#  64 - September 1972 

THE  N.Z.  NATURIST

Editor in Chief

John Gilmour

Business Manager

Arthur Parish

Copy Preparation

Editorial Committee

Advertising Representative

Barry Hill

Photographer

Joe Smith

Editorial Office

P.O. Box 2925, Auckland

President

Gavin Robieson, Palmerston North

Vice-Presidents
 

Jock Shoolbread, Auckland
Geoff. Allen, Christchurch

Secretary-Treasurer

Joan Treanor, Wellington

Public Relations Officer
& Overseas Correspondent

Jeff Hatfield, Wellington

Editor "New Zealand Naturist"

John Gilmour

Women's Representative

Gaynor Robieson, Palmerston North

Delegates representing all clubs

editorial

The first half-annual General Meeting of the NZSA was held at Matamata on Saturday, 15th July.

The Waikato Outdoor Society, acting as hosts, did a magnificent job of catering for the 250 nudists who turned up for the function, almost all of them staying overnight, thus making it a weekend to be remembered.

Delegates attended from every club in New Zealand except one, each with opinions to voice and the Executive Meeting was lively.

There was a great deal of business conducted but the item which stimulated the greatest amount of discussion and caused the most raised voices was the one most important to the future of every nudist ... The Nudist Youth Club.

At the Rally in Christchurch half a year ago, the youth of our clubs were invited to get themselves organised and draw up some proposals to present to this half-yearly meeting, in the hope of getting the blessing of the Executive Committee. I am pleased to be able to report that after lengthy discussion, much of it heated, the young people in our movement were given the green light and can now start to really organise themselves. The youngsters chose their speakers well and the proposals they presented to the meeting were well prepared. They had some sound ideas and plenty of enthusiasm and replied to a barrage of questions in a very purposeful and determined manner. Without a doubt they have proved their ability to organise themselves and I was pleased to add my vote to the many who decided to trust them with the management of their own affairs.

In all the discussion on the subject of this Youth Club there was at first an undertone of distrust and many people voiced their fears that without some adults on their executive, they would not be able to make a success of things. However, this attitude gradually changed as the young speakers won point after point and finally succeeded in convincing us all that they were quite capable of conducting their own business without a quorum of chaperones to see that they didn't all finish up as a bunch of drug addicted, venereally diseased, unmarried parents.

They now have the task of electing a full committee, drafting a constitution and a set of rules. These they must present to the National Executive of the NZSA when they meet again in Auckland in December, and I feel sure that they will then be recognised officially as a national body of some significance.

I think one of the most important points to come out of all the discussions is that as the children reach their teens they are inclined to drift away from their parents and quite often, away from the nudist movement. This N.Y.C. is a major step in keeping the family together in nudism. Most youngsters are quite happy in the nudist family but they have many friends who are outside the movement and in order to retain the friendship of these non-nudist friends they tend to drift away from us. But, with the birth of N.Y.C., they now have the opportunity to bring their friends into the movement.

Can members of N.Y.C. be trusted? In my opinion this is a question that need never be asked. Talk to some of N.Y.C's members and you will very quickly find yourself feeling confident that they can conduct themselves properly in all circumstances. Of course they are not all a bunch of "goody goodies" who never do anything wrong. But by the same token, neither are they a bunch of corrupt layabouts with nothing in their minds but sex and drugs. The girls in N.Y.C. are no more likely to get themselves pregnant than the girls in any other youth club, and the boys' conduct is not going to be any worse than that of boys in any other youth organisation. In fact, these youngsters, having been brought up to the nudist life, have less curiosity about one another, and have been brought up with more respect for the human body than can be said of many youngsters in the so-called "normal" atmosphere of a clothed world.

With that there is nothing more for me to say about N.Y.C. except to offer them my congratulations.

Another subject which provoked considerable discussion was that of publicity. All the newspapers have been giving us plenty of "coverage" (excuse the phrase) and the trend has gradually changed from "If" we get a free beach to "When" we get one. Certainly all the reports I have seen have been most favourable to our cause and it would seem that we have many allies outside the movement.

John H. Gilmour.

matamata-

a report

At the annual general meeting held at "Pineglades" over the Christmas period it was decided that, as there was so much business to attend to each year, a half-annual meeting should be held. The venue had to be fairly central so that delegates from all the clubs would be able to attend. We were invited by the Waikato Outdoor Society to combine this meeting with a social get-together which is a regular mid-year function for them and as their suggested venue of Matamata appeared to be suitable, we were pleased to accept.

The official opening at mid-day was followed by lunch and chatter until the Executive Meeting at 2 p.m. It was good to see all the clubs but one represented. The meeting opened with a full agenda and after all club delegates had been introduced we settled down to business.

Finance was the first major topic and a report from the Business Manager outlined the position of the Magazine. Provisional affiliation of two new clubs was discussed at length but decisions were postponed until the A.G.M. in December. Tentative dates were set for the 1972 Youth Rally which is this year to be hosted by Gisborne Sun Club.

The Nudist Youth Club (NYC) was probably the most hotly debated subject of the meeting. The young people were well represented and their speakers put their case very well. The result was a vote of confidence in the ability of our youngsters to manage their own affairs and they were given the task of electing their own officers and drawing up a constitution and set of rules which they must present to the Executive at the National Rally in December.

The N.Z. Naturist came under discussion and the subject of photographs and copyright, together with photograph payment caused quite a lot of argument. The P.R.O's report and general business took the meeting round to 5.30 p.m. After the meeting all executive members and delegates were guests of the Waikato Outdoor Society for dinner. A very pleasant social evening was concluded with an excellent supper.

Sunday morning was a time for further social activity and, with over 250 nudists attending the weekend, farewells tended to take rather a long time.

Without a doubt the weekend was a great success and tribute must be paid to our hosts for the way in which they catered for so many guests. It was evident, from the amount of business conducted that a half-yearly meeting is very well justified and it is to be decided at the next National Rally in December whether or not to make it a regular fixture on the nudist calendar.

free
beaches
- progress
report

You could call this "the number so and so of the continuing story of the Free Beaches". And indeed it is continuing. It will be continued until we reach our goal. This time we are another step closer to the official free beach.

In May 1972 we made another official approach to the Auckland Regional Authority to include facilities for nudists in the A.R.A. recreational schemes. This was flatly refused on the grounds that rule 31 of the Regional Parks Committee stated that "a person had to be clad on A.R.A. reserves in such a way as not to give offence".

It was obvious that we could not get anywhere without an alteration to this rule or alternatively another explanation of the phrase "not to give offence" could be made in regard to nude swimming.

After a discussion with the Chairman of the committee it was decided that the sending of a deputation to the Parks and Reserves committee with the request to alter the above rule, was the only legal way open to us.

A request was forwarded to the A.R.A. and on the 4th July 1972 a deputation consisting of Mrs C. Janssen, Mr J. Shoolbread and myself faced the committee. We were supported by a director of the Heylen Research Centre and an observer for the Public Trust was also present.

Our submission, together with the submission of the Heylen Research Centre, was distributed among the members of the committee and the press. The submissions were read and supporting literature about overseas beaches put at their disposal.

The members of the committee listened patiently to our submissions for twenty minutes and then started asking questions. These questions were answered by members of the deputation. Then we withdrew, leaving the Parks and Reserves committee to discuss the issue and decide on their action.

In the news over AKTV-2 that night the announcer said: "The Auckland Nudists are one step nearer to their free beach. With four votes against two the Parks and Reserves Committee of the A.R.A. has decided to ask their solicitor for the legal implications in connection with a free beach".

Our submission was based on the two Heylen Polls as published in previous numbers of the N.Z. Naturist, the Hauraki-Heylen Poll in March 1971 and the Heylen Poll televised over AKTV-2 in October 1971.

Both polls were remarkably similar and both showed an approximate 50/50 division of the population who agreed or disagreed with a free beach. The fact that these polls were taken at the request of a non-nudist organisation and the similarity in results gave their figures a 100% validity and reliability.

As the population of Greater Auckland stands at over 700,000, this means that 350,000 people are in agreement with a free beach, and this is certainly no minority group anymore. We further submitted the facts of free beaches overseas with brochures and photos. Concluding, we requested that rule 31 of their By-Law No. 1 be altered or differently explained.

The two days before our appearance before the committee we received quite a bit of publicity on Radio i which broadcast questions and answers about nudism in their morning session.

Of course the decision of the Parks and Reserves committee got widespread publicity in the papers, where it was front page news. Also the weekend papers and feature columns separated the news and gave very favourable comment. Radio 1ZB conducted its own poll by telephoning people in Auckland at random and asking their opinion about the free beaches.

One paper, the "8 O'Clock", asked its readers to write their comment. Of the nineteen published letters, two were definitely against, and one tried to be funny.

But examination of "Letters to the Editor" in most papers has shown so far not one letter of opposition to the idea, although on the other hand not one letter of support has appeared either. This is a good sign for us, as opposition groups are usually much more vocal than the group who agrees.

Emiel Roland.

the nude in
photography

The mere mention of the word "Nudism" when related to the fair sex appears to instantly incite every man outside the movement to approach girls with an offer of "modelling" (obviously in the nude) for photographs; such men are invariably referred to as dirty-old-men, generally with every justification as their pictures are just snaps of girls without clothes on, just as often in some improbable pose that is as unnatural as it is uncomfortable.

We are all more or less compulsive exhibitionists and enjoy self-glorification whether in the telling of a story in our own favour, or pictorially in such a manner that our good points - physique in the case of men, or face and figure with girls - are portrayed to our best advantage, and this no doubt accounts for a large number of nude pictures.

The most perfect and aesthetically satisfying shape is claimed to be an egg, but the number of ways in which this can be depicted are limited; similar curves and contours are the envied possession of every woman, and though few would claim to be perfect, even fewer, or possibly none at all, are devoid of ANY redeeming physical attributes.

In addition to the female curves, which with a movement of the body can be coaxed into an infinite number of permutations of shapes and patterns, we have the added advantage over the egg that the arms and legs can not only contribute to the curves and patterns, but also add angles and shapes that can be complementary to, or contrasting with the curves.

It is the tremendous potential of the female form to produce the basis of a picture with satisfying form and line that creates the demand for models for what is called "figure work" in photography, and "life" in art circles.

The fact that a model has what she considers a good figure, and therefore the wherewithal, is not sufficient; her potential must be fully exploited both by herself and the artist, whether with crayon, brush or camera; but the mere portrayal of a subject is just not enough, otherwise the result is only a pure record of a shape seen at a certain time, in a certain place, under certain conditions.

Consider the picture entitled "Idyll" (above) - here we have a beautiful girl, in an equally beautiful pose (helped considerably by her ballet training) in a lovely setting under lighting conditions that result in what most people would concede is a "pleasant picture".

We are now faced with the question "Could we live with it?" (the picture stoopid, not the girl) - initially we may say yes. but on consideration would it have an enduring appeal that would make us appreciate it as a picture when seen all day, every day? Eventually it would be regarded as what it is, a pleasing picture of a pretty girl in pleasant surroundings, and possibly reminding us of a happy day under similar conditions.

Now we have to ask ourselves "What IS a good picture of enduring interest?" and this poses problems, as we all have a different conception of picture quality and pictorial merit; familiarity breeds contempt, and few true naturists may be interested in a picture or derivation of a basic nude shot, hanging on their living-room wall every day.

It is beyond the scope of this magazine to adequately illustrate how nude photography can progress from the mundane or conventional to the more aesthetically satisfying pictures that are acceptable in International Salons or exhibitions; even the loveliest nude, well portrayed, has little chance of being accepted for a Salon, not because there is anything wrong with this type of picture, but because it has all been done before, and generally so much better, if not by photographers, then artists over the centuries.

Now, one has to produce a picture not only of artistic merit, but more or less unconventional subject matter; in the Playboy-cum-Pin-up magazines there has been a proliferation of pictures which have declined in artistic merit, if there ever was any, and with frequent reproductions of the full frontal nude seek to attract and retain attention by shock tactics.

Of course we all have pubic hair and genitals, but artistically they contribute nothing to a picture; in the case of a girl the hair detracts from, and breaks up the lines of the smooth skin and the curves of thighs and abdomen; it is not prudery that dictates the obscuring of the hair but its marring of the contours, line and form. The same applies to the male figure to an even greater extent.

Each artist has his particular way of handling his subject matter, and in seeking my way of presenting the nude I have developed a style that is now recognised as more or less my trade mark, one example, reproduced here under the title "Linelight" (above), has been exhibited all round the world and collected numerous awards; this is purely a study of line and form, created by an excellent figure being suitably illuminated by subtle lighting. It is frequently asked why I omit the features in many of these studies, but if you look at a picture of anybody you find your attention drawn mainly to the face, and the eyes in particular; since I wish viewers to concentrate on the picture as a whole, it is obvious that on these occasions the absence of the face has a distinct advantage; another reason is that few of my models are professionals in the true sense and would object to their being recognised as it may cause embarrassment to their families or themselves.

Some models are proud of the fact that their pictures are good enough to be exhibited, or even win awards and have no objection to their identity being obvious, but unless I have the written approval and authority to exhibit any pictures in which a model may be recognised, such pictures are never shown publicly.

Having shown a prospective model the type of work I do and the international standard of the pictures, most take a keen interest in helping produce a shot that may have enduring or even international appeal; some girls have a very artistic temperament and offer useful suggestions and modifications to proposed themes for a picture, and when there is this degree of enthusiasm and mutual understanding, creation of a potential winner is made all the easier, particularly if a girl is uninhibited, and even better, has dancing or gymnastic training. The fact still remains, however, that most have not had any previous experience at all, yet produce good pictures purely because of their keen interest. There is an open invitation to any girl interested in participating in the creation of a picture of outstanding merit and exceptional appeal to contact me at (Auckland) 84-372, a move that could be to our mutual advantage and satisfaction in providing an outlet for creative talent.

Norman Houlgrave.

wellington
sun club
comes
of age

Prior to 1949 our founder, Perc. W. Cousins, had his own little naturist group built up from personal contacts and publicity in English naturist magazines then sold in New Zealand. Shortly after one sunny Sunday in March, 1949, at Perc's bush section, a circular headed "Wellington Sunbathing Club" was sent to all known naturists calling a meeting, the prime purpose of which was to determine whether the group desired a firmer basis than there was at that time. The response to this circular far exceeded the organisers' expectations.

Various meetings took place over the next 18 months when plans were presented and decisions made. At a meeting in September, 1950, the first officers were appointed. On Sunday 3rd December, 1950 all the formalities for the formation of the club (except the Rules) were completed at a meeting attended by 27 adults. This date we take as the milestone when our club became more than just a name and from which the present club of nearly 400 members has developed.

In those early days the club had the use of three privately owned sites, meeting fortnightly on Sundays for what they then called "Rallies". Two grounds were later lost but the club carried on at Perc's site in Stokes Valley - a mere half-acre! - until the present "Fiveacres" was purchased in 1955. By then Perc. readily agreed that the club had far outgrown his small grounds.

One innovation in the early days was the Men's Group. Owing to the ratio of men to lady town members there was a waiting list of single men. Perc. tried to help them by arranging a number of outings to his site on occasional Saturdays. Some of these men later joined the main club, others dropped out or moved away.

It was in 1955 that the Press first visited our club - at the Christmas Party. A most favourable write-up has led to very friendly relations between the club and the local Press.

Two other sites were purchased by the club in the early 50's, but neither had the acreage nor the privacy which the small club - ever-conscious of the wrong side of objectors - needed. But in 1955 we struck oil in the form of 54-acres set well back from the highway, which has since become "Fiveacres". The drive of 200 yards to the bridge started with a steep slope, then a bog that had to be piped and built up, and at the end a shallow creek with no bridge. But in time we conquered all these and proudly drove our cars into the main area - the lower plateau then was wide open to view from the public.

About 1953 at Stokes Valley. The pool, although a very amateur job, was always very popular.

A three-roomed married quarters dwelling at a Ministry of Works camp was acquired for a mere $200. We were given 28 days to pull it down and remove it. With several small extensions it eventually took us seven months! But it has now become our clubhouse and for many years the double ex-Army huts attached were a most valuable tool shed.

In June 1956, the club became an incorporated body. Then in May 1957, the swimming pool was excavated. But it was not until the winter of 1959 that work started on concreting. The first mix was poured in September of that year. Then came more delays before the official opening in February 1961. But what a winner it has been! Last year the original filtration plant had to be retired on a pension. The new one cost twice as much as the original pool plus the first plant, but it has been worth it - crystal clear water all summer and even in winter.

In 1959 we hosted our first National Rally. When one considers the camp comforts you have now, think of us - no electricity, roof tank water for drinking etc., no pool, the children's splash pool filled by a bucket chain across the main lawn from the creek, rustic pit toilets, and so on. But what a wonderful time we all had! The press report on this Rally almost filled the back page (broadsheet size) of the evening daily, complete with photos taken by the Press.

Photo: Doug Cousins

Photo: Doug Cousins

About 1957. Building the clubhouse at Fiveacres. This view from the rear shows the kitchen nearest the camera with with the main room to the right.

Power was eventually installed in early 1959. The canteen was built in 1962. 1963 was the year of our hikes when several keen trampers organised weekend tramps into the wilds. Perhaps the highlight of these was the field hut hike into the Tararuas, when on a 4,0l0ft snow-capped peak in perfect weather we could see Egmont, Ruapehu and the Kaikouras (see "N.Z. Naturist" No. 30 Dec. 1963).

In 1965 work started on the amenities block with its flush toilets, ablutions and cookhouse. The septic tank had to go down 12 feet to allow for adequate fall for the pipes, the top three feet being filled in over the tank. Owing to poor instructions to the sub-contractor (detailed by us to the contractor) the hole was not properly dug. This meant many days of backbreaking work ourselves, complicated by seepage, cold and floods. Geared chains raising half 44 gallon drums were a boon. We were just - but only just - able to have the toilets ready a day before the National Rally started at the end of 1965!

In 1963 the membership decided to buy the neighbouring three acres which has now become known as the top camping area - a valuable site which at this stage takes a dozen caravans and twice as many tents, as well as a small toilet block. Then in 1970 we arranged a lease on the next neighbouring section with first option if they decide to sell. Finally, in our coming-of-age year we have added three acres over the creek adjoining the original drive. That gives us over 12 acres freehold plus a couple of acres leasehold.

1959. Boxing being set in place during preparations for concreting the pool. At rear left are the ex-Army huts that served as our first tool shed. The rustic fence has long given way to a better wooden one set further back.

Photo: Doug Cousins

The club accounts are quite an eye-opener. In the first year when the Treasurer was awfully fussy about those odd threepences and pennies there were 75 transactions involving an income of $100 with expenses of only $2. In 1970/71 there were over 650 transactions with gross income over $8000 and gross expense of over $7000. Quite a contrast!

The club has had its ups and downs, with good years and bad ones. In contrast to the recent cost of the filtration plant was the original clubhouse already mentioned. Another was the County Council giving us an old bridge, minus decking, for nothing. There were ample l4in by 8in jarrah timbers to place on top of our first bridge and this is what we use now.

The club has had many firsts. We think we started the ball rolling in inviting the Press to visit us, and we certainly were first with TV, in 1967 (refer "N.Z. Naturist" No. 43). We are the only club to have had a woman President - we have had two. We were also the first to appoint a woman as our delegate to the NZSA at a Rally.

Photo: Doug Cousins

Photo: Doug Cousins

1968. A photo expressly taken for the Press during the second visit of the Town and Around TV crew. The main lawn volleyball and teniquoit courts show, and the fence that replaced the old iron one is shown in another photo.

Every effort has over the years been made to provide activities geared for the juniors, whether pre-teens or teens. Successes there have been, but results have proved very fickle. The annual Christmas Party for the smaller ones was for many years combined with our Visitors' Days. Initially members were clothed for a set period on these days, but now with a separate Visitors' Day members do not dress especially for the visitors. The argument is that the visitors know they are coming to a nudist club, so why worry.

We lay claim to having had the best children's area of all our clubs - and this has been the case for many years. By next summer a series of new attractions will be available for the juniors. At the last Rally the Noddy Train and Roundabout were very popular with the youngsters.

In our coming-of-age year we can look back on many happy memories. But it is unfortunate that there are so few who can remember back to the very earliest days. Of the half dozen or so in this group, only Doug has been on the active list as a Town Member for the whole 21 years. He can also lay claim to having served as club Treasurer for 20 of those years, and club Photographer for 19 of those years - more records?

The club celebrated its 2lst Birthday at the annual Ball. President Reg led the gathering in drinking the toast to the club, and the three-tiered cake was cut by Doug. And now the members can look forward to the future, with the development, once screened, of the new three acres and improvements to the original portion of the grounds. With the neighbourhood now largely built up and quite a few of the residents in the membership, the district has changed enormously, but with the growing acceptance of naturism by John Q. Public who knows, one day the club may not even be needed. One wonders just how many years ahead that might be!

Doug R. Cousins.

1968. The pool with its inevitable throng of youngsters giving it a thorough thrashing. With the new filtration plant in 1971 the pump house on the right has been removed.

a kiwi
writes
from
australia

So far I've only visited a few clubs whilst over here. My first was to the "Townsville Walkabouts" in North Queensland. No club anywhere could have been more fortunate than this group, who one week, were having outings to the beach and the next having the use of a caravan park situated in the Berdikin Basin, the centre of the largest cane growing area in Australia. Although the club grounds are only about five acres they have a beautiful swimming pool, miniten and volleyball courts, hot and cold showers, kitchen; in fact, all one could need. But most of all, glorious sunshine all the year round. The hospitality of the members to me, a New Zealander, was excellent and most appreciated during my stay in the area. This club, although small in membership, is doing a lot by advertising and fund raising with barbecues, etc. Townsville, with a population of 80,000 and a sympathetic local authority, has the right atmosphere to make the club grow. Visitors are made most welcome and would find the area full of tourist attractions, especially further north, which I discovered when visiting the small islands dotted round the Barrier Reef.

Unfortunately, I only passed through N.S.W. and didn't have the opportunity to visit any of the clubs in this large State. I have been in Victoria for the past year. During Christmas and New Year I did a trip taking in the River Valley Club, Echuca, which is situated on the Goulburn River on the Victoria/N.S.W. border. I spent a few days here and apart from the mosquitoes and cold nights I quite enjoyed my stay. This is a Proprietary Club and the owner, Keith, has done a very good job in establishing it in a comparatively short time. With 33 acres in all, eight of them developed, it has all camping and sporting facilities needed, plus motel-like units and powered sites. Swimming is restricted to the river which, like most rivers in Australia, has the mud flowing on the top, but is most welcome in the near century temperatures during the summer months. Because the club is surrounded by bushland, I had frequent visits from friendly young kangaroos always out for a free feed. One difference I found from New Zealand clubs was that anybody was welcome as long as they were genuinely interested and dressed accordingly.

I then went on to the Tindo Club situated in the Barossa Valley of South Australia. This is a very well established members' club and I think it would be very hard to find better. They have ten acres totally enclosed by an iron fence, inside of which there are about 40 cabins built and owned by members and supplied with electricity and water. They have a large clubhouse, swimming pool, shower facilities, trampoline (which is very popular), miniten and volleyball courts. One of the best natural assets is the bush which provides most welcome shade to the sandy soil which gets very hot. The president, unfortunately, was away in Sydney while I was there so I did not meet him. I did meet a few of the committee members who were most interested to learn that I came from New Zealand as one of their members was in New Zealand at the time. For the tourist there is plenty to see among the vineyards of the Barossa Valley, with Adelaide only 35 miles away.

At the moment I am in Melbourne but have only visited the Northside Club as yet, although I have met some other members at the combined clubs' swim night which is held once a month during the winter at a large heated indoor pool, complete with sauna. Northside Club in Melbourne is another members' club with rather undulating grounds. As with the Tindo Club, members have built their own cabins. They also have a swimming pool, trampoline and volleyball courts, but unfortunately the grounds are only on lease and at the moment things are rather insecure.

Generally, the Australian public is a long way behind New Zealand, both in membership per head of population and outlook. Here in Victoria there are only six clubs in a population of 2 million. Due to the new censorship laws administered by Customs Minister, Mr Chip, the outlook of the Australian people is changing and I should think there will be a sharp increase in club membership. In my opinion there is a great need for more assistance and communication between clubs. This can only be brought about by the existence of an active parent body governing both members and proprietary clubs and also an Australian magazine produced by the A.N.A.

Gail Houlahan.

Photo: Graham Bailey

n.z.s.a. notes

I.N.F. NEWS

These notes have been a regular feature hut as we don't receive reports from the International Nudist Federation until some time after the events have occurred we have decided discontinue this, unless news can be airmailed that when we do get it it will not be obsolete.

HALF-ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The first Half-Annual General Meeting of N.Z.S.A. was held in Matamata on July and was well attended. It was proved by the attendance and by the business discussed that the meeting was certainly necessary. At the Annual General Meeting it will be decided whether or not to hold these mid-year meetings regularly in the future.

YOUTH RALLY

The Youth Rally will be hosted by Gisborne Sun Club at Ruatoria. The dates tentatively are 26th, 27th, and 28th December which is prior to the main rally. However, should we find that these dates are not suitable all clubs will be advised of any change.

ANNUAL RALLY, 1972/73

The Rally will be held on the grounds of the Auckland Outdoor Health Club. The Executive Meeting will take place on 28th December. The Rally Proper will follow on December 29th, 30th, 31st and January 1st and 2nd. We would suggest that all South Islanders wishing to attend confirm their bookings at this stage as it has been known for bookings to go astray.

I.N.F. CONGRESS

Doug F. of Wanganui Club is representing the N.Z.S.A. at the Congress to be held in August at Korsovada and Dave L. of A.O.H.C. will be attending as an observer. Dave is also hoping to obtain material and photographs for our magazine.

I.N.F. PASSPORTS

Passports required for overseas tours must be obtained from your club secretary and not direct from the Secretary/Treasurer. Name, age, occupation and address are all required. Cost is $1.00 or for those already holding a passport a renewal stamp costs 50c.

OVERSEAS VISITORS

Over the past six months the N.Z.S.A. has issued many I.N.F. Passports and we wish all the travellers well, but may we suggest to them that they share their experiences overseas with the rest of us by way of the New Zealand Naturist in the form of letters, articles and/or photographs.

letters
to the
editor

Sir, - My wife and I were distressed at the lack of understanding and the prejudiced outlook expressed in the letter signed "Concerned" in your June issue. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect was the absence of a truly nudist attitude to the problem.

As many previous correspondents have pointed out, a nudist club is little different in its composition from the surrounding society. This means that in any club there is likely to be the inevitable sample of swingers, the amoral, adulterers, chisellers, etc., and in roughly the same proportions as these are to be found in society.

The important point, surely, is that in any well run club these types can be accepted only for as long as their particular blemishes do not impinge on club life. All are initially on a year's probation, and even after this period may be asked to leave at any time by the Club Committee if their conduct within the club falls short of accepted standards.

It seems to us to be unreasonable for a club to accept (say) a foursome of swingers or a single member who is an overactive heterosexual, whilst denying membership to a particular individual whose tendencies are known to be homosexual. The moment any of these, swingers, heterosexual athletes or gay boys, step out of line on club premises - OUT! But, as we know well from years of experience, it is quite exceptional for this to happen.

"Concerned" and his wife should also consider the possibility that the natural and essentially heterosexual atmosphere of a club may well help a homosexual (male or female) to live with his or her problem. As true naturists they must surely believe this.

Peter H., A.S.C.

Sir, - I feel I must answer "Concerned's" letter in N.Z. Naturist June 1972 on page 32.

In what way would admission of a homosexual offer a threat to the Naturist movement that would not be offered by, for example, a lesbian or voyeur? There are large numbers of apparently heterosexual people in the population who could in certain circumstances become homosexual.

If "Concerned" discovered this applicant's homosexuality during the course of his work (which he does not specify) it can be assumed that it was revealed to him in confidence, otherwise he would have no right to the information. However, if the information was offered in confidence how is it that "others are aware that he is a homosexual". "Concerned" here implies that he told them!

Any nudist club committee that couldn't handle the question of homosexuality (or any other so called deviations) is not worthy of its position.

I suggest to the club concerned that this applicant be accepted with all rights and obligations of membership with the understanding that any infringement of the rules be followed by disciplinary action (as would occur if any "normal" person transgressed in any way). I also suggest that the club committee gratefully accept "Concerned's" resignation.

W.J. & S.M. M.

Sir, - In June's issue of the N.Z. Naturist, I read one of the letters to the editor concerning entry of a young man to one of the clubs. The man who wrote this letter stated that his club was accepting a young man whom he and others knew to be a homosexual. They stated that they would resign if he was accepted.

In my opinion I find that if a man is a homosexual there is nothing unusual in this, or strange. If the man is a homosexual then this is quite natural. And, after all, our clubs are called Naturist Clubs, aren't they? If it was a girl no one would say a word. To whoever wrote that letter I say - give the poor chap a chance.

Peter Muller.

P.S. - I mean that when I say our clubs are called naturist clubs that it is only another of nature's strange ways of dealing with life now-a-days. I would also like to see some further views on this subject in further editions of the N.Z. Naturist.

Sir, - I received the June issue, No. 63, of your magazine today, and after reading through it, thought I would write in to you in reference to some of the things contained therein.

Some of the photographs deserve special mention, especially those connected with camping outdoors, as being a bush walker myself, I do quite a lot of camping and feel that a greater time and more natural enjoyment is had by all amongst mother Nature's wonderland, the good old bush. Also there is nothing to equal the feeling of having to rough it a little and combating against the great outdoors to make oneself reasonably comfortable.

The picture on page 53, of a young mother breast feeding is one of the most beautiful and natural gifts that God endowed on all his earthly creatures and nothing on earth looks as elegant, proud and beautiful as a mother caring for her child, giving it the food it requires, from her body, which originally gave to it its life.

I was also quite disturbed by the remarks in a letter to the Editor from "Concerned", about a new single man about to join the club. Just how can some people claim that they can tell a homosexual from others? Is it some gift? Prejudice against people who are still single? Or have they inclinations towards such things themselves, and therefore are afraid that a single, unattached male, may be too much of an attraction for them? In my life I have worked with homosexuals, but I would never have been able to pick them apart from anyone else without having been told by them. Don't forget that many so-called "criminals" lead reasonably normal married lives with a person of the opposite sex. This has been proven beyond doubt, I think, by the Kinsey Report. Does this mean, then, that no matter what he may be, if he is married, he is acceptable? He could be a sex maniac, but if he is married that is O.K., too. I know I go off easily about these things. I have tried to join several clubs over here, and in N.S.W.-the answer is always no - but if I had a girlfriend, O.K. Good, God! What reasoning! She may be a lesbian. How am I to know? Lesbians also lead happy, married lives.

I have written to several clubs also in reference to receiving information about starting a club in the near future where single males will not be knocked back for membership, providing of course that naturism is part of their lives. It will take a few years, I know, but I am determined to succeed in my quest, as I have no intention at this date of marriage. Maybe I am queer because I enjoy bachelorhood. I enjoy my job as a miner also. Besides, working it out on the population of our country, some males have to remain unmarried as there aren't sufficient women. Maybe the solution for us from people like "Concerned" is for several of us to live with one woman. Is that what it boils down to?

What difference does a person's sex make to the practice of nudism? Why must so many people be so ready to think ill of a single guy wanting to join a nudist club and join in the friendship of others with a similar interest of enjoying nakedness, but with company of others who won't laugh at such a love of freedom? Admittedly, some people's intentions may be of a sinister kind - time tells - but it is only the weak of flesh and mind who would succumb to any movement from another.

I apologise for sounding out against so many good naturist people as the ones who condemn, but they usually are. It is not for us to sit in judgment of any human being - that right is for God and God alone. There will always be some rotten apples in a barrel, but these are easily discarded, along the road of life - no one is perfect and no one is all bad,

To quote: "There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it behoves none of us to talk about the rest of us". Aren't perverts and rapists worse, as members, than a person who "Concerned" claims is homosexual "Concerned" wants to broaden his outlook on life a little. Perhaps he may be surprised at how much he has to learn about life. A homosexual affair, like any other, can only be had by two consenting parties. Likewise, it is not the homosexual who endangers our children - it is perverts. The only person that a homosexual would be likely to endanger or affect would be himself, as he wouldn't mix properly and so would feel left out.

I could ramble on, but won't. The crossword puzzle is a great addition to your magazine. Thank-you. I enjoy crosswords.

Graeme J. Sanders, Tasmania.

DEADLINE FOR

SEPTEMBER ISSUE

20th OCTOBER

Sir, - It has come as a great surprise to us that members of the nudist movement would be concerned about having a homosexual in their midst. As these people are not a minority group all clubs in New Zealand and overseas must have one or two members among them.

Having been a committee member for several years. we have met both sexes of homosexuals, none of whom seemed to represent a threat to the established security.

It is our opinion that "Concerned" is more of a threat to the "established security" by making known to existing members this prospective member's private life, therefore causing damage amongst nudists of what else he may say about them, or the movement which fought for so long against prejudice and scorn.

This is why we feel, with 12 years of sun club experience behind us, that the best thing "Concerned" and his wife can do is to resign from the movement before they become contaminated. We will feel sorry for "Concerned" if and when homosexuality becomes legalised.

K. and P. Gibson, Palmerston Nth.

Photo: J. Miller (for N.Y.C.)

Sir, - In the June edition of the "N.Z. Naturist", a correspondent "Concerned", expresses dismay at the thought of a homosexual joining his club. Personal prejudices are very hard to overcome, but could I ask the writer and his wife to examine their feelings and motives very carefully? What threat are they afraid of?

One of the claims that the nudist movement can justifiably make is that people from every walk of life are attracted to it. Logic indicates, then, that one would expect at least a small proportion of members to be homosexuals and, in fact, this is true. Again, the measure of a person's worth to a club and the movement in general lies in his or her social behaviour, acceptance by other members and willingness to contribute to the welfare of the club and its members.

Like every other person in a club, the homosexual is subject to the rules of good conduct, and objectionable behaviour would not be tolerated. This, alone, should be sufficient guarantee of the "Security" that your correspondent apparently needs. But why should he assume that this particular homosexual will cause trouble, when experience in many clubs shows that more often than not the behaviour of these people is exemplary. One of my, and my wife's, firmest friendships was with a Merchant Navy officer on the U.K. to New Zealand run and we knew, almost from the start, that he was a homosexual. The point is, though, that he was one of the kindest, friendliest and most conscientious men you could hope to know and we were delighted, rather than appalled, when we later learned that he was a long-standing country member of the largest club in New Zealand.

So please, Mr and Mrs Concerned, give this man a chance to prove his worth before you condemn him.

J. Hatfield.

Photo: Graham Bailey

In these days of more enlightened thinking and greater understanding it is good to see the response we have had to the letter printed in our last issue above the signature "Concerned". In the March, 1967 issue of this magazine (No. 42) there was a letter by "B.E." on this subject, B.E. wrote: "There is one question which must present a problem, and it is, do homosexuals take part in any club, and if you account for one, how do you go about it, in a civilised manner? Do you accept them or are there questions on this subject which one must comply with truthfully?"

Our editor's reply to this was, I regret to say, almost as unenlightened as the letter by "Concerned." Our editor (at that time Perc. Cousins) said: "While we know there ore many homosexuals about they are not welcome in our clubs and were they found out I should imagine they would be asked to leave."

I need not say more as readers have said most of what I think in their letters.

John H. Gilmour (Editor).

Sir, - A New Zealand friend visiting the Invicta Sun Club has shown us the March 1972 number of your very attractive magazine. I would like to answer the criticism of our club in Emiel Roland's article on his visit to Britain.

Invicta is a small club owned and run by its members, in quiet countryside behind the cliffs of Dover. Members pay low fees and come and go as they choose; there is no resident warden, no office and no telephone. Yet this is the closest club to the cross-Channel ferry services, which are the busiest in the world. Every year the many thousands of visitors to and from the Continent include large numbers of naturists with cars, tents and caravans, armed with INF passports. Even in Britain the majority of such passport holders are not club members; they pay a fee only. By using our site as a staging camp we could become rich, but we have only 4 acres, developed by our members for their use, and they would be crowded out. It is not in unfriendliness but in sheer self-defence that we must insist on prior application in writing by visitors. This is made clear in the INF Handbook. Also from experience we find it wise to have a Committee member present to help visitors, because usually there are language difficulties as well as those of different customs and shyness to be overcome.

Mr Roland came on his brief visit from the nearby Ripple Court commercial hotel, opened in Spring 1971 and closed a year later. It was not in membership of CCBN and its high charges matched its high class accommodation. Surely it is not fair to compare such a place with a members' club run on minimum fees, and we did not realise we were under investigation by a guest seeking material for adverse publicity. Incidentally we shall be celebrating the 25th birthday of Invicta next year, and last season we recruited 45 new members (and their children), so perhaps we are not so inhospitable as Mr Roland would have your readers believe. There is a good way for them to find out and they will be welcome.

I was surprised to read in this article that volleyball is not a popular game here. At Invicta it is the one game which brings members, visitors, young and old, experts and novices together in fun and friendship, even more successfully than the swimming pool.

Mr Roland seems to be a great man in N.Z. naturism so I do not suppose you will find space to publish this. But if you do, out of the famous sense of fair play, please convey our greeting to all New Zealand naturists.

Tom Dartnell, Chairman.

Sir. - How can anyone with a modicum of commonsense take the ravings of such prudes as Miss Bartlett and her like seriously?

Surely God's own gift of a beautiful body was not meant to be concealed behind the unhealthy trappings of Victoriana. The days are long gone when our forefathers referred to arms and legs as "limbs", or covered table legs with floor-length cloths in the fear of exciting erotic notions in the sex-starved minds of misguided males.

Do such individuals really close their eyes when they enter the bathtub, or think that normal reproduction can be carried out by telepathy alone?

The outmoded concepts of moral chastity in the home and clandestine extramural perversions led to more bestiality and sexual excesses than our so called permissive society could ever produce.

Today the sight of a healthy, suntanned naked body excites nothing more than an admiring glance which is free from any hint of sexual aberration.

If someone could introduce the prudes to our way of life their crusading energies could be diverted into more useful channels.

Sunny, West Coast.

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Sir, - As an ex-member of the C.S.H.C. I would like to express my opinions of the very fine gesture on the part of Ruth and her family in donating a trophy in memory of her husband Arthur. The trophy, donated for volleyball competition is, in more ways than one, a very fine and dedicated effort to keep alive both the memory of such a fine chap, and the future of volleyball. I knew Arthur very well indeed (and the family) and I honestly believe that there would not have been quite as many games of volleyball played had it not been for the efforts of Arthur. I have known him go round the baches, tents and caravans, digging up players just prefer to lie in the would be the first to say who otherwise would sun. I and my family that, were it not for the games that he got going, our holidays at

the grounds would not have been quite as pleasant as they were.

I know and gratefully acknowledge his patience and tact in coaching me in the art of volleyball and though I would never have made the grade at being the expert that he was, I fully enjoyed every moment on the court.

Some day I may be able, with the club's permission, to watch a tournament played for the trophy, I hope.

In closing, may I say to Ruth and her family, how pleased I am for such a generous gesture and I am of the opinion that many more members are that way inclined.

Tom Marshall.

ACROSS

1. Disquietude
5. Mechanical sleeve
8. Snatched
9. Slender
10. Remotely
12. Spread or turn
13. Fold
14. Established
17. Astern
18. Sufficient
20. Tangible
21. Hindu Idol
23. Precepts
24. Doubt

DOWN

1. Heeded
2. Pinch
3. Renders more beloved
4. Times of darkness
5. Sauce
6. Greek philosopher
7. Feared
11. Incredulous
13. Act of incorporation
15. Locks
16. Drives
18. Shouts
19. Contort
22. Beer

news from
the clubs
in new zealand

Palmerston North Sun Club Inc.

With the summer with us again, Palmerston North is ready for an influx of new members. Club members will see many changes. The grounds committee have completed over mile of new fencing and a big planting campaign has almost been completed. The pool is being cleaned and will be ready for the hot weather.

During the winter, the club had socials including two Fancy Dress functions. The work put into these events was appreciated by those who attended and the opinion of all was that the socials were the best we have held so far. There was also the weekly three-hour visits to the Contourella with steam baths, sun room and exercise equipment. On one evening there were some of the tribe from "Hairs' with us. Our house at Take Downs has been in use every weekend and often during the week with visitors on holiday.

Good numbers have been coming out during the winter to help with work and talk around the open fire. The club's thanks to the grounds committee who have spent every weekend working on the grounds; also to all members who have helped in many ways to make the club what it is today. We have had good relations with the public since our formation because we have been open about the club and have not tried to hide the ground location.

We are now listed in the Palmerston North Visitors' Guide with the club's full address, Take Road, Oroua Downs. Committee members can now be reached by a 24-hour phone service; this should help enquiries from the public. The number is 85-003 Palmerston North.

Two talks were given by the Secretary to Country organisations and this helped to clear up many questions about sun clubs.

We can now look forward to a happy summer with both present and the many new members who will be joining us.

Canterbury Sun Club Inc.

We used to be the Canterbury Sun and Health Club Inc. We have now dropped the word Health from our name, but our health is just as good as it used to be. We figured that a Sun Club is always a health club, though a health club is not always a sun club.

After the Rally, we nuded quietly until the autumn. Our A.G.M. in May was introduced by the showing of a film of the Rally, which enabled us to relive those busy few days in a silent half hour. Considering it too cold outside at the club in May for the A.G.M., we met in a hired room in Christchurch. So instead of shivering in the open, we had a warm meeting indoors, and all breathed the same air for five hours.

We have a full programme of social activities this winter. By the time this number of The N.Z. Naturist comes out, we shall have had a barbecue at the club, a party with square dancing and jazz in town, a weekend at Mt Cook, and a trip to Hanmer Springs - as well as a swim or two in a covered warm pool and a sport and sauna evening. We have a good excuse: we want to raise money for a new clubhouse. We have been meaning to build a new clubhouse for several years, but have now decided that we must translate our intention into action before we are much older, and this we can begin to do, thanks to a very active fund-raising sub-committee.

Rotorua Sun Club

Our club is now run by a new committee who have revitalised the club, and is taking positive steps to solve some of the club's past troubles. This committee is doing its utmost to improve the grounds and provide conditions which will be ideal for the Naturist way of life but to do this they need the help of many more members. When finance permits we hope to run hot water up to the main sports area where we will build a pool which will be safe for all ages. Over the past year members have cleared quite a considerable area of scrub and will have room for a camping area before the holiday period begins. There is now a track through the bush to another pool which is cooler than the old pool in the summer. One of the problems to overcome is the lack of fresh drinking water. As there is an abundance of hot water, a condenser system has been suggested to overcome this until buildings are constructed and rain water can be stored.

Our Box Numbers are Rotorua 1007 and Tokoroa 491 and we are expecting both boxes to be bulging with applications for membership.

Gisborne Sun Club

Here in Gisborne we have had a very busy time since last writing. The Cabaret was held on 17th June and was a fantastic success. The band played well and often, everybody was on the floor and the seafood supper was very popular. It was good to see Gavin and Gaynor again - we really appreciate their support. There was something like ISO people at the Cabaret - that's not bad going between 27 adult members - most of the credit for ticket sales goes to Jan, who also organised the supper as her contribution from the social committee. Jan, Joan and Johnnie made a good team on that committee and our thanks went to them last night.

Last night, 9th July. we held our Annual General Meeting at Mike and Patsy's and they tell me we are now five years old. Ray gave the President's Report and a sharp slap where we needed it - lack of real support for monthly social evenings and swim nights. Sorry Ray, and many thanks for doing a hard job well. Our new President is John, Vice-President is Graham, Secretary-Treasurer is Joan and Committee members are Leonie and Jan, Ian, Bert and Johnnie.

Subs are up (see why below) and are now $17 per single or family unit, including magazine, reducible to $12 if paid by the end of October; new members will pay an entrance fee of $5 per adult head; country members, $6 including magazine; and supporters $1 with $1 extra if magazine required.

Now, the reason why subs are up (hooray). One of our members has purchased an orange grove and given us the use of the land in return for our maintenance of the trees. Roughly an acre in extent and over half the perimeter screened by a hedge - it's going to be just the job and our fervent thanks go to the member concerned. On a main road, not far from a city suburb, it's practically "in the back yard" for most of us. I might add that the club gets half the gross profit from oranges to help pay for spraying fertiliser, etc. - when the trees mature we even stand to make a profit! We are all making forays for quotes for a packing shed, water storage, power etc., with a pool held in mind. At the same time, I don't think we really believe it's finally happened - we'll find THAT out next weekend when we go to weed the trees.

Our N.Y.C. rep., Douglas, has thanked us for our moral support to him. He is very keen to get a real youth section going here, especially now we have grounds, and we are all behind him in this,

bearing in mind that young members now mean adult members later, with family groups as a possible long-term view. Doug says very long-term!

Anyone passing through Gisborne can get a 'contact' telephone number from the PRO. office here during office hours and our Box No. is 391.

Hawkes Bay Sun Club Inc.

Roll on Spring. so that we can test our new 60ft by 30ft pool. Yes, after a long struggle, it has now been completed to the stage of testing for leaks. Then the completion of the filtration plant, backfilling. sowing of grass and, hey presto; we swim. We will give adequate advice of the official opening of what we believe is the largest pool of any club in New Zealand.

Although we have not had a heavy social calendar this winter, a successful sauna night was held at the new Hastings sauna. A social evening at the Pakowhai Hall, boasted a supper that would put many a caterer to shame.

And what a day we had at Taupo. A large number of our members decided to spend the day at the hot pools on Sunday, the 23rd of July, and we all met at De Bretts between 10 and 11 in the morning. I don't think we have broken the record for the number of bods in the private pool, but we must have come close to it.

Gavin and Gaynor visited our fair district on their way home from the half-yearly meeting of the NZSA and stayed for a few days. Gavin improved our public relations by addressing the Jaycees on Monday evening and Rotary West on Tuesday. Gaynor had an interview with Barbara of the Daily Telegraph and we hope to see this in print in the near future. They also made a trip to one of our local vineyards and finished their stay with a pleasant evening at the home of one of our members.

My thanks go to the Waikato Outdoor Club who put on a terrific show at the Crystal Springs at Matamata. Congratulations to N.Y.C. who, I'm sure, will show the oldies that they can run their affairs, if not better, at least as well as other clubs,

To interested non members in the H.B. district. Write to us now at Box 551 Napier and we will be happy to invite you to our club grounds for a trial visit.

P.S.: Thanks to 2000 plus sheep on our grounds during the last fortnight, we can now see our trees and the club should look good for the new season.

Wellington Sun Club Inc.

The highlight of the past quarter has been the club's annual Ball, which this year included the gala celebrations of the club's 21st Birthday. Over 300 people filled the hall, and they included guests from other clubs. President, Reg, led them all in drinking the toast to the club, and the only foundation member who has remained active as a town member for the full 21 years, Doug, cut the three-tiered cake.

Work at the club has to some extent had to be curtailed by lack of finance now that we have purchased the adjoining three acres of land, but there have been so many maintenance and general improvement jobs required to the main part of the grounds that work days once a month are really getting things done. Some tree planting is under way but this has been dampened by the presence of three stray sheep that are eating far too many young trees.

According to the Press we have had the coldest June since 1891. We can well believe it! On 19th June there was a record frost and then the southerly hit with a vengeance giving us a couple of inches of snow! We thought that was the limit but a week later on two days the frosts were the heaviest known in the district. Two copper water pipes burst - one behind the clubhouse and one below the poolside shower. Fortunately our trees do not seem to have suffered unduly.

Our winter sauna nights in June were quite an experience, especially for those who always use the cold shower. Both this and the plunge pool were really icy! Attendances so far have varied from about 20 to nearly 50. At these latter high figures- the sauna loses some of its appeal as the constant opening and closing of the door to the heat room reduces a lot of vital heat. It can drop from 200 deg. F to 150 deg. F in a surprisingly short time. The latest news is that a new sauna is opening nearer the club grounds and local members plan to approach the proprietors to have this available to members the same as the city sauna.

Around a dozen members travelled to Wanganui for the Queen's Birthday "Splash-In" and enjoyed themselves. Thank-you Wanganui for an enjoyable evening.

We may soon have to investigate the long- desired new clubhouse as the old building, now about 30 years old, is showing signs of borer and in one place a bad dry rot with a large type of borer from the bush.

Otago Sun and Health Club

Hello again, from down South. The winter has well and truly settled in with snow and ice and water causing havoc. We have actually had ice on the swimming poo1 and one brave family built snowmen on the club grounds.

However, the club as a whole is sticking together with winter activities which are proving very popular.

Our first get together was a family day held in town with games, films, lolly scramble for the kids and housie, table tennis and a flatter for the mum and dads.

Our dance in early July was so popular that members want another. Must have been Ian and Eddie's good music and a good supper.

A skating trip to Naseby was very popular and apart from a few bruises and one broken wrist the day was enjoyed by all.

Not much work on the grounds at the moment apart from painting the inside of the clubhouse. We are hoping for better weather soon to get some work done round the grounds.

One highlight since our last notes went to press: "We now have a flush toilet!!!"

Auckland Outdoor Health Club

The efforts to make "Oranui" - the club - an all-year round place to go to and enjoy yourself are bearing fruit. This winter, despite all the rain and mud, the slightest promise of dry weather was enough to have a good crowd foregather.

Apart from the normal winter functions, such as the regular swim nights twice a month and the Sunday night saunas, there is always something to look forward to. In April the glamorous Dine and Dance evening was a delight (tickets sold out) and all that went - bedecked in their best finery - enjoyed it tremendously. Now there is the combined outing with the Waikato Club to Matamata on the calendar, and so far every bed in the vicinity of Matamata seems booked. It augurs well!

At the club itself the Annual General Meeting drew a larger crowd than ever, despite the nasty weather, interest and participation are proving part of the enjoyment. With planning for the Rally high on the agenda, a new ablution block is a priority building project. During the summer most of the work on a badminton court was done and that cOurt now shows a very satisfying growth of grass, so if you like that game, bring a racquet with you.

In July we had a good working bee. As it happened some 25 of the members of N.Y.C. had spent the night in the clubhouse after coming back from Helensville and they stayed and joined in with us in the working bee. The resulting atmosphere was joyful and a tremendous amount of work was done. The surrounds of the new children's swimming pool were made tidy, drains were dug. The judderbars (old lengths of rail) were cut and then dug into place, rubbish was burned or plonked in the jumbo bin and tea was drunk in gallons.

Anyway, see you all in summer

Wanganui Sun Club

Hi there, folks! The "River City" greets you all once again. Well, if you missed our Queen's Birthday "Swim In" you missed some fun. Never mind, be there next time.

Our hunt for grounds continues with no positive success, but a few more avenues are still being investigated.

Our big open night at the tepid baths-sauna complex will be history by the time this article is published. We hope it will be the beginning of a big drive for increased club membership, better public relationships, and the emerging of the club from undercover into a more open acceptance by the general public.

We wish to take this opportunity of thanking all the members of the N.Y.C., New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Tauranga, Rotorua, and Waikato Clubs who patronised our "Swim Ins" for their support and hope they found the effort to attend well worth while.

A late news flash. Peter, our president, after quite a lot of vehicular trouble finally found his way home from Matamata. Says he had a "wow" of a time, was very impressed with the venue of the Half-Yearly Meeting and was full of praise for the host club who made his stay thoroughly enjoyable, meeting old friends and making new friends. He also hints he had time for the official side of the weekend, too, and we will hear about that at our next committee meeting, if he recovers from the trip in time! It is simply marvellous what some guys can fit into a short weekend.

As it is likely a good percentage of our members hope to make the rally, we are looking forward to seeing you all in Auckland. In the meantime we wish you all good "tanning" from the friendly River City.

Waikato Outdoor Society

We have spent the winter months improving our grounds and enjoying a number of social functions. Having the use of a sauna every fortnight has proved very popular. We have had a wine and cheese evening and a film evening for the children.

A lot of time and effort went into organising the extremely successful social weekend we held at Crystal Springs at Matamata. We didn't expect the crowd of 250 that came. It must have been the lure of having the pool closed to the public all day Saturday and Sunday morning. The National Executive meeting was held at the same time and this resulted in many members of other clubs joining us. A good time seemed to be had by all.

We are hoping for an improvement in the weather so that we can get cracking and finish our ablution block before the summer.

Our numbers have been growing steadily through the winter and we are looking forward to getting back out into the sunshine.

For those readers who play Chess:

Imagine you have eight Queens - place all eight queens on the board in such a way that no queen can take any other queen.

news from
the clubs in
australia

Naturi, N.S.W.

Well, the winter is right on top of us now and all clubs at this time of the year experience a drop in attendance, but for those who do attend there is plenty of activity for the energetic ones. It gives us the opportunity of straightening out a few important jobs such as building up the roadway.

A start has been made by Alec and Len in cleaning up the scrub between the clubhouse and the sauna area. A game of miniten keeps one warm no matter how cold it is and, of course, there are always secluded spots to do a bit of sunbathing when the sun is shining.

Easter was nearly a washout, but turned out a big success after all. Tents were lined up near the barbecue area and nobody seemed to worry about the weather. The children had their "Fancy Hat Parade", which had to be held in Eric's tent. Each child received a lovely prize. The adults finished the day with a sauna and a dip in the pool.

Quite a few people have been accepted into membership. We welcome them all and hope they will be happy at "Naturi".

An area of bush has been cleared and two games courts constructed with high wire netting surrounds. Rockeries constructed around the outside of both and suitable plants have been donated by members. Lawns have also been laid out at various spots for sunbathing and resting.

A large clubhouse is in the process of being built and an area has been set aside for the children, furnished with a trampoline, swings, slippery dip, see-saws, gymnastic bar and sandpit.

We have a membership at the moment of about 60 adults and 30 children.

We welcome visitors from bona fide nudist clubs from any part of the world who must first write to our Secretary, P.O. Box 11, Berowra, N.S.W. 2081.

Photo: Graham Bailey

Kiata Country Club, N.S.W.

Kiata is an Aboriginal word meaning "a summer place" and it is a 50-acre site of natural bushland, some 40 miles north-west of Sydney. The land is owned by a group of shareholders who got together nearly three years ago and decided it was time Sydney had a brand new residential club run on democratic lines with as few rules as possible. Such an aim has been achieved. The effective day-to-day running of the club is managed by a members' committee elected annually.

We are very pleased with our progress. Initial support was strong and in a short time we had sufficient funds to fence the entire property, build two fair-sized dams, purchase a prefabricated aluminium clubhouse (24ft by 36ft) and erect it ourselves and build an amenities block to council specifications. Although our land is virgin bush we undertook a vigorous planting programme and have planted hundreds of trees and shrubs to beautify the grounds.

We had a bulldozer level three games courts and doze a road through the land so that all the camp sites are accessible by car. The courts we connected into one tennis court, one volleyball court and a mini-ten court is under construction.

Our progress was so rapid that we were able to host the 1971 Australian Convention. We keep a close and friendly liaison with all clubs and constantly invite other clubs to visit us. Our next big club social to which all other clubs will be invited is our October "festival" Plans are in hand for a fitting celebration of our third birthday party in October. Most of our wild flowers will be out then; they are a feature of our grounds.

Visitors are always most welcome. A letter to our Secretary will ensure visitors are met at a nearby spot.

Darwin Sun Club, Northern Territory

In Australia's tropical north, Darwin Sun Club is active at its club site and in regular outings to an "unofficial" free beach.

The Top End has many beaches visited only by the occasional fisherman, and club members take over one of these about every third Sunday. While this "unofficial" beach situation continues, the club is waiting for a decision from Northern Territory Administration over its seven-month old application for an "official" free beach.

The club is also waiting for a decision on an application for a new club site. Present premises are on terms of club use until they are needed for other purposes. The decision on the new grounds is expected soon.

Darwin accepts the prospect of some hard work over the next year or so. At the same time, our climate of temperatures in the 70 to 90 degree range and sunshine all the year round gives us the incentive to build up naturism in Australia's developing north.

Photo: Graham Bailey

River Valley Sun Club, Victoria

As this is more a holiday resort than a club members only come two or three times a year during public holidays. The members mostly come from Melbourne and they cannot drive 300 miles round trip for a few hours sun.

The next activity here will be the start of the season with the celebrating of the club's 4th Birthday on 5th November with an afternoon tea party and cakes; athletic races and competitions. My latest addition to attractions is an old circus merry-go-round. It needs some repair and a coat of paint, then it should give much pleasure.

wanted - a wife

I need someone to help me run

A camp where nudists mingle,

To have a mate would be just great

Because, you see, I'm single.

I want a wife to share a life

Quite free of all convention,

Where frills and bows and fashion shows

Are things we never mention.

For we'll reside, I must confide,

Where sun club members frolic,

Where happiness and lack of dress

And friendships are symbolic.

The bride-to-be who comes to me

Need bring no flash credentials

For me to see as long as she

Just has the bare essentials.

Her wedding gown might bring a frown

From those who like things formal,

For she'll be in her suntanned skin -

To us that's only normal.

And I'll be beaut in my birthday suit,

I really look good in it,

But there'll be no role for a buttonhole

For I'll have nowhere to pin it.

If she's the sort who's fond of sport

She'll not go short of chances,

For everyone has lots of fun

At tennis, golf and dances.

Now if my scheme fulfills the dream

Of a lass who's keen on mating

Just drop a line, say you'll be mine,

There'll be no hesitating.

We'll plight our troth and then we'll both

Our married bliss be sharing,

And not a thing but a wedding ring

Will we ever be wearing.

Any Takers?

Northside Country Club, Victoria

Winter at Northside has been fun this year. We have had many fine weekends to enable us to plant shrubs, clear the gullies and dig in a sauna. The sauna is nearly complete and will be tremendous when finished. Our trampoline, which has brought the children a lot of energy and is very popular, has been stored for the winter.

The parties during the cold months are very well attended and keep everyone in touch. Swimming all the year round is a milestone for us. In our own pool in summer and every month during the winter in a heated pool.

Photo: Mike (Wanganui Sun Club)

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 SUNSEEKERS INC.
P.O. Box 4126, Kamo

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB
P.O. Box 2702, Auckland

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 2925, Auckland
Telephone Henderson 67-100

KOWHAI VALLEY CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 6238, Wellesley Street West,
Auckland 1

WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY INC.
P.O. Box 6l9 Hamilton

TAURANGA SUN CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 2205, South Tauranga

ROTORUA SUN CLUB
P.O. Box 1007, Rotorua

GISBORNE SUN CLUB
P.O. Box 391, Gisborne

HAWKES BAY SUN CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 551, Napier
Telephone 37-692 or 35-523

WANGANUI SUN CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 410, Wanganui

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 980, Palmerston North

WELLINGTON SUN CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 2854, Wellington
Telephone PRO 6468

NELSON SUN CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 467, Nelson

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
Telephone Invercargill 66-156

TARANAKI NATURIST CLUB
P.O. Box 3039 Fitzroy, New Plymouth

N.Y.C. (NUDIST YOUTH CLUB)
Enquiries and Publicity
P.O. Box 52-001, Titahi Bay, Wellington

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