge has been bulldozed to a flat area. This, when consolidated by next year, will make an ideal camping spot. There are endless possibilities: we could have a boating lake, a ski mat, grass toboggans and miniature golf, as well as the conventional courts for volleyball, tennis, etc. The steep, unusable slopes could be a mass of beautiful shrubs, plenty of rain on well drained land, what a gardener's paradise.

In spite of predictions of howling gales, sleet and snow, not one weekend have we been up there this winter when the sun never broke through. There would be perhaps only a half an hour but we could bathe in the sun really warm from our work while the Waikato down below shuddered in a typical dreary winter. It was well worth leaving the fire, even with a twenty mile trip to get there.

Yes, there are not many things that one could ask of a naturist club that we could not, in time, provide. Sheltered warmth in winter, exhilarating cool in summer; secluded hideaways to sleep in, or the communal part to sun in.

Whatever your interest, whether energetic or relaxing, come and see us, join us in developing this other Eden. The bigger the membership, the more varied the amenities we will offer. Let your friends see by your glowing health that we are not just odd people who like to get together and take our clothes off, but are people who like to play, like to relax, like good companions and double the value, double the enjoyment, by doing these things in the life-giving air, unhampered by shrouding clothes. •

 

 

It's smart to pick your friends, but not to pieces.

 

 

Here we are in the raw state. "A hunk of wire, a clump of earth and friends beside us in the wilderness."

This is a corner of our grounds, rough, just as we took them over. Already the section in the right hand photos has been bulldozed into a larges flat area for games, or camping when consolidated. Neither photo shows the magnificent view in an arc from Te Awamutu through the far side of Hamilton almost to Raglan. Imagine sunbathing in fresh non muggy air and falling asleep with the lights of the town 1000 feet below.

Water is a problem even with three streams on the property. Screening and pumping is a must before these can be utilized. As you see the membership was small, not many heads to develop all the possibilities that these rugged grounds inspire, but as membership grows, so does enthusiasm.

 

 

PHOTOS BY COURTESY OF

THE WAIKATO TIMES

  

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HAERE TATOU TAHANGA

by "J and J" Rotorua

NUDISM is not today's idea, nor yesterday's... it's the day before's. Thus the notion that nudism is common to us is somewhat open to debate. But, the point at issue is contained in the above heading: "Haere Tatou Tahanga" - Let Us Go Naked - and the accompanying photo of Hinemoa and Tutanekai.

Legend has it from old that the Maori maiden Hinemoa deeply loved the young and noble Tutanekai, but parental objections and the waters of Rotoruanui-a-Kahu keeping them apart, desperate measures had to be taken for them to be together. Since the tribal canoes were under strict guard, the only means the young woman had, short of Tutanekai abducting her and starting a war of utu, was to swim to the island of Mokoia, her lover's home. So, nothing daunted, the lass took to the water girded with etahi ipu (calabashes) and some time later crawled ashore on the island. Today, a warm pool on the shore bears the name of Hinemoa's Pool, and it was here that Tutanekai found his future.

Nakedness was the universal dress of the time, excepting certain occasions; and this nakedness is one of the focal points of the two great statues to be seen in a new Rotorua department store, incidentally, in Hinemoa Street. And the very fact that one of this country's leading retail companies not only sees the beauty of nudity in the ancient legend, but shows it in this portrayal to the public is a wonderful thing. Somewhere, man's maturity has come to the fore, and public opinion has accepted this almost universally.

The acceptance of the statues' presentation could mean that the idea of nudity is being more and more accepted by the general public. In actual fact it probably rates no more today than say, such paintings as Goya's "Maja Nude", Renoir's "Sleeping Woman", and Michaelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. As works of art, they are accepted; as portrayal of fact, they are accepted; but as a way of life, very debatable in today's society.

Comments on the statues and their nudity are very favourable, particularly in view of their complete natural detail, as so with the already mentioned paintings. And while this shows that the majority of people accept nudity in art, they will not consider it as a natural part of everyday life. But, at the very least, if most people accept the impersonal ideal - art - then some progress is made towards the acceptance of nudity on a personal basis.

The person who abides by the natural laws of life will find it impossible to see evil where it does not exist. This is another sign of maturity; and the acceptance of this fact brings nudity nearer to its correct perspective, and leads to the acknowledgment of the naked body in its simple truth. So, finally, it comes down to the person who can make up his own mind on the matter: either accepting the ideal and letting someone else practise it, or taking the ideal and practising it himself. •

  

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Several readers have asked whether there are any records of the early days of nudism in this country and if so, can they be collated to form a permanent record and be published in this magazine.

Yes. Over the years, correspondence, newspaper clippings and on-the-spot chats with the early pioneers can be assembled and a history of the beginnings of the movement published. It will be a colossal task, but I feel it is important and essential to have such a record. What more fitting issue could we have than our 50th to commence this story. Because of its length, it will have to be in installments, but the first will definitely begin next issue and I hope will be of interest to old and new members alike.

Among other aspects of this special issue, we are pleased to welcome Slim, our new artist, not forgetting to thank Bob McIver for so much splendid illustrating in the past. Slim has a style of his own and we are pleased to draw your attention to the first of his work including 3 cartoons that will make you smile.

 

 

  

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		THE BARE TRUTH
		READ ALL ABOUT IT

 

IF YOU are seeing this magazine for the first time, you may well be prejudiced against nudists and naturism by things you have read in the general press, almost anywhere in the world. If you are a practising naturist, you may well be furious, at times, by this same general press attitude to this subject. Could we try to consider these reports dispassionately to, perhaps, remove our prejudice and/or our anger?

Recently three business conferences were held in a large London hotel. Two were arranged by well-known national organizations and their decisions were of interest to many people. One was an association of hairdressers whose charges, hours, hygiene and standards were of public concern. The other had connection with the building industry whose deliberations are of interest to everyone who rents or buys or owns a house, or other property. The press relations of these societies cannot be known, but a great number of press reporters visited this hotel during the days of these three meetings. (No, we haven't forgotten the third.)

The next day, a close scrutiny of a number of national newspapers showed that neither the hairdressers nor the builders received any publicity. The third meeting had all the headlines. This meeting was not of a national character. It was quite informal with a small attendance of delegates. It had no practical interest for anyone outside its own organization. This meeting was hounded all day by uninvited national press reporters. It reached the headlines to receive undesired and undeserved national publicity.

True the publicity was reasonably accurate, if angled to give amusement or sensation, also, it was free. Similar advertising notice would have cost hundreds of pounds. It is generally accepted that all publicity that is not injurious, is good. Will it surprise you to know that the subject was not new? It had been headlined time after time. Always with the idea of giving the public amusement or salacious ideas, if only in the headlines.

What was the nature of this meeting? There was a slight aura of semi- secrecy to try, in vain, to avoid the reception so well known from the press. The great appeal to the national press was that it was a meeting of - of course you have guessed long ago - sun club delegates. People who sometimes go about their relaxation, naked. That was the keynote of interest, the magic password to national press publicity, the amusement, the salacious thrill to so many, a headline, a few words about a naked body.

•   "THOSE WHO MAY BE PREDJUDICED AGAINS THIS NUDIST BUSINESS COULD GIVE THEIR CLAIMS A LITTLE CALM CONSIDERATION"

Isn't it silly? It is damnably silly, because it is so serious. This smug, hypocritical, morbid fascination of the naked body to so many otherwise intelligent people. This is what fans the prejudice in some and anger in others. Let some unfortunate innocent be killed, it gets a few lines in the press, if any. Let it be someone partially unclad, better a woman, and the headlines shriek: Beautiful (she always was) Naked Body Found in House. Isn't it all so silly? IT IS SILLY AND IT IS SERIOUS BECAUSE IT IS THE ONE IMPORTANT REASON FOR OUR EXISTENCE AS NATURISTS, NUDISTS IF YOU PREFER THE WORD. The press publicity sometimes given to naturists is out of all proportion to our strength, or weakness. It is nearly always given, at least sensational headlines if not this kind of treatment. All the time a minority receive such disproportionate, unrealistic publicity because their activities centre around the natural acceptance of the human body.

There is need for our existence, our activities and our efforts to introduce our ideas to others who will listen to our ideals. This will be so for a long time to come, in fact, until it is accepted as being no more unusual to belong to a sun club, to be a naturist, than it is to belong to a darts club, or a church choir.

The practice of social group nakedness (naturism) will only be brought to general acceptance by the continued efforts of the experienced and specialised naturist press, by the persistent work of the clubs, old ones and new, by the quiet establishment of an accepted custom, even on the beaches, with its attendant risk.

The convinced, individual naturist can do more to bring about sensible acceptance of the practice, by the national and the international press than all the sensational reports published.

This can be done, not by publicising him or herself unnecessarily, but by quietly speaking up with conviction for the principles of naturism whenever opportunity occurs. Those who may be prejudiced against this nudist business could give their claims a little calm consideration. They, too, might well be convinced that it is a rational, happy, natural practice. •

 

 

  

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I CAPTURE THE CASTLE

by Dodie Smith

"By ten o'clock I had finished all my jobs and was wondering what to do with the morning. I strolled round the garden, watched a thrush on the lawn listening for worms and finally came to rest on the grassy bank of the moat. When I dabbled my hand in the shimmering water it was so much warmer than I expected that I decided to bathe. I swam round the castle twice, hearing the Handel "Water Music" in my head.

While I was hanging my bathing suit out of the window, I had a sudden longing to lie in the sun with nothing on. I never felt it before - Topaz had always had a monopoly of nudity in our household - but the more I thought of it, the more I fancied it. And I had the brilliant idea of doing my sunbathing on the top of the bedroom tower, where nobody working in the fields or wandering up our land could possibly see me. It felt most peculiar crawling naked up the cold, rough stone steps, exciting in some mysterious way I couldn't explain to myself. Coming out at the top was glorious, warmth and light fell round me like a great cape. The leads were so hot that they almost burnt the soles of my feet; I was glad I had thought of bringing up a blanket to spread.

It was beautifully private. That tower is the best preserved of them all; the circle of battlements is complete, though there are a few deep cracks: a marigold has seeded in one of them. Once I lay down flat I couldn't even see the battlements without turning my head. There was nothing left but the sun-filled dome of the cloudless sky.

What a difference there is between wearing even the skimpiest bathing-suit and wearing nothing! After a few minutes I seemed to live in every inch of my body as fully as I usually do in my head and my hands and my heart. I had the fascinating feeling that I could think as easily with my limbs as with my brain - and suddenly the whole of me thought that Topaz's nonsense about communing with nature isn't nonsense at all. The warmth of the sun felt like enormous hands pressing gently on me, the flutter of the air was like delicate fingers. My kind of nature-worship has always to do with magic and folklore, though sometimes it turned a bit holy. This was nothing like that. I expect it was what Topaz means by 'pagan'. Anyway, it was thrilling."

THE TRUTH ABOUT NUDISM

by Eve from "Successful Living"

"The man-woman relationship in a club is unique. In an overtight jersey or swimsuit I have had roving eyes, innuendoes from men - who hasn't? Yet out of the hundreds of men I have met in many clubs, only one has ever had that "Look you up and down" habit. Why should they? Sex is either ignored or, with a close friend, discussed without embarrassment. •

 

 

A THOUGHT FOR THE SUMMER

      To the beach for provocation,

To the club for relaxation.

  

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Notes

from the

New Zealand

Sunbathing Association Inc.

 

17th NATIONAL RALLY

From the 29th December to 2nd January, we expect to see many of you at Pineglades, the grounds of the Canterbury Sun and Health Club Inc. There will be something doing for everybody, day and night, and it is a privilege to chat with members from clubs all over the country. NZSA executive members and club delegates are reminded that the executive meeting commences at 9.30 a.m. on the 29th.

 

HOLIDAY VISITING

Many members will be visiting other clubs during the holiday period. Once again may we remind you all to ensure that either you, or if you are not known, your club secretary, drop a line to the club of your choice, notifying them of your wish to visit and giving them the details they will want to know. Avoid embarrassment all round by carrying a national passport, available from your secretary FREE. Happy holidays everyone.

11th INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

We have received a report from Dianne and Gordon, our delegates and it would appear that it was a most successful get-together. The long distance to travel and the devaluation of the pound were responsible for a less representative meeting than usual, but much was accomplished to maintain international understanding and co-operation.

New Zealand's only motion, that the names of the issuing authorities of INF passports be included on each passport was carried with 163 votes in favour and 24 against. Some amazement was displayed at the progress made here compared with our small population. Although a pleasant atmosphere pervaded the Congress, our delegates were especially impressed by the warmth of the French visitors. It was also revealed that full nudity is allowed on TV interviews in Holland.

Delegates enjoyed a tour of the city of Philadelphia, movies, variety shows and a band, while sports included shuffle board, horseshoe pitching, volleyball, tennis and swimming. Gordon took photos during the Congress and we confidently expect to have these available for our bumper issue, No. 50.

Dianne and Gordon said how honoured they were to represent us and we in turn thank them for all they did on our behalf.

The next International Naturist Congress will be held early in August, 1970, at the North Kent Sun Club in England.

WE REACH THE HALF CENTURY OF PUBLISHING

Our next issue will be No. 50. During some 12 years of steady improvement, from a few duplicated sheets to the magazine you know now, we have come a long way. We have steadily maintained the improvements, while other publications have fallen by the wayside. We feel justified in celebrating the event and there seems to be no better way of doing this than to give you, our supporters, more for your money. So be sure to secure your copy of No. 50. See page 1 for a few details. There will be lots and lots of the good things you have begun to expect of a genuine nudist magazine.

 

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS

In order to assist our readers, you are invited to take out subscriptions with your booksellers. Rates the same as if ordering from our office: $1 per year of 4 issues, (Australian subscribers $1.25).

 

ANOTHER NZSA FREE SERVICE

The movement now has an expert photographer who is willing to help you with your photographic problems. Having spent many years experimenting in most branches of the art, he is in a sound position to advise you. Just mark your envelope "Photography" and post to this office. A stamped, self- addressed envelope or an International Reply Coupon will be appreciated.

 

FERRANIACOLOUR FILMS

As with Kodak and Agfa companies, we have now completed similar arrangements for the processing of Ferraniacolour film. Spools sent to this office will be handled by the NZSA and returned to you fully processed. Just another NZSA service.

 

AN OVERSEAS SERVICE

Mrs Doris Milward, who writes for this magazine and is currently lady editor of Sun and Health, has started a Naturist Penfriends Assn. Fees are moderate and ladies and couples are invited to apply to Mrs D. Milward, 77 Castlemain Avenue, Bournemouth, Hants, England and remember International Reply Coupons, obtainable at any post office.

 

NUDE BEACHES

We have received from a member a somewhat voluminous plan outlining a means whereby we could storm our beaches by demonstration. Although the scheme includes notifying the police, the traffic dept and the Press beforehand, it is suggested that some 20 to 30 club members strip at popular beaches at an appointed hour and then, as it were, wait for the balloon to go up.

We are sorry the scheme is too long to publish here, but copies are available to anyone interested. We have told the author that while we accept that the plan has merit, it could well set us back from the happy reputation we enjoy at present, particularly when student and other demonstrations of a similar nature are frowned upon by authority and society.

We hope and expect that free beaches will come to NZ as they have come to some enlightened parts of the world, but we feel there is a time and a place for everything. If you are inclined to disagree with this viewpoint, would you be willing to strip on a busy, public beach today? Anyway, let's hear from you if you would like to take the matter further.

 

THE INDECENT PUBLICATIONS TRIBUNAL

Following the hearing when the Dominion President was witness on behalf of the Crown, the findings which have now been published, make it clear that genuine nudist activities are acceptable, in our clubs and in picture and text. Nudes out of this context are not necessarily acceptable. This ruling now gives the NZSA more freedom regarding the importation and sale of overseas magazines.

 

OVERSEAS MAGAZINES

Efforts are being made to import more of these and as soon as possible we will be glad to notify readers through these columns of our negotiations. Meantime we have received a large shipment of the Australian magazine, Solar. These are back numbers, Nos 32 to 46, and sell at 15 cents each. (The retail price for current issues is 40 cents.)

 

AN APOLOGY

That's the worst of planning too far ahead. In the last issue, we were an issue ahead with our deadline. Sorry folks, we hope no one was inconvenienced.

 

OBITUARY

In our last issue we reported the death of Charles Macaskie, the pioneer owner of Spielplatz in England. It is with regret that we have to announce in this issue the passing of his wife, Dorothy. The NZSA has forwarded a letter of condolence to the club.

Watson Milne, one of Australia's hardest workers and a prominent member of the Good Companions of Brisbane, died suddenly when on a business trip to Melbourne. His loss will be felt by all Australians and we have sent our sympathies to those left behind.

 

PERC. COUSINS TRUST FUND

A loan from this fund has been approved to help the Wanganui Club pay a deposit on their grounds. This is the sort of assistance that this fund can give and we are continually grateful to the members who contribute to it. We are pleased to acknowledge the following since the last issue: Balance on hand $725.01; JAB Taranaki $1.30; Interest $5.34; Club levies $12.75; JAS Nelson $1; Balance $745.40. Thanks folk.

 

ATTENTION ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS

We are anxious to have a colour cover on our next issue and appeal to all photographers to endeavour to provide us with a sharp colour slide with a picture on the line of past covers. A deadline of the end of January could be extended for this, so may we hear from some of you before then? •

A LONG EXPOSURE

 

  

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THE STORY SO FAR: When on a camping holiday, Peggy had met a young man when sunbathing in the nude. Her sound arguments in favour of the clothesless life eventually won Laurie over and he agreed to accompany Peggy back to her camp. After meeting the rest of the family, he accepted the invitation to finish his holiday with them, so he set off to join his pal, Geoffrey, where their tent was pitched near the beach. His pal was impressed by all that he said, but was far from convinced. However, Laurie's sincerity was such that he agreed to pack up and join Peggy and her family. We conclude this little story, as related by Peggy's father, but watch for the new serial starting in the next issue.     (The complete story appearing in issues 44-49 is available from this office, all six issues for only $1.)

 

THE sun was shining down mercilessly when they at last had all their belongings packed and hoisted on their shoulders. With adventure ahoy, they set off round the coast and up the river bed towards our camp. Apparently Geoffrey's leg still troubled him a bit, but not enough to hold him back in the circumstances. The sun was hot, the stones were hot, the air was hot and they were hot. In fact, when they turned up the smaller tributary, where the water was flowing, they were perspiring profusely and no doubt the few clothes they were wearing seemed more irksome than ever after their brief taste of freedom around their own camp.

"However scared I may be," puffed Geoffrey, "I'm certainly looking forward to getting rid of this pack and a few duds, anyhow."

"And just to think," Laurie sagely added, "if it hadn't been for this, we would have been plodding round the coast in this heat all day, and not even questioning its wisdom or commonsense. Funny what changes we've made in just a few hours." And with that he let out a loud "Cooee" which was immediately answered from a little farther up the stream.

"Well, here we go, Geoffrey my son, and when you are thanking me in later life for this experience, remember me in your will."

They rounded a bend as he spoke and there we were, all ready waiting for them. Mum was busy doing some washing by the creek and the two girls were still trying to enlarge their swimming hole and all of us, of course, were as God made us and not a bad shade of brown either. Patch was the first to welcome them, for she came bounding down over the stones in great glee. Laurie gave her an affectionate pat, not forgetting how much he owed to her playful instincts.

I was assigned to ease the shock a bit and was pleased to shake Geoff's hand when we were introduced. Like Laurie, he seemed a decent sort of young chap and I liked the look of the pair of them. After they'd dropped their packs I showed them around, finishing up at the dredging operations. Geoff's eyes positively bulged when Peggy straightened up and shook hands with him. She was smiling and had her usual candid look when she said how glad she was to meet him. Geoffrey looked quite weak as he faced this nude, young woman and I could bet that he had some pretty mixed thoughts. He just gazed at her in obvious admiration, for her straightforward manner completely took the wind out of his sails.

As he met Yvonne and then Mum, his first embarrassment began to subside and his former worries about the ordeal that lay ahead began to exercise his mind. Somehow, he was never sure when, after a few minutes, the ladies seemed to have disappeared and I was left to talk to them about the weather, the neat arrangement of our camp and pointed out where they could pitch their tent.

I could see how hot they were and casually suggested the creek might be a good idea. Yvonne, who had appeared from nowhere, chipped in, "Goodie, goodie, now we've got these two huskies, we might get a decent swimming pool after all. Come on, let's get cracking."

I hoped it did not look too planned, for we had jacked all this up over breakfast and Laurie fell for it like a shot, for he was already undressing and I knew a dip was the most acceptable and easy way to break the ice, so to speak.

So far the "pool" was only a shallow depression, but by throwing out the stones from the bottom, we could eventually make something of it. I noticed Geoffrey seemed to be in no hurry and guessed the reason why, so I said as casually as I could: "You keep your shorts on for a while. You'll be ready to take them off soon. Rome wasn't built in a day and this business of naturism is a bit of a break from the old ideas. You'll get used to it in time," and with that I called over Peggy to lend a hand.

And Geoffrey kept his shorts on, no doubt feeling that as soon as he got used to us and got to know us better, he might feel a bit better about it. As it transpired, he didn't have to wait very long, for Yvonne was already hard at it and was pitching the smaller stones out of the hole already started. Following her example, the rest of us joined her and with these two hefty guys on the job, we began to make quite an impression.

The water tempered the heat of the sun, we were all in the pink of condition and everybody seemed very happy, for I must say, Geoffrey put on a brave face, no matter what his thoughts may have been, working alongside the two girls. Stones and rocks flew in every direction and as Yvonne remarked excitedly, "Another three tons of bricks and we can drown the dog after all," and then a bit more seriously, she added, "If we hollow it out over the side of this rock, we might be able to dive from it," and then cautiously added, as we all laughed, "Well, jump off it anyway."

I couldn't help feeling pleased, for we had another convert with us and I knew it was only a matter of time before we had a second. Everybody worked as if their lives depended on it and when we men loosened and prised out one or two really big ones from the bottom, Yvonne found it was all she could do to depth it in one place. It was during one of those subterranean efforts that Geoffrey slipped. No one knew how it happened, of course. In such circumstances no one ever does, although Yvonne, the little imp, was not above suspicion. Anyway, he lost his footing and fell into about three feet of water and came up spluttering, looking askance at his dripping pants.

"Better take 'em off," advised Laurie, "They'll soon dry in this sun."

And I'm certain Geoffrey was glad of this opportunity, for no doubt he had been working out how he could get rid of them and save his face. As he climbed out of the pool and took his shorts off, he noticed that the work went on in the pool. Nobody stopped to goggle or even take any notice, except Mum and she took his shorts and pegged them on a line with the rest of her washing as if they had been a hanky. He found this comforting and perhaps, a bit surprising, so while Mum said she'd make a good old cuppa and told him she would sing out when it was ready, he rejoined the dredging brigade, feeling that he was learning every minute.

As he got into the pool again, sometimes jostling two naked girls or we men, he found himself really valuing our friendship and anxious to deserve it. Our very openness seemed to bring about a camaraderie that was just fine. I'm sure he was having the sort of thoughts most people do when trying nudism with others for the first time; no humbug, just plain unadulterated good fellowship and he began to realize there were some things in life that he had not fully appreciated before. But it did seem funny that he had to undress to realize this.

When Mum called out to "Come and get it" we had a good splashing match and then lay in the sun chatting over the tea in a natural and casual manner. The small talk, innuendoes and superficiality of the average clothed society did not exist, and it reminded me of my initiation not so long ago.

We found the addition of these two young chaps made our holiday much more enjoyable, especially as they both took to nudism so readily. We had long chats on the subject and the usual walks abroad exploring the district, and Peggy and the two men even made the trip up to the Roaring Mag waterfall again. One day it rained and we were like a lot of kids, shaking branches on one another and even rolling in the grass. We watched our pool rise to its greatest depth and really had the time of our lives.

Yes, two more converts were made on that holiday and when the sad day came to pack up, lots more plans for future excursions were made as well as promises to join the club back home. As the final load was stowed away, Laurie put into words the thoughts of most of us:

"We fought for a brave new world. One that would be free from tyranny and oppression. This holiday has turned my disappointments into hopes. If more people could accept the clothesless philosophy, what a lot of our present troubles would be ironed out."

 

 

  

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Readershave their say ... 

 

THOUGHTS OF A WOULD-BE NATURIST

Ever since I first heard of naturists I have wanted to be one. The reasons that I am still beyond the ranks, many years later, are several: it was only in recent years that I found that there was a club within range of home; later still I discovered your magazine, and, most important, I have still to convince my wife that social nudism is for us. So we remain naturists at heart and in private, but still live in hopes.

You may appreciate a few comments on your magazine. Of course, each new issue must contain some information for the new reader, but repeated explanations of the naturist view tend toward monotony. As a friend put it, after viewing a naturist film, "Once you've accepted the point, there is nothing more to say."

Publicity via mass media varies from one district to another. A few years ago our local paper often made mention of nudist activities, but this appears to have ceased. However, I feel that the NZSA could give a lead to public opinion in several fields, namely:

1. Free beaches. I am sure there are many members of the public who are only waiting a lead towards making nude swimming and sunbathing permissible in New Zealand as it is in other parts of the world. There is certainly no shortage of beaches here, but a determined campaign would be needed to overcome opposition.

2. Revision of the laws relating to indecency and obscenity. We know that these terms have no necessary relation to nakedness, but who is to persuade our lawmakers and law enforcers of this truth? The smudged and "doctored" photographs in your magazine offend me, but you have stated that this mutilation is required by law. How then are medical and quasi-medical books freely available, depicting births and other views of the pubic area? Surely a naturist magazine, above all others, should be able to portray the human body as it is, and in health. You would render a service if you would publish in your paper the laws relating to nakedness, indecency and obscenity in New Zealand, and perhaps suggest some ways in which they might be made more liberal.

There is a certain naivety about your magazine. This is perhaps inevitable in that you are all committed converts, out to convert others. Perhaps these few notes may serve to stir up a little controversy. In conclusion, have members any advice to offer us, the do-it-yourself brigade, as to how to evade the public eye and enjoy to the full the sun, sea and fresh air we look forward to this summer?

- RYK

YES, THOSE PICTURES AGAIN

A friend of mine loaned me some American magazines. They are printed on thick, glossy paper and include lots of photographs, some of them in colour. They must have big circulations to be able to produce such publications.

What appealed to me most were the pictures; none of them had been retouched and I could not help comparing them with your magazine. I understand some of these magazines are sold in our bookshops and if this is so, why can't yours be too. Something seems to be wrong somewhere.

- LONE SUNBATHER, Norsewood

(You must be a new subscriber for the question you raise is as old as the hills. No doubt it will raise its hoary head indefinitely. The answer is simple and it appears to be a matter of standards. On the Continent and now in America, it has become accepted practice to publish such pictures without fear of repercussions. Whilst the sale of magazines with integral pictures is permitted in NZ at the present time, we are unable to sell our magazine to the public unless the pictures have been retouched. We dislike the practice as much as anyone, but we have enough difficulty in persuading booksellers to stock the NZ Naturist as it is. Thought on the subject will broaden in the course of time. Our photographers endeavour to ensure that poses do away with the necessity as much as possible. Ed.)

 

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COMPETITION

Here's an easy competition for all to try. Get all the family helping and have fun making up the remaining lines of this limerick:

"My dear," said the judge. "You're quite mad,"

To help you, here's an example of a winning entry in another nudist magazine put out by the Good Companions Club in Australia.

A blonde whose views were requested

"Clothes are a curse," she attested.

She said, "I'll go bare

In the main city square."

And that's where she was when arrested.

Easy, isn't it? There will be two prizes: one dollar for the best entry from children who have not had their 12th birthday and two dollars for the best entry from all the rest. The best entries will be published in the next issue so the closing date will be January 15th, 1969.

And here are the results of the Three Word Competition in our last issue. It was fine that it proved so popular and it looks as if we will have to prepare a competition in all future issues.

The first prize for the under 12s goes to Justine of Porirua East, who sent 152 words, and the first prize for the under 18s goes to Stephen of Westport, who sent the fine total of 390 words. Stephen sent "sox" and "alm" in his list, but they are not listed in our Oxford English dictionary. Never mind you won and congratulations to you both. One dollar has been sent to each of the winners.

There will be another competition next issue and more prizes to be won. •

  

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with Joan Treanor

ISN'T it lovely to see the sunshine again after the cold wet winter we have all experienced? Sometimes I rather envy those people who live in the hot climates where they could if they wished, sunbathe all the time.

But strangely enough they don't appreciate their climates either and in fact wish that they had the white skins like we have. When they are out in the sunshine, they cover themselves up and never walk around unless they have an umbrella over their heads to keep the sun off their faces and body.

By now you will have once more settled well into the clubs you belong to and I do hope to hear that you are helping as much as possible with sporting activities and trying to arrange various activities for your own interests. Over the months I have given some suggestions for your entertainment and I do hope that you are making some effort to do some of these things. By now you should all be swimming well and what is better on a lovely hot day than to have some swimming sports, and I know from experience that there isn't much preparation in having an afternoon for swimming.

Have you seen yet whether your swimming organizer has a chart going to help you with your swimming and especially lifesaving practice? Presumably a lot of you swim in other places as well as in the club and this knowledge would certainly come in very handy. I have heard that a lot of club members swim far better than their class mates, because of the practice and lessons they receive whilst at a club.

Please do make sure that something is being done about organized swimming lessons and swimming galas in your club. You only need to show some interest and you will find that the adults are extremely pleased at this interest and will put themselves out to help you.

The Christchurch club is busy preparing for the Rally and I would certainly like to see a better attendance of children of all ages this year. The Rally isn't only for the adults you know. We go to a lot of trouble and effort to see that all ages are catered for and it is very disappointing if after this effort you don't bother coming. This is the chance of meeting other nudists from other clubs and so forming a friendship, which believe me, is something worthwhile.

My one regret is that I wasn't fortunate enough to belong to the movement when I was still a youngster, for I would have thoroughly enjoyed myself and revelled in all that is done for the youth movement.

But you must realize that you yourself can't just sit back and wait for everything to be done for you. You must show some enthusiasm and get cracking with ideas. You have a better idea of what pleases you than do the adults, but they, for the most part, are only too pleased to help with your suggestions. Do get cracking and form your youth committee and see if this season you can't have a very full and active one with only a little help from the grown-ups.

Write to Joan, P.O. Box 6359, Wellington. •

  

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 EXCUSE US . . .

"COME, COME, MISS GRUNDY, I HAVE TO CHECK MORE THAN YOUR PULSE, YOU KNOW!"

•   PROGRESS

Three striking changes have transformed the patterns of our domestic life: men and women now tend to marry earlier, to have smaller families, and to complete their families in a much shorter space of time. At the same time women have benefited even more than men from the general increase in the expectation of life. Today by the time a woman approaches 40, her youngest child is often going to school; at this age she can expect to live for another 36 years. She is ready to start a new career and, because of the increasing demand for female labour, she has been able to do so.

- Health

•   FOOD STORAGE

Storing food is always a problem, particularly for those people without refrigerators. Cooked meats, gravies, and dishes containing milk and eggs all prove fertile ground for germs, points out the Central Council for Health Education in a pamphlet on "Safe Storage Without a Refrigerator". The germs grow best when food is moist and warm and one germ can produce one million between breakfast and supper.

Among points made in the pamphlet are these:

• Cooked meats should be eaten on the day they are bought.

• Tinned meats should be eaten on the day the tin is opened and kept in the tin till served,

• Soup or stock, intended for the next day, should be cooked, quickly cooled and stored in the same saucepan. Before consuming boil up the soup again.

• Lettuce and green vegetables for salads should be washed before storing and packed wet into a metal saucepan or clean box with the lid on to keep them crisp. Wash them in salt water, leaf by leaf before serving.

- Health

  

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NEWS & VIEWS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

 

INTERNATIONAL NATURIST FEDERATION                

 

The latest club to affiliate with the CCBN is known as Queens House and it is claimed to be Britain's "truly international top level naturist hotel". A lovely mansion set in beautiful lawns and gardens, including many exotic plants and trees, together with all that goes with 3-star comfort, is there for nudists from all over the world.

Among its many attractions, by the end of the year there will be a wonderful, filtered, heated pool, with a play garden, a tropical house full of rare plants, fountains and terraced lawns, all under cover. A naturist beach is within easy reach and golf, fishing, tennis, badminton, miniten, padder, table tennis, with a play room for the children is part of this grand set-up. Tariff is from £16 - £22 per week, but reports suggest it is worth every penny of it. We hope the September floods left its beauty unharmed.

 

A novelty game enjoyed by East Midland Sunfolk at their 21st birthday party was the lathering and shaving of a balloon. We might try that in NZ sometime.

 

The writer and journalist, Jean-Francis Held, who won the Oscar for 1967 for the best article on naturism, after thanking the naturists who helped him with his writing, said, "I am. touched by your bestowing the prize on me and which, I hope, rewards the sincerity of my sympathy. Before my experience, I had the intention of making fun of naturism. It is too 'natural' to warrant the slightest irony."

 

An unexpected success has been obtained by naturists of the Soviet occupied zone: Their wish for new naturist grounds has been granted. It is situated at the Ratz Lake near Neubrandenburg.

 

The States can now boast of two free beaches, one that has been in existence for some years on a clandestine basis, but now has become the meeting place for a do-as-you-please type of relaxation. This is situated near San Gregario State Park.

The other is a privately owned beach known as "Skinny Dippers Paradise" and is near Santa Cruz. This being a commercial concern, everything is tidy and clean and its popularity is growing daily.

 

A personal report from Queensland informs us that the owner of Daydream Island has been inundated with enquiries about his intention to turn it into another Ile du Levant and he intends to open it next May. In staid Queensland, this is a tremendous step forward and we await further news with interest. •

  

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I  HAVE been closely connected with the naturist movement for a number of years, and, in that time, I have proved that the so-called supporters of the movement are hiding under the misconception that they must always be on the defensive and that they hide from the more conventional public. They are not only fooling themselves with their ludicrousy, but they are giving the movement a bad name, while retarding its progress in the most effective manner possible.

We know that our beliefs and practices are beyond question and that we are proud of the valuable contribution we can make to society. What contribution do we make? If we are so proud of our beliefs, as we rightly should be, why do we hide and cringe in fear? The movement hides behind high walls; deception, false names. The high walls are to protect the so-called, sheep-like, conventional public from the sight of our nude bodies. Our excuse is that the conventional public is not ready to accept us. Who are we to blame the majority section of the community for our failings? By our continual hiding and cringing, we are not helping to show the community that nature is not shameful, but quite the contrary. Is this helping towards a better community?

We call our clubs sun clubs, outdoor societies, outdoor health clubs. The title immediately conjures a false impression. A car club is called a car club, a tramping club is called a tramping club, a golf club is called a golf club.

A nudist club is a nudist club. Is it not overdue that we face facts? The sun, outdoors and health are only subsidiary to the movement's beliefs. It is not dependent on the sun and the outdoors, and health is only one of the many benefits derived from the practice. Let us face reality and discard our infantile stupidity, call a spade a spade and a nudist club a nudist club.

We boast of one thousand recognized supporters, but this is only a fraction of those practising. Such a weak excuse fools only ourselves. Compare this with the population of New Zealand. Then hang your head in shame. This, alone, proves that the movement's approach is wrong. In the length of time that the movement has been organized in this country, the offspring of a handful of sympathizers could have accounted for such a miserable number. The attitude and approach used to date is obviously futile. It's about time we advocated a different, more straightforward approach. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Let us move out from those high walls and face our commitments. We have something to be proud of, of benefit to all. Let us hold our heads high instead of putting on an act of shame. Stop considering the non-supporter as inferior because he does not support our beliefs. The nudist movement is entirely to blame because of its attitude. The majority of modern society is capable of logic and given the opportunity, will become at least sympathetic to if not active in the movement.

Those numerous, proven to be many thousand, sympathizers who practise nudism in seclusion of their own home deserve the chance to reap the full benefit of social nudism. Clubs can only give them this chance if the clubs and members come out of hibernation. The majority of these small sympathetic groups don't even know of the existence of social nudist clubs. We cannot blame these small groups, for their lack of knowledge, nor so-called conventional society, for the blame for their attitude, and the education of same rests entirely with us. It is us, not the non-supporters, who are a pack of sheep.

In fairness to the community and ourselves, we, each and everyone of us, must resolve to destroy the secret society image, and hold our heads high and show that we have nothing to hide. In the length of time that the movement has been organized in New Zealand, growth has been exceptionally stagnant, Our goal is free beaches and parks in the place of membership clubs. At the pace naturism is making at the moment, New Zealand will never reach this goal. The rest of the world has set 'the example for us to follow.

Naturism can make a valuable contribution to the community if we let it. The decision is yours. •

 

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Recipe for a Healthy Club

from the Willamettans Informer

Take equal parts of desire-for-better-understanding, co-operation, interest (in making the club grounds a better place to enjoy), and sociability. Add some carefully picked officers thoroughly washed in the waters of self-sacrifice and drenched with perseverance. Take a whole heartful of enthusiasm and dilute it with a headful of commonsense. Then add spices: pep, tact, zeal, zest, a generous dash of each, not forgetting a pinch of difference of opinion to give it tang. Now fold in a dozen committee chairmen, trained until they are ready to stand alone, and blend into good regular monthly meetings. Lastly, add flavourings: extracts of work, sports and club projects.

Now beat the whole thing up well with participation of all members, and pour into the large vessel of opportunity which has been previously well smeared with help from specialists and your national association. Bake in the warmth of friendliness, good humour and sincerity.

Be sure to drain off all pettiness, all fault-finding, all pretence, prejudice, envy and jealousy. Test with a straw from the broom of experience. Make an icing of well balanced 'meetings, parties and special celebrations. Decorate the whole with social gatherings plentifully sprinkled with tan-coated husbands wives and children. •

  

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a roundup of titbits

from here                       and there

PERC. W. COUSINS

We read in the Sunday News that Elke Sommer feels overdressed even in a bikini. The truth of the matter is that she prefers to be nude. In her Hollywood home, she does all her chores around the house in the nude and loves it. With no servants and complete privacy, she enjoys the "wonderful feeling" of being nude and if anyone climbs the tall trees nearby to get a view of her, she says, "And if anyone took all that trouble, well, I say let them. I don't mind." And she adds, "I think it's stupid to wear clothes. I feel free and comfortable without them and the weather in Hollywood, of course, is such that one can go about without clothes. I swim in the nude, always. I do everything in the nude. I cook, I iron, I scrub in the nude."

*                *                *

And from Truth's Special Service we read that girl students who want to earn a little extra pocket money, can do so by posing in the nude in a London coffee bar. Customers eat drink, sketch and paint ... or just watch. One point of interest, one that we keep telling people, was summed up by the proprietor, who insists on complete nudity. He says: "That way I make sure they don't give the customer the idea that they're just sexy. Half-covered figures are much more suggestive than girls with nothing on at all, you see."

It seems there is no shortage of models, largely because the customers respect the girls and behaviour is exemplary. The proprietor smiled as he referred to one night when a Frenchwoman came in with a group of friends. She remarked that she had as good a figure as the girl modelling that night and when dared to prove it, she promptly took off all her clothes and posed while her party sketched her.

*                *                *

And now we turn to the Sunday Pictorial, to an article dealing with the Kinsey Report. In preparing these statistics, Dr Kinsey believes that his findings will ultimately find the solution to the universal problem of the sexes and to help couples to live together happily. The 300 questions put to 8000 women were intimate and about their private lives and each took an hour and a half to answer. So thorough was the investigation that evasions were quickly detected and a thorough background to each individual was achieved. One question put to the doctor about his work fits very well into our line of thinking. The question was: "Do you believe that the advantages of free discussion about sex outweigh the disadvantages?"

His answer was, "Yes, factual knowledge has never done as much damage as ignorance. A great deal of the emotional reaction to sex questions, and problems arising from it, depends on the value put on it by suppression and secrecy. In a nudist camp, where nothing is covered up, there is much less interest in sex. That is the point of American strip tease shows. If girls came on the stage naked - as in the French Follies - it would not be half as stimulating as when they only partially undress."

*                *                *

And in the New Zealand Family Doctor, the question is asked: "How should we regard toddlers' natural inclination to parade nakedness publicly?"

• TWO OF A KIND WHO HAVE NO FALSE MODESTY ABOUT THEIR BODIES

A mother writes, saying that her three year old daughter insists on being naked all the time, even when it is cold and wet. She would run out for the milk bottles in the morning, when the rest of the family would be in sweaters. The mother admits that the rest of the family had constant influenza, colds, coughs and measles, but in spite of air-borne germs, her daughter did not even have a running nose. In addition she had a small appetite, but ate lot of butter and drank a lot of milk. Also she slept well from about 8 pm to 6 am and another hour in the afternoon. On the coldest of nights, she wore no night attire and had only one cot rug to cover her. And she concludes, "Altogether she is a lively, intelligent merry child."

A specialist replied that the skin has important physiological functions and "It helps to control body temperature; if the temperature rises too high the sweat glands become active and evaporation from the skin surfaces cool the body. If the body is cold, the glands close, evaporation is reduced and so increased muscular activity generates more heat. The skin also produces Vitamin D on exposure to sunlight. That helps to increase resistance to infection."

The doctor goes on to say that over-clothed children are usually pale and flabby and have repeated colds and concludes by saying, "Most people agree that it is a good thing not to overclothe a child and to encourage sun and sea bathing. But not all agree that nudity should be encouraged in early childhood.

"In my opinion the healthy body of a child is a thing of beauty which is not improved by dressing up. It seems to me that a one-year old child on the beach wearing a bathing suit indicates false concepts of modesty." •

 

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Where could we, a family of six, stay during our last few weeks in England, when we had sold our house and sent off all our furniture and belongings to New Zealand prior to emigrating? Well, we decided to spend the last three weeks at a sun club near Southampton, and booked up a six-berth caravan there.

It was rather disconcerting when Great Uncle Willie wrote and said that he would be coming to stay with us for a few days prior to our departure in order to see us off on the ship. What would be our address, he asked? Now, I must point out here that Great Uncle Willie, aged seventy-six, is a man with a strict code of ethics, having been brought up in the strait-laced days of Queen Victoria, and it had always been impressed upon us: "Don't let Uncle Willie hear of this." "Uncle Willie would be shocked about that." etc., etc. So you can see our predicament.

We replied that we were not sure where we would be staying for the last week or two, so would he like to come and visit us sooner, while we were still at home? No, he insisted on seeing us off. We were sure to be somewhere during the last few days and that is where he would see us. This left us with two alternatives: either to refuse to have him, or tell him about the sun club. We decided on the latter and waited anxiously for a reply telling us that we had been cut out of his will.

Instead of which, he wrote in these words: "I was much interested to hear of your naturist activities, which I am sure you would find to be beneficial to health of body and mind. Our rambling club recently had a discussion on naturism and the concensus of opinion was in favour of it. I understand that in parts of Europe and in Japan it is often customary for men and women to bathe together 'in puris naturabilis'. I have recently seen a naturist film, which I found to be very sensible. It would be convenient if you could arrange for me to take a single cabin at the South Hants club for the two days prior to your departure.

Your affectionate Uncle Willie"

Thus it was that the rays of the sun first fell on the whole of Great Uncle Willie and at the age of seventy-six he learned to play miniten. Which goes to prove something. •

 

  

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ONCE upon a time, there was a family of three bears. There was Father Bear and Mother Bear and little Baby Bear. They lived in a box with a red roof which was on a pocket-handkerchief section in the middle of Suburbia. Every day Father Bear went off to a Very-Important-Job in the city and came home late. Every day Mother Bear worked hard in the box with the red roof and tier Work-Was-Never-Done. Every day Baby Bear went to school and came home early. At weekends they stayed on their pocket-handkerchief section and listened to the many motor mowers and the neighbours' children fighting and the noisy traffic that lived in Suburbia. The three bears did the same thing every day, week in and week out and life was very boring and they were not happy.

One day, a little girl called Goldilocks came to stay with them. She was a nudist. Every day she went to work and came home again, but at weekends she vanished from Suburbia. Goldilocks was always happy and had a healthy sun tan.

One day, the three bears asked Goldilocks some questions:

"Where do you go on the weekends?" said Father Bear.

"Where did you get your lovely tan?" said Mother Bear.

"Why are you always so happy?" said Baby Bear.

Goldilocks smiled and said, "I go to a sun club with all the other Bares where they do not have many motor mowers, or neighbours' children or noisy traffic. At the club the sun shines and it is peaceful and everyone can play or swim or unwind and nobody is ever bored."

So they all became Bares and joined the sun club.

"Isn't it wonderful," said Father Bare.

"Isn't it wonderful," said Mother Bare.

"Isn't it wonderful," said Baby Bare, "I want to come here every weekend."

So they did.

And they lived happily ever after. •

 

Doug. Cousins 

• THREE PONY TAILS WHO ALSO LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER

 

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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. NORTHERN 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 6238, Wellesley St W, Auckland 1. WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY P.O. Box 619, Hamilton TAURANGA SUN CLUB P.O. Box 2205, South Tauranga. GISBORNE SUN CLUB P.O. Box 126, Gisborne. HAWKE'S BAY SUN CLUB Inc. P.O. Box 551, Napier. TARANAKI NATURIST CLUB P.O. Box 635, New Plymouth WANGANUI SUN CLUB P.O. Box 410, Wanganui. Phones, pvte 38-421, 33-123, bus. 30-858 WELLINGTON SUN CLUB Inc. P.O. Box 2854, Wellington. Phone 826-132 CANTERBURY SUN & HEALTH CLUB Inc. P.O. Box 1823, Christchurch. OTAGO SUN & HEALTH CLUB P.O. Box 2058, South Dunedin. SOUTHERN SUN & HEALTH CLUB Inc. 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: Rotorua (P.O. Box 1007) Nelson Stratford Blenheim Palmerston North Westport Masterton Timaru To contact them, write to:         N.Z. Sunbathing Association Inc.         P.O. Box 6359, Wellington

SOLAR incorporating SUN REVIEW        AUSTRALIA'S NATURIST MAGAZINE Profusely illustrated From your newsagent or direct from the publishers 40c per copy GOLDRAY PUBLICATIONS Box 2, P.O., Austral, N.S.W. Australia     Read and enjoy                         Health & Efficiency The   world's   greatest 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 38 North Audley Street London, W.1, England

Printed by Martin Printing Co. Ltd, Napier

 

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Noted:- 

History: The Waikato Outdoor Society is on its way

Readers Have Their Say

David Gaw Self Induced Exile

17th Rally Christchurch - 1969

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[Previous]   History   [Next]       Home     Overview     Top © FBNZ

Graham Bailey 

• SMILES FOR THE CAMERA

Murray Wren 

• AGDE, SOUTHERN FRANCE

• A GERMAN LASS ENJOYING
HER GOD-GIVEN FREEDOM

Doug. Cousins 

• THE MOUNTAINEERING BUGGY,
THE FARMER'S NEW FRIEND

• UNADORNED AND UNAFRAID

Murray Wren 

• ENGLISH NATURISTS, LIKE THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN N.Z., ENJOY A PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL, IN MAIDSTONE

 

 

SHOTS TAKEN AT THE GROUNDS OF THE
SOUTHEREN SUN AND HEALTH CLUB INC.

 

BLACKBERRYING AT THE NEW GROUNDS OF THE
WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY INC.

• SNAKES ALIVE!
THE NATURI CLUB IN AUSTRALIA

• ADDICTS - OF ICE CREAM

Doug. Cousins 

• MUMS ENJOY THE SUNSHINE WHILE THE DADS "GET OUT AND GET UNDER"

 

A. Leon Gilbert 

• WE WELCOME ALL SHADES OF OPINION AND ALL SHADES OF SKIN COLOUR

National Publicity 

• BEAUTIFUL NEW ZEALAND

THE GLORY OF THE SOUTHERN ALPS

Photo: Doug Cousins

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