#  68 - September 1973 

THE  N.Z.  NATURIST

Editor in Chief

John H. Gilmour

Business Manager

Charles Selwyn

Copy Preparation

Editorial Committee

Advertising Representative

Barry Hill

Business Manager and Editorial Office

P.O. Box 2925, Auckland

President

Russell Delacour, Christchurch

Vice-Presidents
 

Jock Shoolbread, Auckland
Geoff. Allen, Christchurch

Secretary-Treasurer

Joan Treanor, Wellington

Public Relations Officer
& Overseas Correspondent

Kess van den Bosch, Auckland

Youth Organiser

Kathy Wyeth

"New Zealand Naturist"
Editor

John H. Gilmour

Business Manager

Charles Selwyn

Delegates representing all clubs

editorial

In this issue we introduce two new clubs, one of which has been provisionally affiliated. Two other clubs, previously listed in our club directory have also been accepted for provisional affiliation. This means that we now have twenty-one clubs listed in this magazine, that is about seven clubs per million population, nowhere near enough if all those people who are sympathetic to our way of life decided to join us.

In the report on the half annual meeting at Taupo you will read that three clubs have been granted provisional affiliation, two of these have already been listed in our club directory page for some time but the third (Aurora) is a completely new club, and we have an article from them telling us how they came about. We also have some club notes from the South Auckland Club, not yet affiliated to the N.Z.S.A. but rising fast.

In an article about Tindo Club in South Australia there is a very good report on their function to celebrate World Naturist Day. I think they should be commended for their enterprise and I feel we have allowed our friends across the Tasman to overtake us in the matter of public acceptance. Next year World Naturist Day is on 10th February, let’s hope we can do a little more to celebrate it than we did in 1973. The Australians have also established a free beach in Darwin. I understand this is mainly due to the efforts of members of the Darwin Sun Club, well done Strines, keep up the good work.

Following on Doug Cousins report in the last edition of his holiday in Australia with Norm, we are giving you a follow up this time with his impressions of nudism in Australia.

For those readers who are planning to attend the next rally at Wellington we have an article on community cooking the Auckland Sun Club way. If you were at the last Rally at Oranui you will have seen just how successful this can be and you have all the spring to give it a try and get into practice. There is really nothing to it, all you need, in my opinion, is a genius or two in the club to do the organisation, the rest just falls into place (with a little help).

John H. Gilmour

taupo
meeting
report

The second half annual meeting of the New Zealand Sunbathing Association was held on 3rd June, 1973. The venue was the Spa Hotel, Taupo and the meeting was attended by six members of the executive committee and fourteen club delegates. There was also a large number of observers.

The meeting was opened at mid-morning by the national president of the N.Z.S.A., Russell Delacour, and after general introductions had been made there was one minute of silence in respect for the late Gavin Robieson, past president.

The fourteen clubs represented were: Auckland Outdoor Health Club Inc., Auckland Sun Club Inc., Waikato Outdoor Society Inc., Hawkes Bay Sun Club Inc., Gisborne Sun Club Inc., Palmerston North Sun Club Inc., Taranaki Naturist Club Inc., Wellington Sun Club Inc., Wanganui Sun Club Inc., Nelson Sun Club Inc., Canterbury Sun Club Inc., Nudist Youth Club, Tauranga Sun Club Inc., and Geyserland Sun Club.

Apologies were received from Geoff Allen, South island Vice- President and also from Kowhai Valley Club Inc.

The Treasurer presented a financial report which revealed that the Perc Cousins Trust Fund stands at $745.66.

The Business Manager's report presented a glowing picture of a very healthy magazine. Outlined in this report were some of the many problems and difficulties which he had to overcome in the day to day management of our official journal.

The Editor's Report covered many topics including circulation, distribution, finance, and other related subjects. Arising from the Editor's report was the fact that the magazine had lost the services of Joe Smith as official magazine photographer and there was some discussion on the subject of magazine photography. Unfortunately the meeting was unable to appoint a successor to Joe.

It was agreed to recommend to the next A.G.M. that there be appointed a full-time paid Editor. This was the result of a long discussion and the subject was thoroughly debated before the decision was reached.

The Public Relations Officer presented a report of progress made since his appointment. He stressed the importance of keeping him informed of local events and asked for the co-operation of all clubs.

There was discussion on a variety of topics including rally photography and photographers, N.Z.S.A. levy increase, free beaches, communication between free beach committee and clubs, national raffles, country members of clubs, N.Y.C. affiliation.

Provisional affiliation was approved for Aurora Sunseekers of Dunedin, the South Canterbury Sun Club from Timaru and Nudist Youth Club (N.Y.C.).

The Public Relations Officer moved a vote of thanks to the chair for a very successful meeting.

This was a very good meeting with an excellent atmosphere throughout and one could not help noticing the rapport between the clubs.

Geyserland Sun Club extended an invitation to everybody to visit their grounds on the day following the meeting and a very pleasant day was enjoyed by a large contingent of delegates and observers.

free
beaches

My usual article about the free beaches will not be very long this time. The reason is very simple, lack of news. Our submission is going through the mills of the government. These mills are grinding slowly but surely somewhere our submission is considered among the many other submissions. We cannot do a thing about it. It is hoped that by the time you read this the proposals for the alterations to the Police Offences Act will have been presented to Parliament.

Many people have asked me if there is anything they can do in the meantime.

There are a few things that individual clubs can do. They can have preliminary discussions with members of the local bodies, to test their feelings, to see what action will be required if and when our proposal becomes part of the law.

These discussions can only be preliminary as long as we do not have the backing of the law. But in this way we can prepare ourselves for the official approach and no time will be lost. Think now about the difficulties that could be encountered. For example, how do we prevent hooliganism? How do we keep our image of serious and responsible nudists? Does the answer lie in the appointment of honorary wardens chosen from our membership? If so what powers should they have?

A close co-operation between a club and the local police department is obviously necessary. Go to see the local or district chief inspector and talk things over with him. They are usually very understanding. Also an approach to your local Member of Parliament can have several advantages. He will understand the nudist code of living and behaviour better if he is informed. This could influence his voting in Parliament and benefit the club in general.

It is obvious that we do not have to sit still and wait, there is still a lot we can do in anticipation of a favourable decision by Parliament.

Emiel Roland.

my
australian holiday
- part 2

What were my impressions on this Australian trip? Undoubtedly the most pronounced was the very noticeable friendliness of the Australian club members. I feel that in this they are far ahead of us Kiwis. For many years I have been concerned at the lack of interest many of our club members seem to take in visitors and new members. I have even known of cases of people not making a second visit because nobody spoke to them. I suggest members give some thought to this as a friendly word or an enquiry could help ease "first visit butterflies" or help make visitors feel more welcome.

Secondly, Australian clubs seem to have no rubbish problems. Members have to take their own rubbish away with them. On a special day such as the Christmas Party general rubbish was all put into one container for removal.

Australian club members appear still to be very reticent when it comes to letting outsiders know of their interest in nudism. The real trouble as I see it is that the clubs do not have adequate public relations. This needs a lot of improvement locally and nationally.

Many of the clubs we visited seem to have adopted caravans for overnight stay. Cabins were few. It seems that despite the arid conditions Australian clubs have little bother over water. Wells and springs abound in the rocky terrain. In the Townsville area, for example, enormous amounts of water are pumped from bores to irrigate sugar cane crops. One such farmer we met was pumping 24,000 gallons an hour just for irrigation, 24 hours a day!

There was a lot of publicity last year on Australia's first free beach. But it seems the press had a field day in blowing up the whole story entirely out of proportion - and a long way from the truth. I believe that Rosco had the use of a beach near Newcastle, apparently with the consent of the local authority. Last year, when the movement was coming more into the open, Rosco elected to try to get this beach as a free beach for the public. The result was a refusal but the press somehow got hold of the opposite idea. Now the Police have stated that anyone found nude on the beach is liable to prosecution.

A trip similar to ours is one which other club members on both sides of the Tasman may consider. It is a good way to see the country and visit clubs, however, some points to note are:

1. Traffic laws are basically the same, but there are variations - particularly the right-hand rule.

2. The system of accommodation in the two countries differs.

(a) Motels in N.Z. are fully equipped with everything you need except the food but are not so in parts of Australia.

(b) Hotels in Australia are often bed and breakfast, and some have well equipped kitchens where you can prepare your own meals whereas N.Z. hotels are not like this.

3. I would suggest anyone intending to travel should find out all these things well in advance.

We repeat our sincere thanks to our friends across the Tasman for helping to make our holiday so pleasant and trust that those members, who expressed a wish to return our visit, will find an equally friendly atmosphere in any club they may visit in New Zealand. Certainly Norm and I will do our best to make theirs a happy holiday.

Doug R. Cousins

Photo: Doug. Cousins  

community
cooking

"This camping lark's alright for you lot - but it's not much of a change for me," says Mum. And she's right, you know - the family is camping, but poor old Mum is stuck with her everyday job with the provisions and cooking - and under more difficult conditions.

How can we have a club camp-in or go to the Rally, yet somehow give Mum a real holiday at the same time? Actually it's quite easy. Has your club ever tried community cooking? A.S.C. has and it really works - let me tell you about it.

Planning

The first thing to do - and this is a MUST - is to set up a planning team in good time. This should be a small group, male and female, with a good leader. Before they can really get going, this group will need to know:

A. The dates of the community cooking period and the number of meals (so many breakfasts, lunches and dinners), and

B. How many adults and children there will be for each meal.

The best way of getting this information is to send a form to each family showing dates and meals, and get them to indicate the numbers of adults and children in the family requiring each meal. The completed form should be taken as a commitment and it should be signed and returned with a deposit. We'll talk more about finance later.

Menus

Armed with this information the planners can now get down to business and decide on the menus. From our experience, I suggest that breakfast should be a help-yourself meal of cereal, toast and coffee or tea. Lunches should be of the cold meat and salad variety and should require the minimum of preparation. The main meal - dinner - requires rather more thought, as it becomes the culinary high point of each day. The table at the end of this article shows the menus provided by A.S.C. during the 1972-73 Rally and it gives a pretty good idea of just what can be achieved.

Quantities

You can work to a fairly simple set of rules for these. We have found the following to be very satisfactory:

Age 16 and over - count as an adult.
Under 16 - count as a child. Two children equal one adult.
Meat - for stews or mince allow just under half a pound per meal per adult. For steaks, work out the number of pieces required and sort it out with your butcher.
Potatoes - allow for three per adult per meal. The average size spud comes at three to the pound.
Bread - allow two slices per adult per meal. Buy sliced loaves - they produce 20 slices per loaf.
One roll of luncheon serves 40 adults.
The average lettuce serves 10 adults.
A 5 lb pack of instant peas serves 100 adults.
A 2 lb pack of instant beans serves 100 adults.
A 7 lb tin of fruit salad/peaches/pears serves 30 adults.
2 gallons of ice cream serves 75 adults.
15 chips of strawberries serves 75 adults.
Allow for one third of a pint of milk per person per day.
Allow one hard boiled egg per adult - half per child.

Hardware

For cooking you'll need to find enough large pots and pans to cope with your numbers. Gas stoves are fine - but take adequate supplies of gas cylinders. It pays, too, to take some concrete blocks and somebody's grate so that you can build a fire to cook the larger pots on. And take bags of knives, spoons, ladles, etc., for preparation and serving of meals. Each family should provide its own crockery and cutlery.

What else you take depends on how far you are travelling and on your enterprise and ingenuity. For the recent Rally we took:

A Zip electric water heater - for tea, coffee, etc.
A wood burning copper - to supply hot water for washing up, washing, toddlers' baths and for steaming tinned puddings, boiling spuds and hard boiling eggs.
A refrigerator.
Small tent and shelving for storehouse.
A full size bath with (cold water) shower attachment.
A picket fence playpen and sandpit for the toddlers.

You may think some of this a far step from primitive nudism - but believe me, it takes a lot of the sting out of camping, especially for mums with toddlers!

Requirements from the host club (rallies)

To make community cooking (and living) possible, ask the host club, in good time, to provide on the site:

An area to accommodate all your tents together.
A minimum of two electric power points on the site.
At least one water tap on the site.

Your club plumbing expert should go armed with flexible hose and a selection of joints, taps, jubilee clips, etc. And your electrical genius (every club has at least one), should scrounge a selection of power leads, transformers and light fittings. An electric light in each tent, in the kitchen (and in the pondocky!) makes all the difference.

Photo: Joe Smith 

Duty cooks

From the list of those attending, the planners should draw up a roster which allows for a different team of "cooks" per day. Everyone on the list should have a copy well before you get there, Each team should include both men and women, under a designated team leader, and it's a good idea to include a couple of older children in each team to act as "runners" (they are better equipped to run the messages and anyway it gives them a sense of responsibility). Obviously the number in each team will depend on how many you've got available. Pick forceful team leaders who will stick to the plan - but who know how to improvise in an emergency. Once the roster is written and distributed, it is up to each individual to be available when required. If he can't make it, it's up to him to arrange for a substitute and tell the team leader. The duty team prepares, cooks and serves the meal - and does the dishes.

What does it cost?

Advanced planning allows you to buy in bulk, with obvious savings, and to shop around for specials. With enterprise and a bit of local know-how, you'll get much that you need at wholesale price. The deposit which I mentioned earlier on is important, as it gives your planners some working capital. At the last Rally, we got a deposit of $2 per adult and this gave us about $150 in the kitty. Don't try to make a profit, but be sure to cover your costs. Make sure there's enough in the kitty to cover local purchases of milk, butter, bread and fresh vegetables when you get there. And take into account expensive extras like charging gas bottles.

Summary

The following tables show the main features of A.S.C's community cooking at the last Rally:

(a) Menus

(b) Numbers and cost

  Maximum Numbers per meal - 63 adults and 41 children

  Cost per head (full period) - Adults $5.50, Children $2.00

(c) Total quantities used (major items)

Final thought

Practice makes perfect, they say. So before trying your luck on strange ground at a Rally (with all the attendant problems of long range haulage of supplies and gear) take my advice and have a trial run at a camp-in on your own club grounds. It's a challenge, but a lot of fun. And there's a terrific sense of achievement when you've done it successfully.

Peter H., A.S.C.

Photo: Joe Smith  

About 33 miles from Adelaide the Tindo Club of South Australia is pleasantly located in a light bushland setting on the fringe of the Barossa Valley, which is well known throughout the world for the excellent quality of wines produced there. Gradually the surrounding bushland has shrunk as photographs taken six years ago emphasise so that by preserving our grounds we are not only providing a venue for Naturism but also doing our little towards protecting the environment.

Wine growers look for an equitable climate and so do we naturists. We are particularly fortunate at Tindo, as the weather is predominantly fine for eight months of the year (usually a few degrees warmer than in Adelaide), and the winters are quite bearable - last winter being unusually mild until well into July.

Essentially a family club, currently comprising 150 units (of which approximately a third have their own chalets or caravans on site), or if you prefer it, some 350 members or so including children. For this number the amenities should be adequate, and they are. There is ample provision for sport, recreational and social activities; two volleyball courts, miniten court (a tennis court is mooted), a good-sized swimming pool, splash pool, table and totem tennis, trampoline, and a large clubhouse with kitchen facilities. From dado height the clubhouse is lined with bark, and at present pinewood tables and benches are being constructed to complete the country club type atmosphere.

tindo
club

Tindo has an established reputation in Australia for friendliness, and is a popular venue for visitors. It is noteworthy that during the Christmas/New Year holidays this year the club will be host (incidentally for the third time during its 12 years existence on the present site) to visitors and delegates from interstate clubs, who will be attending the annual Convention/Rally of the Australian Naturist Federation. With members and large numbers of visitors attending club facilities will be strained to the utmost, but these are ample - hot and cold showers, toilets, water and electricity connection points, with sites for caravan parking, camping, and car parking, being allocated.

We are blessed with a profusion of wild flowers and bird life throughout the year, and are well away from any type of suburban development really in the country - a pollution free existence always to be enjoyed.

Highlight of 1973 was the Open Day, February 11th, held to celebrate the World Naturist Day in the Southern Hemisphere. Tindo was crammed with over two hundred visitors attending, together with television and press representatives.

Included amongst the specially invited guests was Sir Mark Mitchell (who officially opened the swimming pool in 1965 when he was President of the South Australian Division of the national Fitness Council), a representative of the local district council, emergency fire services, and neighbours - all with their wives.

All the television stations and newspapers sent representatives. At a rough count there were five camera crews, totalling ten crewmen, and nine reporters of both sexes.

The TV crews and reporters were kept busy filming volley ball and carrying out interviews. They began to feel conspicuous. When it was pointed out that one had to strip to swim in the pool, many of them "got-their-gear-off" and were soon cooling off and enjoying themselves, and even trying their hand at a game of volley ball. ABC Channel 2 and Channel 10 TV included sequences of themselves working in "club uniform" in their filmed reports.

The same evening two television stations showed filmed reports on the events of the day and television sets on the club grounds were placed side by side tuned to both stations and eagerly watched by members. On the following days the newspapers contained articles and pictures, one a centre page spread of pictures. ABC Channel 2 screened a feature on the popular "Today Tonight" show, and Channel 9 gave what was voted best coverage of all on "Newsbeat" - another regular and highly rated programme.

Although the excellent publicity obtained was intended to inform the public on the nudist movement and its activities, and to promote the idea of a Free Beach for everyone, it resulted in a flood of enquiries from people wishing to become members. Perhaps this may lead to the formation of more clubs in South Australia in addition to the two already established in the Australian Naturist Federation.

Tindo is a member owned club, run by members elected annually. We are always pleased to see visitors, and enquiries are welcome via P.O. Box 92, G.P.O. Adelaide, South Australia 5001.

TO ONE UNKNOWN

Your body's graceful contours bring delight,
A rapturous adventure to my sight.
The gleam of sun upon your golden skin
(Like polished citrine, luminous within).
In firelight, you are beautiful to see,
Each shadow shows in bright intensity
Resplendent curves, that in their rounded grace,
Foretell the beauty of your lovely face.
Not classic; proud; not marred by greed or spite;
But lovely with an inner, secret light
Of freedom from all superstitious fears
That mar the face of many, all their years.
But most of all, I think I love the charms
That comes from happy capture by your arms;
Dear arms, that hold me in a bondage sweet -
A bondage exquisite and most complete
Because not tyrannous: therefore my love
Returns forever like a homing dove.
— No dreary puritan, to bring the worst
From outer darkness, and to make accurst
Love's happy play, and secret, fiery joy -
Or by mad accusations to destroy
The golden treasury of love's delight
That shines, a sacred fire, forever bright!
Beloved one, my heart and mind adore -
My body gives to you its living store -
All that is me is yours, because you bring
The feeling that I am indeed your King,
As you are Queen; together we shall reign
Through all Life's disappointments, grief, and pain.
Sustained am I, because I know you are
My inspiration; lover; guiding star,
That gives each aptitude a wider arc
Of conquest, and the skill that finds the mark
Is mine indeed; because you leave me free
From jealous bondage, and from tyranny.
Your body's glory is not hid from view,
By shameful clothes that but disfigure you.
For you, beloved, nature's unspoilt child,
Are free and pure, a blossom growing wild -
Bestowing beauty on each eye that sees -
Delighted by the natural harmonies
Of lovely limbs and body, face and hair,
Caressed by zephyrs passing everywhere.
Gentle and charming: utterly refined:
I give you homage, best of womankind!

JOHN HORSFIELD.

birth
of
a
club

On a hot and sunny day early in October 1972 (yes, we do have some occasionally!) a door to door salesman who shall remain unnamed, drove up to a gate on a side road in the city area of Dunedin. Not knowing if there was a house up the road or not, but being a lean and hungry salesman (aren't they all) he decided to give it a go. He can't help remembering what a lovely peaceful sensation it was as he drove up the driveway. He parked the car by the house and got out. Then he stopped dead in his tracks. "What a mighty place for a sun club," he thought.

It was a beautiful sheltered spot ringed with tall trees, the ground lay like a big saucer, no wind, covered all over with hundreds of apple trees and beautiful green, green grass. No, not paradise but that close to it that it didn't matter.

I don't know how long he stood there transfixed but he was brought around by a rough voice "Can oii elp ya." He was confronted by a typical grubby looking farmer of about seventy. His clothing may have been scruffy but he was not so sloppy with his bargaining as we were to find out at a later date. After inspecting his vacuum cleaner and telling him it was OK, our salesman started to talk to him about his property, eventually asking him if it was for sale. Yes, it was. A total of thirty-two acres of the best land to be had for the "Progressive Sun Club". The price, well that made me raise an eyebrow and keep it there. Wow!!! We did nothing about this until December when a few members of the club I was in became disenchanted with the way the club was being run; there seemed no way to change their policies, so, after some discussion about nine of us decided to form a new club.

The first thing on the agenda was to see if the land was still available. It was, so we began the bargaining and obtained an option until the end of January. At other meetings we began to draw up a constitution and rules, along with club policy. Many hours were spent on this to overcome faults in the old club rules, at this stage everything was very hush hush, as we thought objections could be made and difficulties caused if the news got out, so there was just the nine of us. Finance was to be a bugbear to start with, but luck was on our side and we found a benefactor who was prepared to put up a substantial amount of the purchase price. To him we say a very grateful "thank you". Even with this boost the old owner wanted to hold out for a higher price. During the negotiations we did not tell him what we wanted the land for as we thought that it may put him off selling. However on one visit he said that he was not going to sell as he thought that we were a consortium who wanted to develop the land for housing and he didn't want that. So we had to tell him that, in fact, the land was for a Sun Club. Phew!!! Now it was his turn to raise an eyebrow and keep it there... This was a turn of events that he had not expected so he politely told us that he must now confer with his wife. A week later we were told, "no"! But this was not to be the end. We wanted that land and we were going to get it. So a deputation of a married couple went to see him and his wife and make clear that it was not going to become a hippie Jerusalem and to get rid of their conception that it was some kind of sex club. It worked, negotiations were on again.

Slowly news began to filter out and some of the old club members came to us and asked if they could join in. But we were still very guarded who we told. Seeing the membership was increasing we decided that it would be a good idea to form a proper steering committee to co-ordinate things.

Negotiations did not make a lot of progress over the next few months but we did have two highlights, the National Secretary, who came down on a private visit, was invited to see the proposed grounds. As she had brought her club uniform with her she decided to put it on. To avoid upsetting the owner a couple of lookouts were posted on the hills. So Joan beat us to it. She can have the goose pimples for the honour if she wants. The second highlight was the national PRO who also was on a private visit to Dunedin and he too braved the cold for the dubious honour of being second. Joan on her visit also took the honour of being the first person to be photographed. One thing is for sure neither of them will get into the pool first, even if we have to drain it.

In March we made a final offer but the owner hedged around trying to get the price up to his figure. That was when he claimed he had another better offer. But we stuck to our guns. Damnation, all this mucking around was making us wild. We didn't know if we were going to pull it off, but all we could do was wait.

Even if we were going to be unsuccessful with the land we decided that the club would go ahead, so our first social evening was held in a local bar on the 14th of April. What a success. Wow! And we even made a profit. All were asking when the next one was. "Give us a chance to get over this one first mate," was the committee's reply. So at this stage we had a few bob (sorry, dollars), in the kitty which gave a bit of incentive to us.

Although we still were not sure if we were going to pull it off one member, whose zeal outshone most, was drawing up plans for the pool. The first thing he did was to obtain the plans of the Moana Pool. I knew he had high aims for the club but that big? Anyway, to cut a long story short we managed to cut it down to a 50 by 30 one. Feet that is, and with no cover over the top. Then blow me down if he didn't come up with the idea that it would only cost us each a yard of concrete to build it. Still, we thought that one wasn't such a bad idea. Anyhow, there was plenty of optimistic enthusiasm and the club rules were coming along just fine. The inaugural meeting of the Aurora Sunseekers Club was held on the 16th of May and an official committee elected. The constitution for incorporation was in the hands of the lawyer.

Date: 31st May 1973. Phone call from lawyer to President. Message: The land is now yours. Hip Hip Hooray... Ours, after six months of agonising negotiation. What a lovely feeling. Now this brought about a big burst of enthusiasm, the committee got its rear into gear, and the pool plans were on the drawing board proper. Yes! the 50 by 30 size pool. The news was out, and resulted in more membership applications. Our membership at this early stage stood at 35 adults and numerous kiddies. All without doing any advertising.

Another social evening was held on the 9th of June where a letter from the NZSA was read, "Congratulations on acceptance for provisional affiliation to NZSA." The "Do" was a mighty success and again made a handsome profit. Another function is to be held soon, and everything is being geared to our projected opening date of the 1st of September. The pool possibly will not be ready in time but it will be ready for our open day planned for the summer. That's October down here.

We are headed to better things and with a little foresight and common sense hope to be in a position in a few years to hold the National Rally. Don't laugh, you haven't seen the tremendous grounds we have. Have a good look at the photos and you will see.

Anyhow, that is the story of the Birth of a Sun Club. We had many tribulations which it is impossible to convey in such a short article. It has been hard work and tribute must be paid to all those who had a hand in it. Of course there is plenty to do now - pool to build, courts to lay out, stumps to pull, apple trees to prune, grass to cut (mobile lawn mowers we hope) but as anyone who has had anything to do with the birth of a club will tell you it is very rewarding.

So long for now. See you next issue.

news from
the clubs in
new zealand

Auckland Outdoor Health Club

As reported in the last issue of the N.Z. Naturist we are concentrating our efforts on the facilities for club members. With regret the club decided by a majority vote to limit our membership temporarily and only full members can introduce new members to the club. It was felt that our present facilities were not coping with the numbers. The new committee, led by Brian B. as president, Jacky T. as secretary and Neil C. as treasurer are attacking and overcoming all the technical and financial difficulties. A financial sub-committee of experts in this field is launching a fund-raising campaign with attractive debenture issues. Already on the way is a new ablutions block and an extension to the clubhouse which will double the present accommodation.

The working bees are well attended and many eye-sores are now cleaned up. Rough undergrowth along the main water course is being removed and the beauty of. our native bush can now be seen.

We also held an Arbor Day in August and planted many more native trees and shrubs. Our work is made lighter by the purchase of a powerful tractor.

But it is not all work in A.O.H.C. we also look after our pleasures. Apart from our regular saunas and social dance evenings, two functions in the last few months were outstanding. Our annual Dine and Dance evening at Romaleigh was a great success. We had hoped that we would officially install our Patron, Sir Dove-Myer Robinson at this function, but we had to postpone this to our next big function at Pine Song. The golden key to our club grounds will then be presented officially.

Our second outstanding function was a social at Hinemoa Hotel. A car rally in the afternoon preceded our social swim in the hot pools followed by dinner. Twenty-two cars participated in the rally, which took us over the back roads between Oranui and Parakai. Many questions had to be answered on the way, and some were very tricky. All cars arrived safely at Hinemoa Hotel where the prizes were distributed after the points had been counted.

There have been many other activities, a visit to Northern Sun Seekers, an Inter-Club Sports Day, a Swimming Sports Day, trips to the beach at Pakiri, to mention a few. All seem such a long time ago, but the memories are pleasant and so will the next summer be with a renewed A.O.H.C.

Wellington Sun Club Inc.

There's one good thing about winter.. . it does give way to summer, eventually! Plagued by a succession of rainy week-ends in the first half of winter, the working minority of Wellington Club members has made only slow progress in erecting the new hall. However, the law of averages says things should be better than this and all concerned have their fingers crossed that this is true.

In conjunction with Canterbury, W.S.C. ran a competition at the Wellington Trade Fair in May, with a colour T.V. worth nearly $700 as the prize. Winner was a Masterton widow, Mrs. Bell, seen here with Jeff Hatfield, one of the organisers, and his daughter Wendy, who, along with other children ranging from 16 down to 11 in age, accounted for the majority of the tickets sold.

The N.Z.S.A. president, Russell, was one of many from other clubs who joined Wellington members at their Annual Ball, held at the Lower Hutt Town Hall. While the band was more sedate than in recent years, the supper will be long remembered by all who attended.

Kowhai Valley Club Inc.

In the June issue our club provided quite a full account of its activities. Consequently, we haven't very much to add this time, for the three months intervening are normally slack. coming, as they do, in the heart of winter.

Fortunately, our weather this mid-year has been relatively kind to us. We have had a welcome succession of fine Sundays, on which an enthusiastic group of Committee members and others continue planting and improvements generally. On the odd wet days there was plenty to do in the way of indoor carpentering and painting.

It is gratifying to note that even now we are receiving enquiries regarding membership. Several interested prospective couples and families have visited our grounds. or have attended our monthly swimming evenings with the object of meeting our members. At this rate we look forward to many new members coming forward as soon as the warmer weather is an attraction.

Waikato Outdoor Society Inc.

Like many other people within the movement I think we feel a little sad that we cannot have a continuous summer. However our winter activities are well advanced, with Saunas every other Sunday, - a good warm place to meet and break new members in gently!

Our A.G.M. in April was well attended and was held in a country hall close to the grounds. A new committee was elected with some of the longer serving members standing down, but Muriel our previous Secretary for many years is now our President. It was passed at this meeting that members be allowed to build huts for sleeping accommodation on the club grounds.

Many years of planning and thinking culminated in the opening of an all new concrete ablutions block with two toilets, two showers, and two basins. Mabel and Cohn, long standing members of the club performed the opening ceremony, ably assisted by our then president Roy, photos were taken for club records.

The largest ever contingent (about forty members and families) visited the Auckland Sun Club and had a wonderful time in glorious weather.

Visitors to our grounds included the Gisborne Sun Club, who now have an Embassy there in the shape of an attractive shrub which they presented to us. Tauranga Sun Club also paid us a visit, and beat us at Volley ball, so we decided that this wasn't a challenge match, which enabled us to retain the shield, for which we will play in October. Waikato weather was at it's best on both these occasions.

Matamata Hot Springs Week-end. Now seemingly a popular annual event and highlight of our winter activities, was held at the beginning of July. It was well attended and visitors were welcomed from the following clubs:- Auckland Sun, Rotorua, Tauranga, and Taranaki (the latter enthusiastic visitors having to leave home at4 a.m. on a very cold frosty morning!) Nearly all available accommodation was booked and the new large concrete thermal outdoor pool was much in demand as the sun smiled favourably most of the time. Our younger members too had a great time and were really "On the ball" in both pools.

Coming Events Labour Weekend (Oct.). Our visit to Tauranga Sun Club could be the last on their present grounds, and as we enjoy our visits to them we are hoping they will be fortunate enough to find new grounds in time for the coming season.

Bonfire night. This will be held as usual at our grounds in November, we usually have a few fireworks and a barbecue for the children.

Christmas party. This is to be held on the first Sunday in December probably in a country hail. The children really enjoy this and have a great time.

We are looking forward to the next Rally at the Wellington Sun Club grounds, but indications are that several members of the club will make it their annual holiday and stay longer or visit other clubs.

(Continued in the next column)

Our membership shows a steady increase each year, Most newcomers seem to be sold on the million dollar view from our grounds, and although the writer has many times stood and gazed, the panoramic view, peace and tranquility never fails. The best months are from Christmas onward, but any earlier inquiries for membership will be welcome; there's always something "On" or "Off" in the Waikato.

Nelson Sun Club [Inc.]

Where else could one expect to see such a good turn-out on a mid-winter's day? The Nelson Sun Club of course! It was good to see so many members arrive at "Sunrise" on this particular day, the 17th June, for an impromptu celebration. It was perfect, not a cloud in the sky, not a breath of wind and temperatures rose in our secluded valley so that members had to resort to "Club Uniform", and in the process made front page news in the Nelson paper. There was also a T.V. news item on "Newsview Central".

It certainly can't be said that the Nelson Sun Club "is clothed for the Winter".

Once again our winter socials are proving to be very popular and well attended, this has proved to be a way of introducing new members to the movement, outsiders can come along and see that we are just ordinary people. The Committee are at present investigating the possibility of running a cabaret to be open to the public as a means of fund raising.

Water has always seemed to be a worry for the Nelson Club. By a fluke we struck a supply that supplies us with 800 gallons a day. As an insurance against future droughts we are in the process of building a large underground water supply tank, big enough to fill two swimming pools and provide enough water to use in the house and our almost completed ablution block.

The Club Committee accepted an invitation from a local Chapter of Jaycees to speak on Naturism. The Jaycees combined with another Chapter and made it a ladies night for the occasion. The Club was represented by John (our very able Speaker), Alan, Gay, Dianne and Colleen. The evening was a complete success with plenty of interesting and varied questions being fired at the Club panel. As always time caught up on us as the evening was interesting.

All too often children are taken for granted, when in fact they are as much of the Club as the adults. As an experiment we are including a special Children's section in the July edition of our Newsletter. If reports are favourable, the children's section will become a regular feature.

The Nelson Club intends to give the Northern Sun Seekers a good run this year for the Mowlem Trophy, so if you are interested in joining a progressive Club, write to The Secretary, P.O. Box 467, Nelson, for full information.

Tauranga Sun Club Inc.

At the time of writing, this club is without grounds, the eight acres we were leasing from the Department of Land & Survey at the end of Belk Road has now been withdrawn. This area has been included in the "Hidden Gorge Scenic Reserve" which runs up the whole valley from the main highway to up above the river falls we used to visit. They plan to make the area we were using into a picnic, bush walk area.

We are hoping to buy land in the vicinity of Tauranga or surrounding districts but it may take time to find something suitable. As this is a fast growing fruit area all workable land is being developed into orchards. We are all in pretty high spirits as proposals we have had put to us so far seem very real. If everything goes to plan we will have new property by the summer.

Hawkes Bay Sun Club Inc.

Things are pretty quiet over in the Bay. Our monumental effort in getting our pool finished and officially opened has left us spent, in energy and cash, so a winter away from it all seems to be the popular thing. Even so a staunch few are pressing ahead with the sewerage and septic tank for our new Ablution Block, and we hope a special effort will have this facility operational for the coming summer.

But Kevin our new Social Organiser won't let us fade right away. By phone and post, he and Lyn have gathered us together and had us carousing dressed in togas at Pakowhai Hall, turning up the trumps at card evenings, and groovin' and gossiping at a fine Cosy House Party. It was good to see some old faces there, and a few new ones too. Among them Gaynor and Cherie who have come with Guy to join our club family. I'm sure everyone joins with us in giving our best wishes to our treasurer John Miller and Gaynor as they make their home together.

A dozen or so of us made the trip to the Wellington Club Ball where we had a great night. On the homeward journey we looked in at Lake Downs where the P.N. Club have taken over our title as the biggest club outside the main centres. Good luck to you P.N. but watch out!

A similar number travelled to the Gisborne Club Cabaret, which also was a fabulous do. Unfortunately this coincided with Poverty Bay's annual wet weekend, but their members' hospitality more than made up for that. -Thanks for showing us your new grounds and just how much a small keen group can do in a short time by getting stuck in. I can see H.B. members becoming frequent campers up there.

C'mon Hawkes Bay, we just can't let these P.N. and Gisb. neighbours of ours "out Jones" us like this.

Palmerston North Sun Club Inc.

Like everyone else in Sun Clubs we are looking forward to the hot weather once again, nevertheless we have had a very fruitful winter here at Lake Downs. There's been a terrific amount of bulldozing and levelling done plus the planting of 150 pine trees and various other trees around the house as shelter, also Pampas around the fence lines.

The frogs have been busy too with thousands of tadpoles emerging every week in our pool - even the goldfish have made good use of the lily pond at the Corral and have more than doubled their numbers. I wish there was as many members as there were tadpoles.

The house has been full every week-end and is now fully furnished. We held a very successful "Housie" evening in June.

Some of our members tendered for four Wellington Council trolley buses and got them so they are now in the process of turning them into caravans, the insides having been removed completely and will be rebuilt from scratch.

In mid-November we will be having our "Open Week-End" on invitation and will be advertising in the local paper. So if anyone has any friends who are interested, or in fact anyone who has been thinking about joining a Sun Club, act now, drop a line to the Secretary, Box 980, Palmerston North.

South Auckland Sun Club

With every club situated several miles north of the city, many Auckland naturists have longed for a site closer to home. With the established clubs restricting membership because of large numbers, several naturists have taken the first step to accommodate nudists from the growing housing areas which have made Pukekohe and Waiuku dormitory suburbs of Auckland City.

After an initial newspaper advertisement, about thirty family units gathered recently and enthusiastically resolved to form a sun club for the South Auckland region. A steering committee was appointed to investigate the feasibility of the project and, in particular, to locate suitable property for the location of the club.

Groups of families have been looking over properties within an hour's drive of the Papakura Post Office and several delightful properties have been seen. Some restrictions on land area have been encountered and the price tags suggest the club needs a fairy godmother as treasurer.

Lack of grounds will not, however, deter the growth of membership in the new S.A.S.C., as members will be given the opportunity to share in day trips to other clubs and suitable beach sites around South Auckland. Sauna evenings and social evenings are under way and every endeavour is being made to keep members together as a club until the fairy godmother bequeaths suitable property.

Naturists interested in the activities of this bright new club should contact the Secretary, South Auckland Sun Club, P.O. Box 67 Papakura or write to the Editor of this magazine.

Taranaki Naturist Club

The big news from Taranaki is the recent gift of a club-house; a whole 1500 square feet of it! The one stipulation was that it had to be shifted within a few days of this most generous offer being accepted.

The club President and Secretary immediately waded into an almost insurmountable wall of red tape and bureaucracy which almost succeeded in preventing the shift from taking place.

A house mover who had been obtained through a great stroke of luck decided that the house would have to have most of the roof removed and the whole structure would need to be cut down the middle so that it could be transported to the grounds in two pieces. Members worked on days off, between shifts and even took time off work to prepare the house for removal.

At daylight on a cold winter's morning the first half of our house moved away and headed for the club grounds 14 miles distant up a winding road through cuttings, under telephone lines, and finally onto our land where the truck bogged down to its axles in next to no time, but neighbours were there waiting with bulldozers and winched the truck into position for us. A member of a nearby religious community had already spent more than a day preparing the site with a bulldozer, and was to spend two more days helping us before the two sections of house were finally in position on old oil drums.

(Continued in the next column)

We then put the necessary concrete piles in position, lowered the house with car jacks and re-roofed the whole structure; only it wasn't quite as easy as that with the mud knee deep, temperatures near zero in the evenings, and many days of rain and wind including one gale which blew part of our roof away and threatened to blow the rest of the house back to New Plymouth, however, everybody remained cheerful and there was always the girls to make hot drinks and provide us with food as well as boosting our morale and encouraging us to have a sense of humour when it was most needed.

Our next jobs will be to get electricity, water, and sewerage connected, and then with a general tidy up inside and out we will be able to offer accommodation and facilities to visitors wanting to stay on our grounds.

Last summer we were pleased to have some visitors from other clubs, but this summer we hope to see many more, and remember that New Plymouth is a pleasant half-day's drive from Wellington for those attending the Rally. We are having a cabaret on 27th October.

Wanganui Sun Club Inc.

Once again the friendly Wanganui Sun Club greets you all with the news that we have thrown ourselves wholeheartedly into our winter social programme. The very successful swims and saunas every fortnight have been well attended, it is especially pleasing to see so many of the new members attending.

A bottle drive was held which not only augmented the club funds but allowed the collectors a chance to meet some of the club members not seen for a while.

Our first "Swim-in" for 1973 is over and a good night it was too. There were many visitors from Wellington, Palmerston North and New Plymouth. It proved a good opener for the "Big Swim-in '73" to be held on 22nd September.

The club must have been expecting some very large appetites for although the function was attended by about 100 people it proved beyond the capacity of those present to consume all the food. Supper was held in an adjoining room to the baths and afterwards the crowd seemed content to sit and chat and to drift back to the baths and sauna.

The much bigger "Swim-in" on 22nd September will be followed the next day by our A.G.M. with an address by the National President.

This will be a great week-end as we are expecting a very large attendance. Entertainment has already been arranged for the Saturday night at the sauna and swim with modern and folk dancing after supper. The pools and sauna will be open all the while and a group will arrange entertainment for the children. Don't forget your refreshments as we hope you will all be there to let your hair down and enjoy yourselves. Here is a chance to meet members of clubs the length and breadth of the North Island and a few from the South. To all sun club members we wish to make you welcome in Wanganui on September 22-23. To all others, write Box 410 Wanganui for an invitation to attend this function.

Gisborne Sun Club

A number of other clubs know all about such things as working bees "Can you come and give us a hand with this?", "Has anyone got a so and so?" There are varying degrees of enthusiasm at such pronouncements, but here in Gisborne (the first to get the sun) all are afire with genuine enthusiastic help and suggestions. It really is a great feeling having grounds just a year old at time of writing.

As predicted someone (Pam) finally "got at" the fence facing the road and stained it on a not so sunny day (and we haven't stopped hearing about it!) The garden at the entrance has been planted and there is the odd tree and shrub proudly standing up amongst the few remaining orange trees. A swing has appeared, yet to be swung, for the play area and one or two other items.

The first two rows of blocks in the pool are nearly completed. The way Graham has been boring holes looking for water we were seriously considering turning the grounds into a giant crib-board! However, Sven with his willow stick satisfied the need for drilling more.

All in all things are progressing satisfactorily, but of course if anyone has a "few thousand" to give away think of us, won't you.

The car-load of members who attended the mid-year N.Z.S.A. meeting at Taupo thoroughly enjoyed themselves socially as well as finding the meeting most informative. People who don't attend these meetings don't know what they are missing. An Australian visitor (yet another John!) who was at the meeting, travelled home with us and spent a week with one of our families. On the way we visited the Rotorua grounds where a swim in the hot creek was enjoyed, followed by a cup of tea. Thank you Geyserland. We have received a number of cards and letters from John since, and we hope he, with his wife, can visit us again sometime. We were waylaid a little on the way home, a matter of 26 hours, and hope he doesn't think this is a usual occurrence.

The Waikato Outdoor Society invited us to Matamata for a weekend late in June. Three carloads managed to attend and had a wonderful weekend. It is a good thing when members from various clubs can mix and make new friends, this certainly strengthens the feeling of belonging. Thank you Waikato.

We are always pleased to hear from our family in the New Hebrides. We hope that teaching Correspondence School to their children isn't too great a tie. Looking forward to seeing you all before Christmas.

Well, it has come and gone, and what a cabaret. We had visitors from Christchurch, National President, Wellington, including National Secretary, Levin, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, Rotorua and Waikaremoana. It was a complete sell-out two weeks beforehand.. Plans are already afoot for next year's function which, it is hoped, will be on an even bigger and brighter scale.

We take this opportunity to thank members of other clubs for the support they gave which contributed to the success of our "Do".

Canterbury Sun Club Inc.

The 26th May saw the commencement of our A.G.M. I say commencement because the extreme interest shown by members and the wish to be involved necessitated the meeting to be carried over to a second half completed on the 24th June. Some say democracy is an unwieldy thing but it must be admitted it does give all interested persons an opportunity to speak out and air their views. A meeting which lasts for nine hours must surely be rather exceptional. The new committee shows some new faces and it is with confidence that the committee looks forward to the ensuing year and the possibility of matching the efforts of past committees.

So many things are happening at this time in our Club that one wonders whatever happened to the quiet winter months of previous years. To begin with our Social Committee is extremely active. Already we have enjoyed a "swim-in" at a local heated indoor pool, and more of these are to come. Several nights at a Recreation Centre are already programmed, and with other "at-home" activities the calendar dates are pretty full. We have found an excuse to have our first Ball. Pineglades 20th Anniversary. Tentative date 20th October (Labour weekend). This will be a great gathering of members from throughout New Zealand and will give us an opportunity to meet our friends from all other Clubs.

The Works committee does not know the meaning of rest. A new well is being drilled. Landscaping and tree planting are being given high priority, and it is plain to see that we have some of the most ecology minded members on the committee. Rumour has it that in some areas only native trees and native birds are allowed. New power reticulation is going throughout the grounds and this should help us to get a spark along. Our shop is being extended also and this project along with intended maintenance should keep some willing hands busy over the weekends. Our proposed new Club-house is still our prime objective, and with a Building Committee formed and plans in the offing, it really looks as though nothing could possibly stop the steam-roller or should I say bulldozer. No, Howard Hughes has not invested in our Club, but some day he will wish he had. You never know but some day, we may even match the Commonwealth Gaines complex.

Youth has by no means been deserted. Our Youth convener has already set the ball rolling for this year, and it is hoped to have a delegate elected by the youth, as a representative on the committee.

A reminder to members of Clubs who will be attending the Commonwealth Games and who would like accommodation at our Club. Please write to the Secretary urgently as such accommodation will be limited.

National N.Y.C.

Howdoo! We are all feeling very pleased with the way all the parent clubs received our application for affiliation with the N.Z.S.A. Gave us the thumbs up sign, they did. We are now provisional members of the N.Z.S.A. This showed us that there are not so many square" adults around as we had thought. Only one club who appear to have their wires crossed, voted against us.

As you all know we are now over half way towards the Youth rally which will be held at Palmerston North after the Wellington rally, in January. 1974. So kids start saving those cents for the most fantastic rally yet. This year it would be a good scene if the N.Y.C. branches could each field teams for volleyball, mini-ten, tenniquoits and swimming, so that we could knock the spots off the adults at the Wellington rally, as well as each other at Palmerston North.

If this mag gets to you before the 22nd September. several of us are travelling to Wanganui's splash in on that date, so let's stage a mini rally there!

Bye the bye, special N.Y.C. letterhead paper should soon be available for use by official N.Y.C. branches. I have had a sneak preview of them and they are really supercallifragilisticexpiali-docious! They really will make us a superior club. Following these, we will design special membership cards which we hope will be available for the beginning of our next financial year in November.

Auckland N.Y.C.

Auckland N.Y.C. has scored another first, we are the first N.Y.C. branch to have two of our members (who have been with us since the beginning) marry. Although the marriage was not a nude one, we forgive them and wish them all the best for the future.

At the end of July '73 N.Y.C. Auckland will officially be one year old, and we will hold a party to celebrate the occasion. We are at the moment penny pinching for our clubhouse which we hope to erect before summer. We also intend to hire the local skating rink one night, for nudists in Auckland. So, folks who are waiting for summer before they join Auckland N.Y.C. don't know what they are missing!

P.S. The skating will not be in the nude! (I hope).

South Canterbury Sun Club.

Our opening Function went off with a "bang" on Easter Saturday night. A large contingent of visitors from Nelson, Canterbury and Aurora Clubs arrived with Joan T. (Nat. Sec.) and Russell D. (Nat. Pres.). The evening began with Wine & Cheese and finished up with a Social & Dance. Billets were arranged for visitors where required and a great time was had by all. On the Sunday morning 12 carloads of Naturists journeyed 11 miles to inspect the property we are hopeful of purchasing. All agreed it was most suitable. After the inspection the visitors all departed for 'Pine-Glades' to complete what I hope was a very enjoyable Easter week-end.

Since then, with the advent of winter, activities have been curtailed a little, although two outings worth mentioning came to mind. One of these was a mid-day Barbecue at a local river with a buy scramble, races, and a treasure hunt for the junior members.

The other trip is well worth mentioning as it enabled us to come in contact with other members of the public and proved to them that we are not a lot of cranks or that we don't have two heads, but just ordinary people who like to enjoy themselves to the full. We arranged with a Country Hotel about 40 miles away, that we be guests there on an extended license. The hotel put on a supper for us at $1.00 per head. This consisted of sandwiches, hot savouries, curry and rice and either tea or coffee. We hired a bus, 36 seater for $36.00 also $1.00 per head and away we went. Never before have I seen so many cars at this hotel and of course everyone knew it was the new "Sun Club" arriving on the bus. However, we all had a great time and the local people helped to support our raffle for the night so that a good profit was made.

I feel that excursions such as these are well worthwhile in that we do meet people from outside our movement enjoying the same social activity as ourselves. Who knows, perhaps this can help towards a better and more tolerant understanding.

During the remainder of the winter we will be carrying on with Social activities within our club and also accepting a standing invitation to attend social events with the Canterbury Sun Club over the next few months.

Auckland Sun Club

Although it has been a mild winter so far, activity on the club grounds has dwindled. But we still get together at the weekly sauna.

A strong contingent attended the N.Z.S.A. half A.G.M. at Taupo. It was a good meeting and provided a splendid opportunity to get together with other delegates and put the world to rights. We went home via Rotorua where all our delegates got into hot water - literally! Our friends of the Rotorua Club made us feel very welcome. By the time these notes go to press we shall have had yet another visit to this attractive club. Several North Island clubs will have got together at the Rotorua grounds for a mid-winter dunk in their hot pool.

We sent a small, but noisy, team to Waikato's Mini-Rally at Matamata. They thoroughly enjoyed the weekend - thanks to Muriel and her team. They travelled back via - would you believe it - Rotorua - just couldn't keep out of that hot stream!

Our own half A.G.M. was made memorable by a visit from our patron, Norman. After years of indisposition, it really was a great moment when he made his entrance. Meeting all the new members was rather like a royal progress. We are all looking forward to seeing him back on the Club grounds next season.

Preparations for our winter dine and dance are in full swing, and we look forward to seeing as many members of other clubs as can make it.

Sir,- May I, on behalf of Kowhai Valley Club, reply to some points in Claire's letter which appeared on page 47 (right col) of Issue No. 67 in which she gives the A.O.H.C. viewpoint?

Claire says: "Let's hope that... Auckland in future can bask in the certain knowledge that the other clubs in the vicinity take on part of the rally organisation instead of demanding certain facilities under threat of non- attendance

(a) My club has never at any time made such demands, and it is grossly unfair to state by implication that we did.

(b) We certainly did not offer to undertake any part of the rally organisation in January 1973 (the only Auckland rally that has occurred in our club's brief existence). We had had no indication that such an offer would have been needed or desired. In any case, an offer would have been meaningless, for at that time we had bought our land just a year before, and we were in process of clearing gorse, tea-tree and jungle, with little available time to do much else. It would have been quite useless to invite visitors from other clubs in N.Z. to see it- let alone to use it! As for helping with the work at A.O.H.C., our manpower was so limited at that period that it would have been akin to a mouse assisting an elephant.

(c) However, we concede that an offer to help in some way, even though of very little practical use, would have been a graceful gesture on the part of our club; and for neglecting this, we offer to A.O.H.C. our apologies.

(d) Would Claire now kindly state exactly and constructively how our club can assist her own club on the occasion of its next rally? We are quite in the dark on this matter. Please tell us how we are to be of help, rather than make vague generalisations. Then if we have the resources so to assist, we assure her of our friendly willingness to co-operate. as from one club to a sister club in the same city.

Frank P.

Sir,- With reference to your editorial in the latest N.Z. Naturist (No. 67) and your comments about a new club in Auckland, could I comment as follows:

Whilst granting that South Auckland, at the moment, has had the largest increase in housing, has any consideration been given to a new club on the North Shore; could it not be argued that the district is ripe for two new clubs. Certainly now, with the Albany housing development almost due to start, is the time to buy land to prepare to cater to the expected population increase.

It also follows that the Waitemata County Council (by permitting the present clubs) is not unsympathetic to this type of amenity. In the time that it now takes my wife and I to travel to A.O.H.C. we can get as far north as Orewa without the frustration of cross-town traffic.

I would suggest that now is the time to be looking for suitable grounds both north and south of the city.

Yours sincerely, Mike M.

letters to
the editor

Sir,- I am writing this letter to answer Ines of A.O.H.C. who wrote to you in the last edition of your magazine. I would like to answer her letter point by point.

1. I agree there is criticism of N.Y.C. from various members of "Oranui", there always has been and maybe there always will be. However it is indicative of the feelings of the club that the A.O.H.C. committee at a recent meeting between them and the Auckland Nudist Youth Club Committee, voted unanimously to accept N.Y.C. in the club. They endorsed this decision by allotting us a piece of land in their club grounds upon which we may build a clubhouse.

2. Auckland N.Y.C. is fulfilling a need, and as Ines says. is to some extent "keeping the wandering teenagers within the club". What A.O.H.C. has said in effect is "let them come, they are alright!"

3. The suggestion that our age limits are 13 to 25 is incorrect. It is in fact 13 to 23. This age group was decided upon by the Youth Club members and has worked quite adequately until now.

4. Alcohol is not allowed at N.Y.C. functions. Any person over the age of 20 who wishes to be a member realises this is a sacrifice he has to make. What gives anyone the idea that it is easier to ban alcohol from the under 20's I don't know, for just because they cannot purchase the booze from a pub doesn't mean to say they cannot obtain it.

5. Contrary to the statement in Ines' letter the younger teenagers are more inclined to get into trouble, without the stabilizing influence of the more mature ones.

6. In one paragraph Ines says N.Y.C. members should be members of an existing club, and in her next paragraph she says that N.Y.C. members who have non-nudist parents should have their parents consent. May I reassure her on this point. Any member of N.Y.C. with non-nudist parents, and below the age of 18 must have their parents' written consent.

7. Any person joining Auckland N.Y.C. from outside the movement, already pays A.O.H.C. a ground fee (amount set by A.O.H.C.) on reaching 18 years of age. So we pay for our presence on the club grounds.

8. Lastly, I would just like to say that we are grateful br constructive criticism of the Nudist Youth Club but feel somewhat frustrated when letters such as the one Ines wrote appear in the magazine. Obviously written without bothering to seek out the true facts beforehand, and therefore only confusing the issue.

T.W. for N.Y.C.

Sir,- In reply to "Mere Male" (No. 67) I would point out that strong representations have been made to the National Association to have the overseas magazines he mentions divorced from our Association.

This has not been on the grounds that they are competitive, but that the content, in particular the photographic studies, leaves much to be desired.

I can hardly believe that "Mere Male" is a member of the Nudist Movement. I am by no means a prude, but I feel that if the man has a message to present, it could somehow have been put over with a bit more dignity and respect for the image of the Association and the Naturist in particular.

Peter, T.N.C.

Sir,- I am writing to register my strong disapproval of the remarks made by "Mere Male" in No. 67 of the N.Z. Naturist.

All nudist magazines endeavour to show genuine nudists poised close to nature, as naturally as possible, experiencing the freedom our clubs provide.

It would appear that "Mere Male" has this type of magazine confused with other "Girlie" magazines which are totally unrelated to nudism and tend to exploit sex to increase their sales.

When one looks back through earlier issues of the N.Z. Naturist of the time when only retouched photographs were allowed bylaw, one can see just how unnatural they looked.

Mother nature created the perfect body, which has existed in its present form for many thousands of years, and if pubic hair was not necessary or did not have a specific function you would not be blessed with it.

The male who joins a club purely as a "peek-a-boo" with the motive of staring at beautiful female bodies is soon very disillusioned and thankfully finds other interests.

The morals, aims, and objectives of nudism can only be undermined by the comments in "Mere Male's" letter and I trust that the large number of your readers who are potential nudists will not judge our movement by his remarks which are remote from the ideals of nudism and can be likened to the chap who takes his draughtsmen along to the local chess tournament. 

Big John, A.O.H.C.

This topic has been thoroughly discussed in more than one overseas magazine and anything more would only be repetition; correspondence on this subject is therefore closed. I would also point out that it has been drawn to my attention that the claim of Mrs J. A. in her letter in No. 65 that she is a member of one of our clubs is untrue. As far as can be ascertained she has never been a member of Hawkes Bay or any other Nudist Club in New Zealand - Editor. 

Dear Sir,- It happens regularly in our magazine, folks write, pleading for a particular kind of photograph to appear betwixt the covers of our mag. I am writing this hopefully to end, once and for all, contention on this subject, for if I have my way everyone, but everyone, will be pleased from time to time. I would like to see photos in our magazine of boozing and teetotal nudists, posed and candid nudists, fur coated nudists, home nudists and beach nudists, seven-stone weakling, 17 stone Charles Atlas, and 27 stone Fatty Harbuckle nudists, Rachel Welch and Twiggy type nudists, sweet 16 and cadaverous 116 type nudists, seductive and cold nudists, shaven and natural nudists, working bee as well as my type of nudist, playmate of the month nudists, busty broads and bawdy busters, obviously athletic, erudite, or apathetic nudists, rustic and studio type nudists, nudists worshipping God as well as the sun or themselves!

In other words pictures of typical nudists, for there are no such persons, and to portray us narrowly in our magazine merely undersells us.

Whilst I am on this subject I would like to change it. I am the proud possessor of a Morris mini traveller, the rear windows of which just cry out for adornment by a sticker. Most people I know have on their back windscreen a fabulous sticker displaying the organisation of which the owner is a member or a sympathiser. For me it is different. I am unfortunate, I belong to an organisation which although it professes to extol a message of openness and light, appears instead to have skulked around in the shadows of society. I refer to the N.Z.S.A. I would just love a sticker, not just with the dry words of "New Zealand Sunbathing Association" (which in any case is a misnomer, for what percentage of our members spend all their time sunbathing?) No lets have something like a lovely orange smiling sun with "Sun Seeker" or "Go Nude" or "I've Somebody Nude!" written over it. With stickers like these many sympathetic members of the public will be pleased to spread our message, particularly the young.

So commercial artists among us, get cracking and have your suggestions ready for the N.Z.S.A. to have a look at in December.

Tony, Auckland.

Sir,- When reading your excellent article "Customer not Member" many people will agree that this is a true democratic approach, whereby a free society can express approval for the values of shared nudity.

Silent sympathisers will have the opportunity to support this form of relaxation, which ultimately will be recognised as progress on the road of evolution.

On the basis that customers will require an introduction from a member the identity of a Sun Club can be safeguarded.

As a practical suggestion the admission fee of $20 could take the form of a book with ten tickets to visit the Sun Club.

Yours faithfully, Fred.

Dear Sir - Again you've put some very informative and provocative articles in our magazine, No. 67, and some of the photographs have appeal and beauty e.g. 21, 57. But why include the same, static, clearly staged prints which are not just repetitions, but are pin-up, glamour shots. There is a fair string of these in No. 67- pages 10, 14, 23, 28, 46, 49, 59 and inside the back cover. This is just a flood of the same emetic and I wonder what clients you are trying to gather into the fold? Your back cover is sheer delight and shows nudism as ecstasy personified - then comes the grime of glamour.

And Claire - what a dear she is! Obviously, she has a lively mind and some good advice to share, but she hasn't refuted any of my statements! I believe you sweety-pie (nothing like a small offering is there?) and all that you have gleaned from Gordon and Kathy.

We each hear or experience things, each in our own way... and you were told dear girl that rumours are not in my armoury either! By the way, use Guard Oil" as it keeps on soothing, sweetening and giving succour to your svelte self.

Ines of A.O.H.C. is on target with her advice too. We cannot justify autonomy given to the large N.Y.C. age grouping - from 13 years to 25! It is something akin to Standard I kids trying to hold academic achievements sixth form 5 pupils - and keeping up. There is so much in the present N.Y.C. package deal that is misguided and it will inevitably polarise itself into 2, 3, or more sub-groups.

Sincerely, Derek, N. S. S.

news from
the clubs in
australia

River Valley Sun Club, Victoria

Membership at River Valley Sun Club is full, unless the prospective member will guarantee not to want to camp during public holiday periods, for this is really the only time we get overloaded. Visitors will always be welcome.

The membership fee has risen to $50, making this the dearest nudist club in Australia. Campers have to pay 40c per night for power.

The bitumen tennis court will be re-surfaced, extra playground equipment is being built for the children, a new pontoon is to be built in the river and the strawberry garden will be re-planted for the benefit of the campers. It is also proposed to add a deep freeze to the shop to give better service to the campers.

Northside Country Club, Melbourne

We now have, since the Annual General Meeting, women's lib. on the committee, with Elizabeth as President, Val as Secretary and Jana as Treasurer in the executive positions plus Nancy, Betty, Ken, Bill, Cohn, Keith. With the cold weather now with us we keep in touch by having house parties (which are very well attended) and theatre nights. During the school holidays we have at the club a day for the children and adults who come along and play all sorts of games, Elizabeth sets up a kindergarten in her hut and the children really enjoy themselves. We have the club hut very warm and sell hot soup, hot dogs, tea and coffee. Our membership is 70 couples plus their children. We welcome new members but do prefer family groups although single men and women are accepted. We have a Y.G.U. (younger generation unlimited) who do a wonderful job by having their own committee parties and get all the young ones together.

On the 10th February 1974 we are having our open day for all Victorian clubs which is World Naturist day. This will be a big day for all nudists. We are giving full promotion to what we are calling "Victorian Nudist Sports Rally". A coverage will be made by the press, radio, and T.V. It is a considered opinion in the movement that Nudism be brought out into the public eye more. Nudism at the moment is probably more acceptable by the majority of the Melbourne public than it has ever been before.

Quite a few of us are tripping over to Adelaide at Christmas for the A.N.F. Convention with Tindo being the host club.

That is all from us for now, regards to all fellow nudists in New Zealand.

Mowana Northern Rivers Club, N.S.W.

We are making progress, slowly but surely, as much as the weather will permit, so far it hasn't been a good winter. Most of the grounds have been cleared of surplus timber and other rubbish, and a start has been made towards the erection of a shelter-shed. This should be completed before the coming of summer. Some progress has been made towards providing permanent toilet arrangements and it is hoped that this too will be completed very soon.

At present we are awaiting the arrival of a contractor to construct an extra large water storage area, which will be suitable for swimming until a swim pool can be provided, we also hope that this will be completed before the summer.

In keeping with the City of Grafton, (noted for Jacarandas and Festival) Jacarandas have been planted around the grounds and perhaps, in the future we will be holding our own "Jacaranda Festival". Various other plants and shrubs have been placed around which will help to improve the already picturesque grounds.

Since most of our membership consists of Country Members (those who live over 50 miles from the Club), we are naturally looking for many more locals. With facilities perhaps there will be more local interest.

This club is situated conveniently between the city of Grafton and the sea-port and tourist resort of Coffs Harbour, and 40 minutes drive from both centres. We have members who come from the Richmond River area, but because of the distance are unable to attend very often. Should there be any others in that region who are interested, join us as country members (half rates) and meet the members from that region and attend with them to a secluded spot which they use for outings when unable to attend the Club.

Many enquiries have been received from far and wide as a result of the Club news being included in the pages of the N.Z. Naturist. To date, none have been admitted, this we are assuming is caused by the inclement weather here but we feel sure that we will be swamped with new arrivals in the spring.

These notes are being written on a Sunday and outside the countryside is being ravaged by the tail end of a Queensland cyclone. These affairs always seem to arrive on a weekend. It is impossible to attend the Club to check on damage as all the roads are flooded.

STOP PRESS. Sunday night,- Have just received word from a member who managed to get to the Club late this afternoon, he tells me that the temporary toilet and tool shed block has been flattened, blown down by the gale force winds. The grounds are awash with rain water (not floods, out of flood reach). We certainly are having a tough time trying to get the Club going, it has been one set back after the other. I guess, if our members are keen enough we will overcome the problems and come up ready for the next.

Naturi, New South Wales

In the coastal areas around Sydney N.S.W. the weather during the winter months of June and July wasn't the best from a Nudist's point of view. It was cold and cloudy and mostly wet and as a result the attendance at most of the clubs in that area fell to almost zero. But for those members of Naturi club who came along in spite of the uninviting atmosphere there were no regrets and I must tell you the reason for this. Our proprietors have just installed a beautiful "Billiard Table" in the club house and this is now the main attraction in addition to a very serviceable table-tennis set, and also a very interesting library with quite a variety of books,pf all kinds and all the old as well as the new and up to date Nudist Magazines including the New Zealand Naturist. There are several Laminex tables some round and others oblong and a number of modern chairs of the nickel tubular pattern to match the tables. This club house is quite roomy and comfortable and can accommodate quite a large number of members without overcrowding. During the times before we had our club house, rainy weather was a disaster, it scattered our members who sought shelter in various cabins and caravans or tents and those who didn't pack up and go home gathered together in small cliques and this is something that should be avoided at all times as nothing destroys that club spirit quicker than cliques.

Well, to get back again to the story of our club house, when the weather is cold we keep our clothes on while we play billiards or table tennis or chess and towards the end of the day our Secretary Eike generally puts on afternoon tea and cakes and someone slips down and lights the stainless steel Sauna. By the time afternoon tea is over the Sauna is up to 160 degrees temperature or more so we all strip right off and into the sauna. There is nothing more delightful than a quick shower and a dive into the swimming pool and before you have time to get cold, back into the sauna again and believe it or not, after 15 minutes in the heat of the sauna that plunge into the pool is the most invigorating feeling you could ever experience. Personally I have always been active all my life and rather than stay at home on a rainy weekend, I would prefer a drive to the club where there is always something to do. Incidentally, without wishing to be boastful. Naturi club is in the happy position of being able to claim a few firsts. I believe we are the first to install a billiard table, we were the first club to introduce a stainless steel Finnish wood burning Sauna. We were the first to adopt the idea of an outdoor draught board painted on top 01' the septic tank which is constructed of concrete and 5ft in diameter, and for those who are interested in addition to the amenities already mentioned, we have an up to date twin water flushed toilet and wash basin block, a tiled shower room, a trampoline, a kiddies playing area complete with swings, slippery dip, horizontal bars, and sand pit etc.

We also have a kiddies swimming pool and a big pool for the adults 30ft iii diameter and holding 80 tons of water, also two BBQs and three playing courts for mini-ten, volley ball and basket ball and all this set in the middle of a beautiful bushland and lawns for sunbathing on a privately owned property of 70 acres of land. 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 small families. For enquiries send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Box 11, Post Office BEROWRA. N.S.W., 2081.

The Hellos Society, Victoria

The "Helios Society", started here in Victoria in 1958 by a handful of enthusiastic naturists, has surged ahead in true naturist spirit during those 15 years. From relative humble beginnings, and a very small group of people, our club now boasts many members, with their children.The club grounds' boundaries have been greatly extended over the years, and we now own 40 acres of lush, wooded property, which nestles in the Blue Dandenongs, in the tiny country town of Gembrook. The approaching drive from Melbourne is extremely beautiful during all seasons, and on the club grounds itself, native flora and fauna abound. There are flocks of wild and colourful birds to delight the eye, and the children take a great interest in all aspects of this at-hand nature. All-year-round sports activities are enjoyed; namely - volley ball, table tennis, badminton, and during the summer swimming. The swimming pool is fed by a natural creek, which runs right through the property, and this creek also supplies water to the members' cabins. Quite a few members own their own cabins on the grounds, which prove a boon in adverse weather, and for overnight or holiday stays. There are two club cabins for hire when needed, for those people whose cabins haven't reached completion, or who don't want one of their own. The availability of these cabins is marvellous for overnight stays after social functions in our Club House, and in season, are often booked ahead for some time. Camping and caravan sites are also available for those whose preference leans toward this type of holiday. The Club House is a well constructed, large building, and during winter, badminton games are often played in here. The table tennis tables are permanently set up, and are generally in use. Competition games are particularly favoured by the teenagers, who all appear to be avid players. The Club House is also where meetings are held, and afternoon tea is supplied here on Sunday afternoons. The teenagers have their own Council, and have been instrumental in bringing to fruition quite a few beautification projects. In all, the Helios Society offers much for the keen naturist, fine weather or not, and plans for the future sound very promising. People visiting Victoria can write to our Secretary, c/- Box 440, Dandenong.

Across

  5. Non-military
  8. Domestic help
  9. Sea-froth
10. In bondage
11. Schemes
14. Girl's name
16. City businessman
17. Consuming
18. Is able
20. Colour
24. Unsuccessful
25. Linger
26. Calculating machine
27. Prepared

Down

  1. Property
  2. Pastry
  3. Of the navy
  4. Current
  6. Not civil
  7. Impending
12. Coach
13. Spiked (of meat)
14. Part of a circle
15. Japanese currency
19. England
21. Harvests
22. Amusing
23. Boat transport

CROSSWORD No. 68

Spielplatz [Australia] Recreations Pty. Ltd.

Winter time in and around Melbourne and only the hardiest of members are seen on club grounds, this is understandable and the load falls more heavily on the committees to ensure that members do not grow away from the friendly summer atmosphere.

The annual Spielplatz Beer Festival was held in early May, as usual in the small but intimate Anglers Hall near the club grounds; representatives from the other Victorian clubs attended, dancing, supper and renewed friendships continuing into the wee hours, the beer drinking competition was won by John of Corio Club for the second year in succession.

June and July also were catered for and a barbecue was organised near the club house and members of the committee spent a pleasant Saturday afternoon roasting a whole lamb on a spit, after three and a half hours the meat was pronounced ready, carved and served, along with side salads and other goodies (my appreciation Ralph for that delicious glass of cherry brandy). The attending members and children fell to with a will. Background music played from the club house speakers and a most pleasant evening was enjoyed around the roasting pit fire.

Our two swimming and sauna nights to date have attracted great interest, attendance has been most gratifying both to the organisers and to the pool management, 80 to 100 adults, 55 to 65 children enjoyed the facilities on these occasions, the double Viking's sauna was packed each night, the children romped, swam and played ball in the 25 metre heated pool.

These nights will continue each month until October and will culminate with a sports swimming carnival in which all Victorian clubs will compete for trophies. We hope that this may become an annual event.

So you see that along with house parties, swimming and sauna nights and more barbecues Spielplatz club activities do not go into hibernation at the onset of winter, but continue on a different plane which keeps us not only in touch with each other but allows us to maintain that degree of fitness which we have built up during the summer season.

We again issue our invitation to all New Zealand club members to get in touch with us if they are planning a visit to Melbourne so that we may arrange a visit or attendance at any of our club functions at which you will be most welcome.

Yulti-Wirra, South Australia

Progress continues as the need for a larger club-house becomes evident. About an acre of steep hillside has been cleared of trees in preparation for the earthmovers to shift a section of the hill into the valley to form a new level area. This will provide space for the club-house, possibly a better position for the volley-ball court and additional car parking.

Although this required the removal of sixty or more large and beautiful trees, true naturists can find comfort in the fact that we have recently planted two thousand others where they will provide beauty and protection in the years to come.

These earthworks also will provide a larger and better situated swimming pool and also add the charm and beauty of a large body of water in close proximity to the club-house and other activity areas.

Our Rainbow trout in the other pool are now about ten inches long compared with one inch when they were released last year, but still not ready for the barbecue.

With one hundred acres of natural bushland and forest that we are eager to share with other naturists we look forward to a good season again this year.

Kiata Country Club, N.S.W.

Winter passed easier for Kiatans since the installation of hot showers and a slow combustion fire in the clubhouse (thank you Eric and David).

We were pleased to host friends from other clubs for our third birthday celebrations on June 10th. Frank, in his usual role as chief cook, was assisted by numerous pig stuffers, spit turners and gourmets.

There are now some fifty permanent sites, mostly occupied by caravans and tents although eight cabins are completed or near completion.

Kiata has 48 acres of bushland, a giant swimming dam and lots of room for new members. Enquiries should be addressed to the Secretary, Box 103, P.O., Milsons Point, Sydney, 2061.

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

SOUTH AUCKLAND SUN CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 67, Papakura

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

GEYSERLAND 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 55-331 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 837-862

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

CANTERBURY SUN CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 1823, Christchurch

SOUTH CANTERBURY SUN CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 610, Timaru

OTAGO SUN CLUB
P.O. Box 126, Dunedin

SOUTHERN SUN & HEALTH CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 486, Invercargill
Telephone 41W Nightcaps

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

N.Y.C. (NUDIST YOUTH CLUB)
Enquiries and Publicity
National: P.O. Box 1931, Palmerston North
Auckland Branch: P.O. Box 6802, Auckland

AURORA SUNSEEKERS INC.
P.O. Box 5030, Moray Place, Dunedin.
Telephone 49-598 or 33-355

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