#  65 - December 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

This issue marks the end of my first year as your Editor. Whether or not I am the Editor for the next 12 months depends very much on how the magazine has been received since I took over. I would like to think it has been an improvement but it is not an easy thing to judge when you are sitting where I am.

It has certainly not been an uneventful year and the job of Editor has had both setbacks and encouragements. Among the setbacks can be placed the total disregard many people have for copy deadlines. Many other problems have also to be overcome in the production of this magazine but I take great pleasure in thanking all those who have helped so much with their articles and photographs.

One of the criticisms I hear most from overseas readers is that although the magazine is of a very high standard, the photographs are a let down because of the obvious amateurishness of most of the subjects. The same critics then go on to praise the way in which the New Zealand Naturist does so much to portray a true nudist image. Now they can't have it both ways, of course we could improve the pictorial content one hundred percent technically by employing only professional photographers using only the best and most experienced professional models, but what a picture of nudism this would depict! By using only photographs submitted by our readers, of our readers, or their families, children, friends, we sacrifice some quality for authenticity. This is not to say that we do not have some very good photographers in our clubs, far from it, many of the photographs submitted to us are of superb quality, but we reject many of these for the simple reason that we don't want to fall into the trap of having the same few models, taken by the same few photographers issue after issue. We would much rather vary the subjects, the places, the occupations as much as possible, and at the same time give more encouragement to the many family photographers who send in a few snap-shots from time to time.

I feel sure that it is precisely this feeling of amateur nudist participation which gives to our magazine its greatest attraction. We can choose from many magazines if we want pin-ups and glamour shots, but there is a sad dearth of true nudist magazines.

Among the criticisms I have received of the magazine have been a few on the subject of alcohol and nudist clubs. A few readers found little merit in the photograph [below the editorial] on page five of the June issue, No. 63. But none of these critics felt strongly enough about that picture to write a letter to the Editor, so I published the photograph on page seven of No. 64; I still have received very little correspondence on this subject. The feeling seems to be that the less said, the better. This is not my view. I think controversial topics should be discussed openly and there is no doubt that alcohol in our clubs is a controversial subject. Some members condemn the publication of the photographs, suggesting I suppose that it is alright to partake in the club, but one must not publicise the fact. Others feel that the fact that the photograph was possible is itself bad and that there should be absolute prohibition within the clubs. Readers' opinions are valuable, and we would be pleased to publish your letters on this subject as well as any other. We are not afraid of criticism and if there is any aspect of nudism which disturbs any reader, let him (or her) drop us a line. We try to keep our magazine as much as possible a club magazine, with news of clubs you know and people you know but we depend on you for the facts.

During the year we have had a great deal of publicity, most of it good. It would seem that the more we publicise ourselves the more cover the press gives us and without doubt only good can come of this. The public used to giggle at the mention of nudists, we were just a topic for jokes and cartoons. Today the same public accept us far more readily as a group of people with a way of life that has something of value to offer and they are far more ready to accept us at face value and discuss our principles rather than laughingly condemn us as a lot of crackpots. Of course we are still the subject of many jokes, this is only to be expected with a belief as basic as ours which is so contrary to the teachings of generations that the human body should be concealed.

I end this fourth editorial by wishing all my readers the very best for the Christmas season and for the coming year and I would express my gratitude to all those who have helped me so much by sending in those articles, letters and photographs.

John H. Gilmour.

The Thirteenth International Naturist Federation Congress was officially opened by President Michael Caillaud before a large gathering at Vrsar, Koversada Istria, Yugoslavia, on 2nd August, 1972. Among the crowd were many local dignitaries and representatives of the press.

Following the official opening, formal introductions were made and some old acquaintances renewed. Officials attending were from the Western European Union, Scandinavia, United Kingdom, North America and Australasia.

A full Agenda had been tabled for the gathering which spanned six days. As many subjects were to be discussed over this period, I will make only brief comment on them.

At the first full session congress members were presented with the subject of "Naturism and Tourism". Guests to this meeting were two travel agents, one from Germany and one from Austria representing their interests. They spoke of developments in this field. In Europe it is a trend which appears to be growing. At a later stage of this meeting the Central Committee of the I.N.F. discussed the matter and expressed their opinions on its possible implications.

During the third day came the delegates' official reports of their national associations' activities over the past two years. Some interesting information came to light. Following this the central committee made known the functions it had pursued over the past two years.

On the fourth day there was an expose on the commercial aspects of nudism. An I.N.F. vice-president outlined the situation in the United States of America. President Caillaud also explained the French situation.

"Naturism and Sexuality" was the title of a paper presented by the first vice-president and later the assembly had an opportunity to discuss this subject and air their views. Considering this so-called permissive era, it was generally agreed that standards had not faltered.

The future of the I.N.F. was also considered. The Central Committee was thanked for its encouraging work and a resolution was passed that its efforts be intensified in Eastern Europe.

As all major issues had been covered on previous days this left one final report to be made, that of the Treasurer, followed by election of officers to the Central Committee.

In closing the Congress, President Caillaud thanked the 38 delegates of the I.N.F. for their attention. He also thanked "Anita" the Italian Association for their administration and also the Koversada organisation who made the Congress so successful.

The victories for all those who had competed in the international sporting events such as mini-golf, volleyball, badminton, swimming and table tennis were received with much jubilation and the presentation of trophies followed.

The lowering of the I.N.F. Flag completed the ceremony. At the next International meeting in 1974 it is most likely that many friendships will be renewed.

Dave Luttrell, A.O.H.C.

i.n.f.
congress
report

free
beaches

The story continues. The action continues. As said before by someone in the A.R.A. "continual stoning wears down the hardest drip". Unfortunately our action with the A.R.A. has not given us the results we hoped for. But that certainly does not mean that we are discouraged. Our next step will be Parliament. We approached Dr Finlay, Member of Parliament for Waitakere, for advice in these matters and he is quite well prepared to assist us. Understandably the elections and the early rise of the House did not give him an opportunity to help us actively. We will have to wait for the next session of Parliament. In the meantime we have approached a few active and retired police officers and talked the situation over with them. In general we were advised against direct action and test cases. As the public opinion is fifty-fifty for or against a free beach a test case could go against our movement and set us back several years. The time for a test case is not yet and any such action should at this moment definitely be discouraged. Our official approach to Parliament to make an alteration or addition to the Police Offences Act whatever may be the case, is much more sound advice. What we will do if this does not succeed after we have exhausted all legal means to alter the law, is a different matter! But at this stage we should not destroy all the goodwill that has been built up in public and official circles. We are in a democratic community and therefore, shall try to achieve our goal by democratic means. After all we represent 50% of the population and this cannot be waived aside by Parliament. We will not offend anybody or try to bulldoze our way through as long as we have legal means at our disposal. But this does not mean that we sit passively back. We will stand on our rights, there is plenty of room in New Zealand for people of different means of living or of different opinion to live side by side without interfering with each other.

Photo: Derek (N.S.S.)

I received several answers on a questionnaire we sent around the world in July. We received answers from the U.S.A. and from Germany. The reply of both countries was very similar and agrees very well with our own experiences.

Free beaches are established by usage, not by official recognition of the law.

In U.S.A. the free beaches are usually away from the thickly populated areas and police are not interested, they have more important things to do.

Press reaction is generally favourable. No identification is required to enter and use free beaches.

So you see here, establishing a free beach by usage may well be the answer to our problem without upsetting anybody.

That brings me to the beach at Pakiri and the proposed nudist resort. By the time you read this probably a lot more particulars are known. The owners are very keen to sell us their land and the establishment of a camp there could be a terrific boost to our movement: What is a more natural approach to nudism than to be on a beach and strip off to have a swim. Many people who would come there without being club members, will end up by applying for membership of a local club.

The very narrow minded attitude taken by some of the club members, that a free beach would draw the members away from a club, is in my opinion completely without foundation. But even if it was true, I like to ask them, what is more important a local club to lose a few members or to introduce hundreds of people to nudism and its benefits. Do not most clubs have in their rules, that the object of the club is to foster nudism. It does not say to protect the interests of a small group of people, who are trying to form a little closed community with the exclusion of others. These people should examine themselves very thoroughly and ask themselves if they have the interest of nudism as a whole or that they only have small egocentric interests at heart. But, as I said before, I think the establishment of a camp at a free beach will not draw members away from clubs, but will indeed bring more towards the club.

A nudist resort like this can be run by a limited company with share or debenture holders. By the time you read this we will know a great deal more and possibly we will have brochures with details of this venture and the money will be rolling in. Would it also be a solution to the more and more difficult task of organising a Rally? What about the next Rally on a property like this with a free beach and the sea at our disposal? This is not necessarily in the distant future.

Emiel Roland

kowhai
valley

This is a short history of the Kowhai Valley Club, with some notes indicating the problems and difficulties inherent in inaugurating a naturist club. It is hoped that these hints, derived from our club's experience, may be of assistance to any groups of people in New Zealand who may be contemplating the formation of such a club; and/or to those clubs already in existence, but lacking land of their own; and/or to established clubs thinking of incorporating.

Our original members were attached, at one time, to the Kaurimu Club. This, under the jurisdiction of that stalwart of nudism, Eric Flint, had its headquarters on the West Coast Road, Auckland. In the spring of 1968 these men and women migrated to a block of land in Quarry Road, a short turn-off from the Bethell's Road. They held an inaugural meeting at the end of December, 1968, with the object of forming and incorporating a new club altogether. A motion framed accordingly was duly passed, a name was chosen, application was made to the Assistant Registrar of Incorporated Societies in Auckland, and soon afterwards a Certificate of Incorporation was forwarded to us, in the name of the "Kowhai Valley Club Incorporated", dated January 7, 1969. It will therefore be noted that our club is not a completely new one, as is sometimes thought; it is now 3 years old - and even much older if we count in the long period when most of the same members were in the Kaurimu Club. It is only our present grounds that are comparatively recent.

From this time (January 1969), the club passed through a happy period - nevertheless rather a worrying time as well. The Quarry Road land was excellent for our needs in all respects: it had privacy, bush, ample parking spaces and, above all, a magnificent running stream - the Waitakere River that, further upstream, provided water for the Auckland City Council. We negotiated with the owner for purchase on a time-payment basis. However, the land was unduly expensive for our requirements. Its 15 acres had cost him such a large sum of money that he was reluctantly compelled to pass on its cost to the club as purchaser. In fact, being a keen and long-standing member (originally Kaurimu), he did actually bring his price down as far as he was possibly able but it still proved too big a hurdle for our finances at the time.

After a year or so there, the club moved to another block of land (this time 10 acres) only a few hundred yards away. Again, we did not own the land but were tenants on a yearly basis. The site was a little depressing, being down-hill into shady bush, and lacking any parking facilities whatsoever. I personally had a sensation of claustrophobia every time I visited it. But in its favour, it possessed two compensating factors: the self-same stream as on the former site, and a sympathetic owner who allowed us a most modest rental.

Then, almost imperceptibly, we were confronted with the difficulties that, in all probability, other infant clubs are now facing - or have faced in the past. I refer to the falling off of interest on the part of some members while on rented land. "Why", they reasoned, "should we spend our petrol, our labour and our money on land that belongs to another person, with the knowledge that we may have to vacate at any time?"

"Our committee was at all costs determined to rectify the position; therefore, after a year's occupation in 1970, three or four of us spent the entire winter of 1971 searching for land of our own. In our quest, we kept constantly in mind the dozen or so principal basic requirements for the site of a nudist club - area (neither too big nor too small); aspect (to receive maximum sun); water (important); adjacent power supply; elevation; sufficient flat land; native bush; easy access from road to the site; distance from average members' residences; privacy and screening; isolation from neighbours and from the public; parking facilities; and, of course, a suitable purchase price if at all possible. We travelled literally hundreds of miles, either singly or in couples or threes, inspecting one block after another - this either in answering advertisements, or in replies to our own advertisements.

For a long time, every property thus looked at, possessed many more disadvantages than advantages.

(It might be thought that the huge Waitakere area west of Auckland would contain an unlimited choice of suitable land; but this is far from being the case. Two very extensive areas have perforce to be excluded: the Auckland City Council Water Reserve and the Regional Authority Memorial Park - both many square miles in extent. Then when we exclude the cultivated farm lands and the half-acre or quarter-acre lots demanding a prohibitive figure, a surprisingly limited choice is available.)

Finally, the committee stumbled on a block of land of 10 acres plus, which in almost every respect would suit our purpose. (To find the absolutely perfect spot would be tantamount to a miracle - possible perhaps 30 years ago, but not nowadays, with land everywhere in such demand.) This block was isolated and private, at the end of a good metalled road, five miles from civilisation, with half an acre of level parking area right on the road (covered in bracken and gorse at the time, but since cleared and grassed). It had flat areas, sunlight, beautiful bush, and was situated at such an elevation that one could see right down to the West Coast beaches. The feature that prevented it from being the "perfect miracle" was that the stream was a good way down the length of the block; but this can be overcome in the near future by a pumping system.

We favoured this site immediately, and the next step was to enter into protracted negotiations with the owner, who, we found, was eager to sell. We agreed on a reasonable figure, so the committee at once went into a "huddle" to discuss ways and means of raising the necessary finance. This hurdle surmounted there began the long drawn-out preliminaries connected with local bodies controlling the area. We were first directed to obtain the consent of the four adjacent neighbours - North, South, East and West. This was tricky! Suppose they refused? Or only one refused? We would then be "sunk". However, to our relief, the relevant consents in writing were obtained willingly, though with an irritating delay consequent on the owner of one of the properties residing in Wellington.

The next procedure was to apply to the Town and Country Planning Committee of the same local body for permission to purchase the chosen block for use as a naturist club. The aforementioned Wellington resident had delayed so long in answering our letter that we just missed a meeting of the Town and Country Planning Committee, and when it finally, to our relief, consented, we again just missed a full meeting of the County Council to ratify the favourable decision. We were thus compelled to cool our heels for a further month.

However, all these set-backs were at last satisfactorily overcome, and we immediately proceeded with purchase through our solicitors. This was legally concluded by the beginning of August, 1971. Since then, in a matter of only twelve months, we have done wonders, as a perusal of the December and March issues of this magazine will indicate. Actual purchase of land has had the expected effect - a gratifying influx of likeable and welcome members with their children.

All the above details, possibly boring to Auckland naturists who have known us for some time, and to them not of sufficient importance to merit inclusion in the "N.Z. Naturist", are principally directed to readers further afield - for the benefit of younger clubs seeking land, and also for future clubs and enthusiasts who are just toying with the idea of forming a club, but are doubtful as to how to set about it. It is hoped that the vicissitudes experienced by our club, and the surmounting of them by patience, determination and tenacity on the part of our members may assist others to realise that "Rome wasn't built in a day". One point, however, needs stressing: the various local bodies scattered around this country may have differing regulations appertaining to formation of nudist clubs in their particular areas of jurisdiction. The local requirements would need to be obtained.

For the benefit of prospective clubs, or of existing clubs contemplating incorporation, they would be advised to contact their nearest district Assistant Registrar of Incorporated Societies*, requesting copies of two pamphlets: "Guide to the Incorporated Societies Act, 1908" - Part I, "Requirements before incorporation" and Part 2 "Requirements after incorporation".

Frank M. Price.

* The district offices are: Auckland, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Gisborne, Hamilton, Hokitika, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Wellington.

towards
an
under-
standing
of
new
zealand

When a New Zealander stops one's car for the sole purpose of giving one a bag of mushrooms, then meets one cheerily in the pub with the greeting "Pommie Bastard", then, as a word of farewell, exclaims "Hooray!" - what is an Englishman to do?

The car incident was soon after my arrival in the deep country.

The Kiwi was driving a flock of sheep. I marvelled at their number, having never before seen so many sheep in one place. I noticed also that New Zealanders always seemed to wear either gumboots or no footwear. A little while later when a terrible flood killed over 200 sheep on one local farm, the neighbours turned out in force, with tractors and bulldozers to pick up and bury the dead. The place was buzzing with tractors, yet no word of the cost was spoken.

New Zealand, having good soil and a reasonable climate, is in sharp contrast to several other countries I know. She seems to give far more than she takes. Once a neighbour asked me what I thought of the place. He rocked with laughter so as nearly to knock over his jug of beer when I replied "A nation of gentlemen" He probably didn't get my meaning of "gentleman," though he himself was an example.

Freedom is most essential. The serfdom which we avoided by the defeat of Hitler is not the only kind, for life as one out of over two million people in a great English city is in its own way degrading. Freedom in fact varies inversely with population. My skyline in England was prescribed by the outline of skyscrapers. There was never a time of clear, untrammelled sunlight. Often I flew over my city and saw the cloud of smog hanging over it like a pall of death. Why should one put up with this?

Added to the effluent of a great population are the added restrictions which limit freedom. Over-crowding means more aggressiveness, just as laboratory white mice become aggressive when their living quarters become too small. Crime, evasions and excessive taxation are the fruits of over-crowding, and so 'environment' seems to me important.

Philosophers have always contended that peace is in one's own soul and the surroundings are of no consequence. Thus, in ancient times, Marcus Aurelius said -

"They seek for themselves private retiring places, as country villages, the sea-shore, mountains; yea, thou thyself art wont to long much after such places. But all this thou must know proceeds from naïveté of the highest degree. At what time soever thou wilt, it is in thy power to retire into thyself and to be at rest and free from all business."

This may still be so, or perhaps urban pollution was not so bad in ancient Rome as in present-day Los Angeles or Birmingham. At any rate, New Zealand offers a place where, without being a great saint or ascetic, one can still find peace.

The language, however, must be understood. The problem began soon after the car incident when I was tree-felling in the bush. My friend had disappeared and when he returned and I asked him where he had been, he replied "Up in the pooha shooting pukekos" - which I understood to mean I had asked a silly question.

So, for the benefit of those newcomers who are accustomed to the Queen's English, here is a short glossary. But don't let the language deter you, if you like the surf and the sunlight.

Photo: Vergona 

DEADLINE FOR

MARCH ISSUE

20th JANUARY

baptism
into
nudism

Nudism for me is quite simply a natural human response to Nature's invitingly natural offer to fully enjoy the sun and the sea.

And this is how it all began.

It was war-time. A time of fear and tension; a time of living with the threat of dying - a constant fear that today might really be the last and tomorrow? - nothing but death and annihilation. 1940 and still the 'phony' war continued.

And that was the background.

We were all high school boys out on a little weekend rock- climbing and mountaineering venture on the slopes of 'The Cobbler' - a mountain overlooking the waters of Loch Long, a fiord some 45 miles from Glasgow.

We had arrived the morning before, after a tramp of some 15 miles from Luss - a small hamlet by the bonny banks of Loch Lomond, that we had reached by a 30-mile bus trip from Glasgow.

The Cobbler was a set of oddly-shaped, rocky peaks, somewhat in the form of a shoemaker with arm and hammer upraised over his work-last, and about 3,000ft high.

We had camped on the foot-slopes and spent many happy and challenging hours bounding over the summit slopes and battling up jagged mica-schist cracks and chimneys.

From the peaks we had watched naval squadrons of submarines perform dives and manoeuvres in the deep 15-mile-long fiord of Loch Long and seen torpedo dummies used in practice shoots from both subs and shore station.

However, the reality of study and a return to school was looming and we were, regretfully, descending the mountain, carefully wending a way down through boulder strewn slopes and boggy marshes and frightening the scruffy and scraggy hill sheep in the process.

It was July, pretty hot and still some 600ft from ground level; we were astonished to come across a beautifully concreted mountain pool of considerable size. We stopped to rest and before anyone could say 'Jack Robinson,' one of our group had stripped off and dived into the pool with a wild whoop.

This touched off a wave of enthusiasm and every single man- jack, including the group leader, was smitten. Clothes were tossed aside and, like a bunch of mad and happy tigers, we were plunging and wrestling around in the pleasures of a maiden nude swim.

We were revelling in a state of human ecstasy. In a spontaneous and purely elementary way, we had scaled the tree of truth in a fashion beyond the organised thought of scientist or philosopher- but!-we had quite forgotten the naval shore station beneath. Had we been thinking sensibly, we would have known that this must be their water supply-the domestic reservoir of the village below.

Suddenly there was a bang and a kind of Verey light rocketed and exploded above our heads. We looked far down the slopes and saw two security guards, with dogs, coming toiling up the slopes to get us. We realised that the shot had been fired by a Mrs Grundy - with a sense of both prudishness and hygiene! Dressing quickly, we shouldered our packs, and went to face the music. The guards met up with us and poured their righteous wrath on our wet heads.

Luckily we escaped with a stern telling-off and somewhat crestfallen, we trudged our 15 miles back to our bus but the tingling of our skins and the memory in our minds, has splashed down the years in a constant tide of refreshment.

the last
four years
at a.s.c.

Preface

The early history of this club has already been told in a previous edition of the NZ Naturist, but I would now like to tell of what has transpired from the end of 1967 to the present date. In doing so, I pay tribute to those who worked so hard in forming the club before this date and the very strong force of willing workers who have worked to achieve our present situation.

Down to Work

About November of '67 a group of us consisting of six new couples joined the club together. After a settling in period, we felt that a swimming pool could be built up near the existing club house at a modest cost. We persuaded the committee to make a decision. We wanted to dig a hole 3Oft by l5ft, lay polythene, build a wooden deck around it and fill it with water, that's all. First of all we needed some money to buy the plastic. Some bright spark said, "Why not have a bottle drive?" So we held one, and what a hilarious affair it turned out to be.

About ten cars with trailers descended upon New Lynn one Saturday morning. What would you say if a lady answering her door said, "What did you say it was for?" Some of us just came straight out with it, others just said "A.S.C. swimming pool fund" as quickly as they could and hoped like hell that they wouldn't ask again. One lady was so interested that she held us up for half an hour wanting to know more about the movement. All in all we made $105.92 for the effort. I think that if my memory serves me right, the pool cost us seven pounds of nails only. All the diggings from the pool went into enlarging the volley ball court.

I think that without a doubt, it was during the winter of '68 that the club really found its feet. It was the digging of the pool every Sunday that meant a number of members were always on the grounds. Gradually the active membership increased. At Labour Weekend we saw Gavin and Gaynor, complete with a toilet paper ribbon, officially open the pool.

With the increase of members coming to the grounds the driveway suffered. Something had to be done and the first of the concrete was poured and the car park was enlarged and metalled.

By Christmas 1969 we had finished levelling the volleyball court and what a job that was! We lifted all the topsoil first, levelled and filled, then replaced the topsoil. The result of this job proved itself at the National Rally held at A.O.H.C. one year later.

The Annual General Meeting of that year found us in the unusual position of having to restrict new membership, principally because of the size of the grounds. In the previous two years, active membership had doubled and now stood at 130 adults. Existing members came to the grounds more often - spurred on by the new sense of vitality evident in the club. A few older members were dismayed by all this disturbing activity and resigned. At the same time there had been a steady influx of new members.

The next project we got underway was the erection of temporary showers complete with a "wet back chip heater". This was carried out in readiness for A.S.C's first Youth Rally which was held at Christmas, 1969.

During the winter of 1970, electricity was the major project. Four poles and two hundred feet of three-foot deep trench all hand dug. When it was finally connected, we all agreed that it signalled the end of an era of gas cooking, primus lights, cold showers, candles, and all those things that go together to make camping more fun, and the beginning of familiarity breeding contempt. I must point out, however, that we've had no complaints from the women since. The clubhouse was renovated and the purchase of a second-hand pool filter was another worthwhile investment about this time.

It was also decided to erect a concrete block building, with an associated septic tank unit, to house four flush toilets and shower facilities. The first stage of this development is now complete.

Photo: A.S.C.

Photo: J. Gilmour

Another major project which is well under way is the reconstruction of our swimming pool. It was decided, after considerable deliberation, to rebuild the pool in more permanent materials and to enlarge it, at the same time incorporating a children's pool at one end. This project is well under way. Contractors were employed to excavate the new pool as it was felt that this was far too great a task to be tackled by hand. At time of going to press the floor had been poured and the sides had been built. By Labour weekend the pool will be in use and the finishing touches such as decking, hand-rails, steps, etc., will follow shortly afterwards.

All Work and No Play

During the whole of this time we held regular socials, inter-club visits, saunas, swim nights, camping trips, working bees (ooops- sorry), gold trips, beach excursions, and one visit en-masse overseas (Kawau Island in the gulf). These have all been reported in past magazines.

Afterthought

Looking back over this period I think that we all can take pride in our achievements for several reasons:

(1) Our membership has doubled and there have been very few resignations;

(2) all these projects have been achieved with only one increase in subscription, and in spite of a closed membership over the last two years;

(3) every club member has contributed to the common effort, whether by hard work, generous donations of cash or materials, or by enthusiastic support of the committee's progressive plans.

We have felt that many times we may have pushed too hard, but the above facts prove the contrary.

Post Script

When my wife and I first became interested in the movement, the brochure stated quite clearly that the nudist way of life was one of complete relaxation. How wrong it was, but then, nobody asked me to work, did they?

Lazy Bones Lane.

Photo: J. Gilmour

Photo: J. Gilmour

news from
the clubs
in new zealand

Tauranga Sun Club Inc.

Now that the sunny Bay of Plenty is basking under its usual super-quota of sunshine hours we can glance back to the cooler weather and bring you up-to-date on what has been happening in Tauranga. In August we re-elected Kath for a second term as President. (Is T.S.C. the only bastion of Women's Lib in our liberal N.Z. nudist movement?) This year we successfully used a postal system of secret ballot which ensured that a greater number of our, very widely spread "electorate" could have their say.

Our membership increased considerably during the winter and spring, mainly through inquiries from readers of the "N.Z. Naturist". Now that we have phone numbers at the local P.R.O. office for genuine inquiries I'm sure that we will be welcoming more sun lovers to the club. With our increased membership we have had to clear a little more of the scrub to provide more playing area and plans for installing a trampoline are on the way. If (I mean "when" of course) the A.R.A. allows free beaches in the Auckland area, we should be keen to start a similar arrangement for our Mount Maunganui beaches.

The club tried out the newly opened Japanese sauna rooms in October. This is opposite the Tauranga Fire Station (I hope that there is no special reason for this!) and is an innovation for Tauranga. A mixed sauna for non-nudists must have tremendous educational potential for removing the nude-phobia which affects a lot of our New Zealand society. Hopefully the sauna will become a regular event for the club, as it was very much enjoyed by those who went along.

Labour Weekend was again the opening weekend for the summer season. An extensive programme finishing with a barbecue tea was arranged. Waikato Outdoor Society members were out in force and there was keen competition for the Shield. The press were also invited.

To close this report from Tauranga Sun Club we hope that it will be a good summer for nudist activities, and especially for the National Rally at Auckland.

Wanganui Sun Club

Here we are again, the busy little club from the river city. Although we are not great in numbers we always seem to have something on the go.

We held the third "Swim-In" for this year and as the others proved so popular, we ran this one to open our drive for new members. Although the function was not quite so well attended, it was a good evening, two new units have already joined and one or two more have shown interest.

We were given good publicity over the radio, a mention on television, as well as a few mentions in the press. While we are in the public eye we are busy making news in order to keep the pot boiling for as long as we can.

At our A.G.M. a new team was elected. Our president remains the same, Peter Mac. The new vice-president is Grahame; Bernie is secretary and PRO. A really on-the-ball treasurer, Andrew, and a hard-working committee of Ian, Dawn, Gwyn, Adriene and Eric. The next night the committee met and tackled among other things the unpleasant task of raising the subscriptions. It had to be, as it is a long time since this was last done. The additional fees imposed are not considered excessive but are essential to enable better facilities to be provided and progress to be made.

A working bee was arranged for the following Sunday. and a lot of suggestions made to upgrade the temporary grounds were started. A new dam has nearly been finished that will give us a deeper swimming hole for adults and a shallower hole just above this for the children. With a general. clean-up of old logs, filling in of stagnant water pools, levelling of an area for sports, the cutting and marking of a tenniquoit and a miniten court and the improvements in spots for sunning will, we hope, make our grounds much more attractive to members.

The farmer has been approached and has offered to bulldoze a track down to a nice sheltered caravan and tent site. On Labour Weekend we hope to lower a toilet down to the lower flats and later we hope to have another small building erected where we can make a cuppa and sell soft drinks, fruit, etc. We have already a nice refreshing shower in the form of our waterfall. It is cold, but leaves a pleasant tingle. A barbecue pit is also planned.

A very enjoyable cocktail evening was held at our new vice-president's place. It wa a well attended and very pleasant evening.

If anyone wishes to join with us in our happy little club functions, Box 410 Wanganui will always get an answer.

Kowhai Valley Club Inc.

On glancing through newsletters of the various clubs that kindly send them to us, we find that they have all suffered this year from the frustrations of wet week-ends. Our club, being so high up in the mountains, has perhaps had more than its share of this type of misfortune. On the good days, our ground with its extensive view is so gloriously sunny and bracing that we can triumphantly quote the words of Alexander Selkirk in his reference to Robinson Crusoe:

"I am monarch of all I survey;

My right there is none to dispute..."

But too often, this last winter and spring, our survey of the landscape was reduced to a visibility of a hundred yards or so. Yet on occasions we were the fortunate ones, for on one historic Sunday in particular, most of Auckland city had steady rain, while we were experiencing a dry type of London fog which had nuisance value only, for it did not hinder our work for the day. Its sole disadvantage consisted of our inability to discern whether the wraith-like forms looming up out of the mist were members or gate-crasher vandals.

All this preamble serves to explain why we refrained from including club notes in the September issue, the deadline for which was 20th July. Round about that period, sloshing in gum boots and raincoats certainly did not provide material sufficiently interesting to include in the magazine.

Now, however, work is proceeding apace. We have erected a handsome toilet for the ladies, and surrounded it with a garland of flowers and ferns, these decorations a befitting honour to the fair sex. Other activities have included lawn- mowing, clearing more bush to extend the sunning areas, sowing grass seed, making rock walls, and so on. The tedious task of excavating an extensive area of soil for the site of our swimming pool is proceeding little by little as opportunity offers. An untiring band of workers tackles this each weekend.

We envisage the acquisition of four major amenities for our future timetable - purchase of a spacious swimming pool, construction of a toilet block, lining the clubhouse, and connecting up with electric power from a pole which luckily stands close by. As with all smaller clubs, every fresh step forward must take its due turn, depending on finance, manpower and spare time available. (Enthusiasm needs no mention; our club possesses it in plenty!)

Any readers of this magazine who are not as yet members of a naturist club, may care to contact us, either by letter to our box number as quoted on the last page of every issue, or by ringing one of the following numbers: Auckland 598-767, Auckland 83-663, Papatoetoe 82-521, or Henderson 46-447.

Northern Sun Seekers Inc.

Hello there, from the winterless north. Things are just getting into swing again after a relatively quiet period. The introduction of sauna evenings has been a big help in getting things moving. The sauna opened just recently and we were among the first customers. It looks as though the sauna trips will develop into a monthly feature of club activities, helping to keep club members in contact with each other out of season.

Work is almost complete on the clubhouse, featured in the last issue of the Naturist, and we have since built on a patio (a real sun-trap on windy days) and an enclosure in which mum can safely leave junior while she has a swim or game of volleyball. This enclosure will later be equipped with a sandpit and blocks, etc.

Membership is increasing steadily, but not really as fast as we would like, so we will be chasing the publicity along this season. A columnist on the local paper recently wrote a rather tongue-in-cheek (but favourable) yarn about nudist beaches and we responded with an invitation for him to come with us on our next beach trip. He accepted, so the resultant story should help to keep the pot boiling. We were also rather surprised to be asked Out of the blue to provide a speaker for a liberal studies class at a local girls' school a week or so ago. Val volunteered - with some trepidation - and thoroughly enjoyed herself, even offering to repeat the performance some time.

This type of person-to-person publicity is by far the best, and Val's talk was well received.

Shortly before that the local radio station decided on a telephone debate on the beach question which proved popular and generally favourable. Both the radio station and the local paper have proved to be very helpful with publicity - a blessing for those charged with publicising the movement.

Our annual meeting was held recently and the following officers were elected: President, Garry P.; vice-president, Peter; treasurer, Val; secretary, Kevin; committee, Barry C, Alby, Joy, Glenda.

Geyserland Sun Club (late Rotorua Sun Club)

At a recent meeting of the club it was decided to change the name of the club to "Geyserland Sun Club". We soon hope to change our grounds, and we thought the new grounds deserved a new name, and give the club a fresh start. "Te Waiora a Tane" was the name chosen for the actual grounds. Te Waiora a Tane meaning the fountain of youth seems very appropriate. The fountain is the bubbling pools, and the whole setting of the land suggests sun and health. Tane, the Maori God of forests and protector of birds and animals blends itself in with our belief, that we destroy nothing that is good and to preserve natural flora and fauna, and where possible even add to its beauty by adding, and replanting to make the setting of the grounds as close as we can to nature. I said we hope to change our grounds, our present land may be built on in the near future, and we have a new block of land sorted out that we would very much like, as it has all the natural thermal activity we could wish for; it lays naturally to the sun, with plenty of shelter from the prevailing wind. Our only holdup is the L.ands and Survey Department to whom we have made an application for a long term lease of a few acres of this land. Their reply was "it is not the department's policy to lease public reserve land to organisations which have a limited or restricted membership". There is no limit to our membership and the only ones we restrict from joining are the ones who more than likely are the minority who wouldn't appreciate the land for its real purpose. At present this land is a real wilderness, and is of no use to man or beast. It seems a shame that they will not let at least a few get pleasure, relaxation, and enjoyment out of making it a beauty spot that can be used not only by nature-loving New Zealanders, but also by overseas naturists who must visit this area as tourists.

One of the reasons of the success most clubs are finding in recent times with membership rapidly growing is the fact that more and more people are looking for a place where they can sneak off to a quiet placid spot away from the noise and rush of modern humanity for a few hours and get closer to nature and the beauty that is always associated with it. To spend a relaxed day at the grounds watching the clouds roll by, to listen to the songs of native birds, see the odd little sparrow with a straw flying past, a thrush tugging at a worm, even a thistle down sailing past on the breeze, all are doing their little job to keep the natural cycle in balance, and one will find to spend such a day will be more beneficial to mind and body than to spend a week in a crowded holiday camp.

Apart from our land troubles, our club has none. Our membership is steadily increasing, and for this summer anyway, we have the use of our present land which is ample for our needs even if we should double our membership this year.

In closing, the members of the Geyserland Sun Club wish all members of all clubs, a long summer, a merry Christmas, and the best for 1973.

P.S.: If any reader has any suggestions re the lease of this land a letter to P.O. Box 491 Tokoroa, would be appreciated.

Southern Sun and Health Club Inc.

Hi folks! We thought it about time a note appeared in the club news from the southernmost club in New Zealand. We had dropped back to the 'old Hardies' the last few years, but I am pleased to announce an influx of keen new members now. We have just purchased a section at the beach, the ground either side belonging to members, so with a large advertising campaign on hand and enthusiastic members, we hope to progress and really develop. The bush site has been retained too, so local and country members can still enjoy the sun if cloud or cold southerly winds discourage a visit to the beach.

The remark that a certain club was not present at the half yearly meeting did not go unnoticed and a valiant effort is being made to have some members attend the next rally. Visitors and friends are always welcome down south.

Gisborne Sun Club

With our usual Gisborne spring, interest and energy are on the increase at the grounds. We must point out, though, for those contemplating visiting Gisborne during this summer, that although there is parking space, as yet we can promise no other facilities.

We are looking forward to the N.Y.C. visit to Ruatoria and assure them that the wood-box is slowly being filled!

The social committee is in the process of organising our annual Halloween "Cover-in", this gathering being always enjoyed by all.

Canterbury Sun Club

We have had an active winter, thanks to our social organisers. We began with a well-attended party, at which we were tactfully introduced to the basic manoeuvres of square dancing, and skipped and jerked to a professional jazz band. We went on a trip to Hanmer Springs, where we were fattened with a barbecue and slowly pickled in the hot pool. At the South Island Mini-Rally we played volleyball and squash, and were roasted in a sauna, slapped and kneaded on a massage table, and again tactfully introduced to the basic manoeuvres of square dancing. After which we so enjoyed the supper that we were gasping for air.

At our opening day this spring we celebrated the Club's nineteenth birthday by having afternoon tea, with a large and well-made birthday cake.

Believing that no work and all play makes Jack a spoilt boy, we have done a tidy bit of work on the Club grounds at the monthly working bees. The best thing about a working bee is the cakes and ale that are served at the end; on one occasion, instead of European good cheer, one of our Chinese members served oodles of noodles.

Our fund-raising committee has been very enterprising in organising a raffle, and the first prize, a caravan, is worth a large investment ticket-wise. We are delighted by the co-operation that we are getting from other clubs in the selling of tickets.

Palmerston North Sun Club Inc.

Now into the summer Lake Downs is enjoying a big influx of members and visitors. Our A.G.M. in September sent the club into a busy summer. Palmerston North Club can justly claim to be a main centre club in the sunbathing movement. We are the only club in New Zealand so centrally situated. There is easy access to us from all over the North Island. Just 2- miles off the main highway, we are all very proud of our grounds in a natural warm coastal belt. All of Lake Downs 18+ acres can be used and will be as we expand.

This year the club had a weekend in which members could bring their friends. Also the public could write in for an invitation to visit the club. The weekend was a success. Palmerston North Club is nearly three years old and in this time we have formed our own policy. The success of the club proves this.

If you would like to join a main centre club in the country setting, the one that is different, why not join us at LAKE DOWNS. A letter to our Secretary at P.O. Box 980, Palmerston North will receive a quick reply.

Photo: Joe Smith

Auckland Outdoor Health Club Inc.

By the time this magazine comes out the National Rally, to which "Oranui" is host this year, will be in full swing. We'll have come together from all over the country, met old friends and made new ones and enjoyed ourselves in the sunshine.

However, now that the decision of the Town and Country Planning Appeal Board to declare our grounds "Private Open Space" has given "Oranui" secure tenure, planning for development in the future is of the first order.

The sheer size of our grounds and membership will no doubt be a major consideration with respect to the direction of this planning and proposals for a lounge-sauna-showers-kitchen- recreation area and gymnasium under one roof and many other ideas are being pondered over.

Meanwhile others are quietly working away at acquiring land further north, with the idea that access to a beach might be made possible.

The N.Y.C. group in Auckland gave a Dine and Dance party in October in order to raise funds for their own Rally in Ruatoria and in doing so showed us a thing or two. The party was a "humdinger", a financial success and - we hope - the forerunner of many more N.Y.C. ventures.

Photo: Joe. Smith

Sir,-It has come to our notice in the last couple of months that the N.Z.S.A. has it in mind to set up a junior organisation called Youth Nudist Club. Not only this, but it looks as though our club here in Auckland might be thinking of allowing this separate club to use our facilities. I would like to say that we speak with 14 years' experience of nudism and have seen our club grow from nothing to its present standing. I would also like to say that we both like children and teenagers, but they don't seem to know their place nowadays, and I must say they seem to have no moral fibre. I am sure I speak for a great many adult sun lovers when I say let them leave us in peace to enjoy the fruit of what we have worked hard for. Why can't they be satisfied with their own clubs, like Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. No one is stopping them joining us when they reach twenty-one. Worried, Auckland.

Sir,-With reference to "Wanted - A Wife", Edition No. 64, Sept. 1972. If the writer has too many takers for him to handle, I would be very pleased if he would pass a few on to me.

I have been a nudist for more years than I care to remember. I have never married, but not for the want of trying, but it seems to be impossible to find a true nudist female and I can't bring myself to give it up now.

I am aged 50; I rent a small cottage in the grounds of the Wellington Sun Club.

If our friend cannot help me, can I place an advert in the New Zealand Naturist for a wife?

Lionel Jackson.

Sir,-This letter, unfortunately is a complaint about the quality of print reproduction. Although you have many excellent photographs listed in your credits, the prints in the magazine lack the lustre that they should have. My small effort of four, though not of the standard of your better photographers were disappointing. You have had prints in and are no doubt vexed. Say what you like, photographers are egotistical and, as such would not be happy to have their creations exhibited in any but the best possible way. Can you do something about it? Can we do anything? The prints I sent were darker than normal. Should they be on harder paper? If we do that won't we lose our half-tones and burn the lighter areas? There were two excellent photos in the last May (No. 64) which I liked but both of them were deliberately photographed in contrasting light.

Michael P.

letters
to the
editor

Sir,-A letter, which "Tony" of A.O.H.C. wrote earlier this year deserved an earlier reply from me. My apologies Tony, especially as you threw kindly comments my way concerning the poem.

You may have realised the error in the third to last line (probably my writing gave the Editor a headache!) where "limbed" should have read "limned". This illuminates the conclusion of the poem more surely, but the usage is correct so my textbooks and other references show.

Excuses for being late - sorry, I just have none! There is a further matter, a chip on my shoulder this time. In Issue No. 64 there were, in my opinion, 6 photos or illustrations only remotely concerned with nudism or naturism. It is possible that some people in the nudist fraternity equate nudism with nudity - I do not! The two words are not synonymous and the photographs are turning towards a mode of life more akin to the voyeur or an adolescent from a sex offenders' school. We enjoy a great deal of freedom now in that our magazine is reaching more people in New Zealand, and in several countries overseas. It is about the only magazine which I would show to any of my friends or acquaintances and back up my possession of it with reasonable arguments - my homework on nudism was done almost 4 years ago.

Is it editorial policy to throw every friendly link we have with the public, local bodies, school committees, sports' clubs, etc., in jeopardy just to satiate the minds of less fortunate people who slobber, masturbate, assault, rape, and add what you will to that short list!

The ball is in your court for a time. Play it honestly for the sake of the continued existence of what should be a decent and suitable recreation for the infant, for Mum and Dad, and for the whole damn lot of us.

Derek (N.S.S.)

Sir,-I recently received my copy of the N.Z. Naturist No. 63, and to me this is one of the best and most colourful books available and is most certainly a compliment to the movement. I have always been proud to show it to interested people; until this copy.

I am referring to the photograph on page 5 depicting a group of mixed adults drinking beer.

The nudist movement's public image has always been far from secure. I am sure that most people in the various clubs around N.Z. have had the reactions at one time or another that the nudist movement is just an excuse for boozy parties and free sex. An ignorant attitude, I agree, but then most prejudice is based on ignorance and because of this is very difficult to break down.

A lot of very good public relations work has gone into giving the movement the good image and general public acceptance that it has, until recently, enjoyed.

Until recently, I have always countered the more dubious questions with the facts that the naturist movement is a family thing for sun and health and that, besides, "alcohol is prohibited on the club grounds". This usually helps to undermine the pre-conceived notions of the uninitiated.

It would seem that I was misinformed concerning drink in nudist clubs, as it seems that it is already established in some clubs and indeed, there is a strong pressure group campaigning for it in our own club.

I believe that our image is important and that the presence of alcohol on the club grounds is definitely detrimental to this image. Future membership is very dependent upon our public image and I believe that anything which is likely to tarnish it should be banned. Surely people should be able to spend four or five hours on a Sunday without alcohol.

I feel that the photograph referred to above is not helping any as there are many in the general public who could misinterpret. I realise that it is just a photograph of a Sunday social drink, but I feel that you should carefully consider before printing any subsequent pictures on this subject. In fact, I hope that all the clubs concerned will reconsider their decisions regarding alcohol on the club grounds.

James I., Wellington.

Unfortunately this letter arrived too late for publication in our September issue. We would most certainly be interested in other readers' views on this subject, especially in view of Joe's photograph printed on page 7 of No. 64-Editor.

Sir,-As the object of all sun clubs is to make the most of the daylight hours, why not increase our ration of sun and fresh air by one hour per day.

This has been done in England and on the Continent for the last half-century or more on a general scale. They say in New Zealand that "it can't be done".

Here is one way to prove that it can be done. By having on our sun clubs "Sun Club Time", which is one hour later than the normal time, we can have daylight until 8 o'clock at night, instead of seven. Any functions during the day can easily be geared to the new "Sun Club" time, i.e. lunch hours 12 to 1 Sun Club time (true time 11 to 12), barbecue and sing song 8 to 9pm Sun Club time (true time 7 to 8pm).

All it means in effect, is that you get up in the morning one hour earlier, and go to bed one hour earlier.

If we could start the ball rolling in our sun clubs, I feel sure the rest of the country would want to follow suit.

What do you readers think of it?

John H. Worth, Rotorua.

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Sir,-As I am a relative newcomer to the nudist world I was asked by the N.Y.C. youth liaison officer if I would like to go to a fund-raising buffet dance put on by N.Y.C. at the Auckland Outdoor Health Club headquarters. With some mixed feelings I said yes. Some three weeks later the big day arrived and three members of the P.N.S.C. set off for Oranui. I, not knowing what to expect and my two companions (N.Y.C. members) knowing what to expect, but hoping it was going to be as good as other N.Y.C. functions they had been to. So after a few minor mishaps and 8 hours of night driving, we arrived at A.O.H.C. at 1.30 p.m. Saturday to be greeted by what I can only describe as hundreds of worker ants, one of which bounced forward and said "Hi I am Tony". My two companions who were already known were greeted with hugs and kisses and thank goodness I only got a hand shake. In between Tony saying Mike meet so and so, he was rushing round like a scalded cat and at 2 a.m. Sunday morning he was still going just the same. I honestly don't know where all the energy came from, it must be N.Y.C. spirit. Well their hard work was well rewarded. It was a terrific do - the buffet was equal to any I have ever been to. There was ample food to go round and I don't think anyone went hungry and for me, 12 hours without food was well worth it. All the decorations and food were prepared by the N.Y.C. with the assistance of one oldie. I hope she will excuse the term oldie but she was over 25 and I can't for the life of me remember her name. I am sure others had a good time, too. Many thanks to those who got out of bed to give us a push (as we had a flat battery) at 8.30 a.m. Sunday. So once again N.Y.C. - a good job well done. Show the oldies what N.Y.C can do.

Mike, P.N.S.C.

Sir,-Re September issue of the N.Z. Naturist, No. 64, page 11. Did "Ramac" supply signed model releases. Joe Smith, A.S.C.

No! He knows where to draw the line-Editor.

Sir,-I am a young married member of the Hawkes Bay Sun Club. My husband and I think your magazine is very good, but please let me say this about it.

All the young women pictured have their lovely genitals obscured by thick pubic hair. This looks fine and masculine on men, but I think, looks ugly on women.

Myself and many other women go to the trouble of keeping our genitals free from hair (which is far more comfortable, too), but we never get our photographs published.

So could you please print more pictures of care-free, hair-free females like me?

Mrs J.A. (H.B.S.C.)

We can only print the photographs submitted to us and we receive very few photographs of ladies who have removed their pubic hair, so the answer lies with yourself Mrs J.A.-Editor.

Photo: R. Hitchcock

Sir,-As a nudist I applaud the efforts of Aucklanders to get the idea of a free beach circulating with as much good publicity as possible. There is one aspect of a "free" beach which I would like to emphasise. It is "that nudists don't want exclusive use of the beach, they merely want a beach where they can swim without danger of prosecution" (N.Z. Herald 12.7.72); and we don't mind at all if others want to swim in the same area with clothes on.

However, the Bay of Plenty Mirror (12.7.72) in a feature article on nudist beaches, drew attention to the fact that "the demands by nudists for their own little corner of paradise (i.e. beach) to be set aside for their exclusive use and enjoyment". So there still exists some confusion on the idea of a free beach which is not helped by inaccurate press reports.

With the National Rally being held in Auckland this year we want all the good publicity we can get.

Stephen S. (T.S.C.)

news from
the clubs in
australia

Mowana Northern Rivers Club, N.S.W.

Firstly, I think I had better give an explanation on our name. "Mowana" is an Aboriginal word meaning sun. The rest of the name is the area in which we operate, meaning that from the Clarence River here at Grafton to the Queensland border in the north. This area has been known by that name for many years; before that it was known as Far North Coast of N.S.W. Of course, that doesn't mean that our members must come from that area. We have members from Queensland as well as some from the inland tablelands. Our membership now stands at 24 adults and 15 children.

The club was officially formed on Saturday 15th April, at a special meeting called for that purpose, 13 adults being in attendance. On this night the club committee was elected for 12 months. Half-yearly meeting on 17th June was when the club constitution was presented to the members and approved.

At present we are a club without a property, but we hope to be able to correct that very soon. We have inspected some places, one of which would have been suitable but we could only have it on lease and there would have been too much work to be done for only that purpose. Another property was within our price range per small acreage, but the owner would only consider selling the lot of 1400 acres, so we just couldn't do anything about it at all

We have a few secluded spots around the area which we use now and then. Two are at beaches and one is at a waterfall out in the bush. We have found another place just recently where we can get our cars right on to the sunbathing area; this is on unused Crown land well out in the bush on a seldom-used by-road. The only problem with this place is that there isn't a place to swim; the only drawback really. Incidentally, right next door to this place there is some private property which would make an excellent club site, is thick bush like the Crown land and has a large clearing in the middle, also a small creek down the far end. We are going to trace the owner of same and see if we can purchase approximately 20-30 acres of this. It is situated only 15 miles from town and would be central for all concerned.

Our plans when we get a place is to construct mini-ten courts, then a place to cool off, which in this climate is necessary.

Of our 24 members 16 are country members of clubs in Brisbane, Newcastle and Sydney, so we have a good grounding for the start.

It is the policy of our club that all applicants must fill in an application form, thence be interviewed by an interviewing committee. If found genuine they must then have a trial visit on one of our outings or in the future at the club grounds. At present there is a limit on single members allowing us two males and two females, the male limit being filled, but we feel that once we get our property this limit will be altered slightly.

Today, we inspected a property that some of our members have just purchased and they have offered us the use of one of the gullies over the back of the property. This will have to be discussed by the members concerned and not dealt with by the committee.

An outing to the waterfall will be held tomorrow as well as the following Sunday (long weekend in this state). The waterfall we go to involves a trek along the rocks of the ravine and is a little rough at times, but once there the effort is worth the trek. Large pools of clear, cool, running water and ample sunbathing places on nearby rocks. Some pools are over 10 feet deep and others are only waist deep for those who don't like to get out of their depth.

Sir,-In Issue No. 64 (Sept.) under "News from Australian Clubs" appeared a poem "Wanted-A Wife". But to me, there didn't seem to be an acknowledgment of the poet who wrote it. Although it appeared under River Valley Sun Club news, there was a definite line dividing the news from the poem.

As a member of River Valley Sun Club whilst living handy to it during my stay in Australia, I knew Keith D very well, and also knew that, as he was single, and looking for a wife, he wrote this poem himself and published it in his newsletter.

River Valley Sun Club (Victoria) was referred to as "the Drive-in Nudist Club" because you could virtually drive in, and join up, pay your membership and caravan fees, and stay for the holiday. There was also motel-like units there for those that didn't have a caravan or tent.

Because the club grounds were bounded by the Goulburn River, the mosquitoes were very prolific and more so after the flooded river had gone down and left a lot of small pools everywhere. The river gum trees abounded in parakeets and, of course, the inevitable kookaburra's were everywhere.

Keith had a battery of lawn sprinklers which were kept going all the time because if not, with the excessive heat and lack of rainfall (l8in a year), the grass would have just frizzled away. All through the Goulburn Valley the biggest percentage of land is under "irrigation" because of that lack of rainfall.

Anyway, it was nice to see some news of a club that I had belonged to in Australia.

J.H., Tauranga Sun Club.

Naturi, N.S.W.

It gives me very much pleasure to describe the progress that has been made with our clubhouse at "Naturi", but it would be a good idea to describe the location of its situation. The club area is situated in beautiful bushland. On the NorthWestern perimeter is a semi-circular rocky ridge which constitutes the boundary on this side with the grounds sloping slightly downward to a stream of fresh running water on the South-Eastern side. At the top of that slope and just below the rocky ridge is the site chosen for the clubhouse. It is a majestic situation and overlooks all the activities that occur within that area. Standing on the clubhouse portico one can look down the slope and see mingling with the trees and shrubs the sauna building and the tiled shower room and adjacent to that the septic toilet block and nearby the Bar-B-Q area. Over on the left are the two miniten playing areas with their "rockery surrounds" and at this time of the year it is a blaze of colour with various flowers in full bloom. In front of this playing area is the main lawn for sunbathing approx. 80ft by 60ft. Beyond the lawns can be seen the big swimming pool, 30ft in diameter, holding 80 tons of water and alongside is the children's pool both sparkling in the sunshine.

An area was cleared and 24 brick piers on concrete bases were positioned. The bearers and joists were all levelled.

The frames for the ends and sides followed. The timber for the roof was positioned and this gave us the framework for a clubhouse 3lft 6in by l6ft 3m. The exterior was lined with masonite prior to being covered with Fibro cement sheets of the imitation weatherboard type. Pine boards were used on the floor. As I mentioned before the ground slopes away from the rear of the building so it was necessary to construct a kind of patio about 4ft high with steps leading up to it to gain access to the clubhouse; this will later be replaced by a verandah. Large louvred windows have been added. Quite a lot of the material used was salvaged from Len's old Soltan Club but all the new materials such as timber for the roof and floor, most of the fibro, window frames, glass louvres and other incidentals have been supplied by our proprietors and cost quite a tidy sum of money. There is still quite a lot to do but our main objective has been achieved; we now have shelter in the inclement weather. We can gather together instead of packing up and disbanding as so often happened in the past. The proprietors have asked me to extend a hearty welcome to all bona fide members from New Zealand who contemplate a visit to Australia, and the club has vacancies for couples and families. For enquiries send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to P.O. Box 11, Berowra. 2081.

National N.Y.C. Notes

Fantastic! I guess that's the only way you could describe the Auckland N.Y.C's efforts towards their. buffet dinner and dance - what a tremendous occasion! Not coming from Auckland myself, I was totally unprepared for the amount of activity that abounded - we must be a little sluggish down south!

A great deal of imagination and local foliage was used in the decoration of the clubhouse and although the guests were spilling out on to the lawn, the whole atmosphere was one of total relaxation and enjoyment, apart from (of course) the frantic rush to sample the beautifully prepared and laid out dinner. I can understand everyone wanting to be in first, but wanting and getting were obviously two different things. The variation on the theme "Oranges and Lemons" left a few females with either a whisker rash or a bra full of orange juice, but I did admit later after I'd squeezed mine out that it was super fun.

Thanks to the hundred or so people that patronised the function - it was fully appreciated and congratulations to those - N.Y.C. and others - who were involved in the organisation - it took a great deal of effort and we're all glad that you were rewarded by the fantastic attendance.

There's not much news from other N.Y.C. branches round the country. Wanganui are doing some quiet recruiting through their "Splash-In's" they hold - a great way to encourage the younger set! Palmerston North are going fine - hoping to repair their hut which is rapidly succumbing to the elements, it's just a matter of beating the borer!

Just a little reminder to say that the Youth Rally is rapidly approaching. Please get those replies in as soon as possible so we can plan for the number anticipated.

Best of luck to all the branches - see you at Ruatoria!

The Auckland Nudist Youth Club

Involvement has been the way to success for the N.Y.C. here in the Auckland arena.

Ever since we got together back in June to establish the Nudist Youth Club in Auckland, the path we've travelled has been one of many interesting experiences. As most action develops, a small group of young bare bods raised the N.Y.C. sails and shared thought caught the wind. We banded together as an organising committee.

Try finding all the potential N.Y.C. members in your club for a get-together in the middle of winter! We did it. And the result was a meeting of 25 young people of varying ages, all keen to make something of N.Y.C. in Auckland.

Winter brings with it a distinct lack of sunshine so we found ourselves tripping off to places like the local ice-rink, the hot pools at Helensville and many, many visits to a Sunday night sauna bath at a favourite haunt in the heart of the city. Winter was kind to us the day we all zoomed north to Helensville for fun at the hot pools. The 30-mile drive up was soaked in sunshine and the rolling green countryside was quite a picture.

Back to Henderson and more of a fun time at A.O.H.C's clubhouse. A mass 'eat-in' followed by a dance, followed by a 'sleep-in'. A great day! Next morning after breakfast and a clean up we made a sizeable addition to an A.O.H.C. working bee. It was an ideal opportunity to show our appreciation for the loan of their clubhouse.

July 15th - out with the wheels again and our big tent, this time bound for Matamata and the N.Z.S.A. half annual general meeting. It was an event that proved to be quite a milestone for N.Y.C. nationwide. We left Matamata with the confidence of the N.Z.S.A. behind us, memories of good times with our friends from other N.Y.C. branches and a determination to make N.Y.C. a great youth club to belong to.

Saturday October 7th was a time to dance, feast, make merry and make money. We staged a buffet-dance for the adults. Thanks to the support of A.O.H.C. and A.S.C. on the night we made a profit of $130.00!!! This money will help finance our youth rally in Ruatoria. We're probably heading in that direction while you're reading this magazine.

N.Y.C. Auckland welcomes new members (13- 25) from A.O.H.C., A.S.C and Kowhai Valley. If we haven't contacted you and you're interested in joining us, please get in touch now via your club secretary. Those outside the movement with genuine inquiries may write to our Wellington box number in the back of this magazine.

A closing word of inspiration to N.Y.C. branches throughout the country getting started this summer... accept the fact that if anyone else can be successful, so can you, but a conviction is a useless abstract thing unless it stimulates action. Words and thought are not enough.

MINITEN BATS (As used at A.O.H.C.)

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"MINIBATS"

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Tenniquoits

Mens Singles

1st..............................

2nd..............................

3rd..............................

Ladies Singles

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Mens Doubles

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Ladies Doubles

1st..............................

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3rd..............................

Mixed Doubles

1st..............................

2nd..............................

3rd..............................

Junior Doubles

1st..............................

2nd..............................

3rd..............................

Table Tennis

Mens Singles

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3rd..............................

Ladies Singles

1st..............................

2nd..............................

3rd..............................

Mens Doubles

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Ladies Doubles

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Mixed Doubles

1st..............................

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3rd..............................

Mini-Ten

Mens Singles

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2nd..............................

3rd..............................

Ladies Singles

1st..............................

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3rd..............................

Mens Doubles

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3rd..............................

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Swimming

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Junior

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ACROSS

1. One of a dozen
5. Heaped
8. Sharpen
9. Advent
10. Spicy Tale (Anagram)
12. Skill
13. Display
14. Served up
17. The Heavens
18. Coronations
20. Pleasant
21. Not Day
23. Tree
24. Tortoise

DOWN

1. Jokes
2. And not
3. Put on
4. Annual
5. Ward off
6. Biblical Monster
7. Thin
11. Worm Catcher (5, 4)
13. Corridor
15. Batting Spell
16. Secret
18. Tossed by Scots
19. Fight (3, 2)
22. Black Wildebeest

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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