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[The National Review - Summer] Editor: Stewart Ransom (Pages: 12 - 5/- per annum)
Contents:-
Editorial
Empowering Progress
A New Zealander in Search of the Club du Soliel
Rally Rendezvous
The Sixth National Rally
Seventh National Rally
Management Committee Proposals adopted by the General Meeting
Recollections from Marie C.S.H.C.
News from the Clubs (9)
Editorial |
The sixth national rally was a rally with a difference. It has set a new character to this annual event. Previously, rallies at Wanganui and Kaurimu have been held at well established clubs with fully developed grounds, and could thus provide excellent facilities and ideal conditions. Canterbury, however, has very new grounds with still much to do but in spite of this, they provided first amenities and turned on a truly exceptional rally. Courage, outstanding enthusiasm and a well organised effort compensated for inclement weather and incomplete development of the grounds.
EMPOWERING |
It was an event permeated with the pioneering spirit where hospitality was the keynote. This first South Island national convention further cemented the growing camaraderie among New Zealand nudists. It still further formulated the national association and created a great unity among the members. Names became personalities and aims and ideals through discussion were better understood.
As a convention under canvas it offered an entirely new experience. It was relaxing since formal business was kept to a minimum and the friendly informality of everyone allowed no one to become solitary. A high standard for national rallies has been set and enthusiasm of nudists in this country encouraged to ensure even further progress.
A NEW ZEALANDER |
How not to visit this famed club of Paris
By Doug, Wgtn, Sun and Health Society.
The Amsterdam train pulled into the Gare du Nord at 5.45 p.m. on a Saturday evening. The man who was supposed to meet me was not there, so for about an hour I made myself prominent around arrival platforms hoping that my Scout uniform would help him spot me should he show up. All the time I was wondering what to do if he did not turn up, as I had only his address and the address of the place outside of Paris where I was to stay. When it was apparent that my guide was not coming I started looking for an enquiry office, but could not see one despite the importance of the station for international travellers. I hunted all round the station and eventually decided to try a shop beside the platforms. I chose a large bookshop, but they spoke no English. They directed me to the Hotess de Paris back on the platforms. I easily found the big neon sign, 20 feet from where I started hunting for the office! Above it in small letters, half hidden by evening shadows, was the English words "Paris Welcome Information Office". The lady on duty spoke good English so tried to telephone the man who was to meet me - but he had no telephone. The only thing to do was to make my own way to the club, so she gave me directions.
As soon as I had taken a seat on a bus going past St. Lazare Station, I began to write a note for the conductor - where I wanted to go, be put off etc. While I was thumbing through my French dictionary a businessman in front gave me a bus ticket, so I showed him the note. He was going to the same station and took me along. We found my train then went off to purchase my ticket. I farewelled my guide and joined a small queue at the gate. A little while later a train came into the next platform and the rest of the queue went over to it. I wondered if this was also a platform for my destination and found it was. I boarded the train and checked with a passenger; so took my seat.
About 8 p.m. we arrived at my station, and I asked for a taxi, as I had over a mile to go. Herrumphh: apparently there were such things but the expected arrival of one was open to question, so the only thing to do was walk. The staff was most helpful in giving directions, and I put my luggage under their care. I was about to set off when rain threatened, so took out my rain cape and set out. I had gone only a third of the way when the rain simply fell down, with the gutters carrying it away in a stream two feet wide. I sheltered in a shop doorway and carried on as soon as it subsided sufficiently. I easily found the street I wanted, but the number turned out to be an alley of 7 or 8 houses, and the question was, which was mine?
I saw on a gate on the left the number I wanted, a sign which I could not translate meantime plus a bell push. I pressed the bell but nothing happened. I should add that in this part of the world darkness falls about 9.30 p.m., a great help to me! I had read about the place I was going to, and knew that the district had once been quarries. I had to go through a tunnel from one quarry to another. I went in the gate and hunted for either another bell or knocker on the 2 storey house built against the cliff face, or some sign of life, or the tunnel. I found nothing, so came back to the gate. Beside it I saw behind a wire fence, a dog yelping his head off, and realised this sign on the gate had said "mad dog"! I closed the gate and pressed the bell again. Nothing happened except that a dark blue van came into the alley and out jumped a gendarme. Now what the heck, have I pressed a burglar alarm or something? He took no notice of me and went up the alley, disappearing out of sight.
A minute later I followed, and found that he had gone through a tunnel that divided in the middle - to a lighted house on the left which I guessed he had entered; and to the right into a tunnel that was nearly dark. I didn't like the look of this, in fact the whole alley seemed rather neglected, and I even had creepy feelings a little like the "sinister East" feeling I had in Ceylon. I started coming back to the gate with the number on it and met a local coming into the alley. I showed him the address, indicating I wanted to know where it was. He recognised the letterhead immediately and took me up into .. the .. dark .. tunnel!!! Now what?
Once through we came to a number of parked cars, and beyond these was a large fence. Beside the gate was a small sign bearing the same name as on the letterhead. I breathed the biggest sigh of relief I have ever breathed, and I will swear my hair is three shades greyer than when I left home!!!
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RALLY |
A few impressions from a visitor to the Canterbury Sun and Health Club grounds.
Stark gaunt trunks blackened by forest fires still dotted the grounds, but already these dismal reminders of a still very real danger were disappearing under willing axes. The arc of the clubhouse at the entrance swept a panoramic view of the grounds. Immediately before it the magnificent new swimming pool sparkled in the sunlight. Beyond it the tenniquoits and volley ball courts were animated by straining competitors cheered on lustily by just as eager supporters. In the near distance the 20'x 40' marquee raised two tall poles and marked the beginning of the camping area. Irregularly dotting the distance were tents large and small, various in colour, interspersed with as great a variety of caravans. Their fluttering flaps giving further motion to this holiday scene. The scorched earth, straw coloured; contrasted with the tall pines gracefully waving in groups along the boundaries enriching the blue cloud-flecked sky with green-black arms seeking the sun. The temporary screening along three sides and the piles of limbs and tree trunks were reminders of the recent development and the many long hours of hard toil creating a wilderness into a haven where nudists can enjoy the sun.
A windmill whirred tirelessly ever filling the tanks above the showers, a contrasting silence to the noisy petrol pump recently filling the pool. Smoke lazily drifted from the copper chimney as Keith faithfully stoked the fire to maintain an endless supply of welcome hot water. This silent service was characteristic of the unobtrusive efficiency which had made possible this first South Island rally.
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THE SIXTH |
During the past twelve months the Canterbury Sun and Health Club has been feverishly preparing for the sixth national rally. An advance guard arrived from The Otago Sun Club to give very welcome assistance in the final preparations which included helping to lay the concrete surround of the new swimming pool. Thus when members from as far north as Saies and from as far south as Invercargill arrived in never ceasing numbers they found everything ready. Planes, ships, trains and buses were met and guests driven 16 miles out of Christchurch to the club grounds. Throughout the rally, Trevor had organised a very efficient transport service.
Efficient organisation was a real feature of this rally. Trevor, the Official Rally Organiser was supported by the Canterbury Club Executive and Social Committees and he had delegated duties to extremely reliable and capable members. Keith's endless supply of hot water was very much appreciated; Marie, the President's wife, providing tea services; Joan supervising the store; Jim controlling camp hygiene; Arthur testing the swimming pool and maintaining the games courts; Glyniss and Dot organising the children's entertainments - were inconspicuous as they carried out their never ceasing duties.
Tents, stretchers and caravans had been hired for the many visitors. The large marquee proved indispensable for the evening entertainments and for children's activities during the day. The constant rain, which marred the rally,made it a valuable asset. The travel weary felt a sincere gratitude for these facilities, for the sudden appearance of cups of tea, and their immediate adoption by campers already well established. They were truly guests of Canterbury.
New Year's Eve was wet and somewhat coo1 but Pug was seen to be "hotting it up" with Vivien with a little rock and roll. No doubt this was why they led the way into the pool as midnight struck. Three Otago members from the chilly south and only one from Canterbury and Wellington "broke the ice", Pug being the only northerner to uphold their honour. A hot cup of tea was noticeably well received afterwards.
The first day of the rally found the northern contingent in the Pyjama tent (shades of ye knights of old) awakened by Jim's early cuppa. Oh bliss - as the odour of bacon and eggs drifted from a neighbouring tent. Getting to know each other was the main activity of the day but volley ball and tenniquoit games were never ending. The management committee spent the afternoon conferring on national matters to present to the general meeting later in the afternoon. The meeting grew longer and longer so that it was eventually decided to hold the general meeting the following day.
The concert that evening was held in the marquee with the audience seated on groundsheets, rugs, boxes of what-have-you. Clarry, assisted by Martin provided first class entertainment. Sketches songs, trumpet solos and pianoforte items were of a very high standard. A hula from two very young Canterbury members was very popular and a community sing aided by a young conductor proved the younger fry to be just as talented. An unrehearsed melodrama was the highlight; many of the audience were by now hysterical. A violinist, trumpeter and a very accomplished young pianist provided an orchestra which truly set a stamp of class on the show. Meanwhile the storm grew worse but spirits were not dampened. However it was rather odd that the district had been declared a fire restriction area a few days before.
The incessant racket of the hired generator that seemed to eat petrol competed with the wind and rain. The friendly light that it provided removed some of the terrors of the storm. Even more grateful were we to Marie and her apparently endless supply of extra blankets and to Harold for his cheery word as they braved the weather touring the tents before settling for the night.
The second day broke fine and eventually the sun did shine but a steady breeze caused many to seek sheltered spots. The distant foothills of the lofty Southern Alps were covered in snow but the wind was from the opposite direction and chilly magnificence was not felt. The steady breeze soon dried the sodden ground and the sun soon aided its return to dust. Summer had come at last.
The Press reporters representing both the Christchurch papers as well as N.Z. Truth, visited the grounds and were extremely interested in both the Canterbury Club activities as well as the national organisation. The daily papers were more interested in the usual statistics as to the number of N.Z. nudists, the areas covered and the growth of the movement, but the Truth reporter was more concerned with the element that brings unfavourable publicity on the movement. He was more interested in the popular support and growth of public acceptance of nudist clubs. Official government recognition and respect for the voice of nudist opinion impressed him considerably. A photograph giving a panoramic view of the grounds appeared in the following morning paper accompanied by a very favourable press report.
The tenniquoits championship games were now well under way and evenly matched teams had a hard struggle. The skill of John and Jim of Wanganui Club was just too much for the Canterbury Club who many hoped would secure the shield. Once again congratulations Wanganui, you are the tops.
The general meeting was held in the club house at 4 in the afternoon. The recommendations of the management committee were put forward following the national organiser, P.R.0. and club reports. The discussion was keen and fruitful and the decisions have certainly even more firmly established the national organisation and the progress of the New Zealand movement.
Films of the Canterbury, Kaurimu and Wellington Clubs were shown during the evening. Some had seen them before but to most this was the first screening. Arnold proved to be a very competent projectionist including cartoons to the delight of more than the children. His trips to Campbell Island and Raratonga were well produced documentaries which proved him to be a first class photographer and made this a very enjoyable evening.
The final day was again dull but further games of tenniquoits and volley ball soon had everyone warm as toast. Clothes were certainly fast disappearing. Bill produced copies of the photographs for viewing and for orders. They were very good although nudists in uniform were noticeably scarce. A call for volley ball, North Islanders versus the rest soon interrupted the crowd studying the photographs. Never before was such a torrid battle fought against such overwhelming odds. The northerners lacking in science used crude strategy confusing their opponents who were soon wondering just what game they were supposed to be playing. They however soon recovered their wits and soundly thrashed their irregular opponents. The northerners vowed to practice deadly tactics for the next national rally.
The evening show was a viewing of club slides when members described the development and problems of their grounds. It was great to see the magnificent beauty of the 0tago grounds, the waterfall, the distant views of the Tairi Plains, and the dense bush. Wellington grounds were similarly illustrated so that many were able to see something of next year's rally location. Doug also gave a short account of his visit to Australian, English and French clubs and gave many suggestions for improvements which he saw in use. The evening ended with Perc presenting the tenniquoits champions, the Wanganui Club, with the Perc Cousins shield. It was also most fitting when Roy of the Otago Club thanked Canterbury for their very warm hospitality and presented them with an Umbrella tree from his club. Everyone most heartily supported his remarks.
And now it is all over. It was a big show. With 24 tents and 5 caravans there were 39 adults and 35 children under canvas. Day visitors increased attenders to 82 adults and 54 children. The lack of heat was not always apparent for one tent caught fire at breakfast when very quickly a team of firefighters soon had it under control. This is the second occasion when Canty has fought fires, they being the only folk in the district to help control gorse fires in the neighbouring property recently. These and other events are now just memories. We have made many new friends and have discovered that New Zealand is richly endowed with fine club properties and enthusiastic members. Progress is inevitable.
SEVENTH |
28th, 29th, and 30th December 1958 are suggested dates for the next rally. Please send Wellington Sun and Health Society comments and recommendations for more suitable dates - immediately.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE |
A summary of the decisions of the General meeting.
N.Z. representative |
Ken of the Canterbury Sun and Health Club shall be the official N.Z. delegate at the International Naturist Federation Congress held in Great Britain in 1958.
Levying Clubs to |
The levy for the present year be 1/- per adult member per year.
Venue and dates of |
Wellington Sun and Health Society grounds be the venue of the 7th National Rally the dates to be left to this club to decide.
Establishment of the |
The organisation be proceeded with and that it consist of the National Organiser, the Public Relations Officer, the Overseas Contributor, plus a representative from each of the clubs in New Zealand. That this be the New Zealand Sunbathing Association and that letter heads be printed accordingly.
Remits for national |
Remits for national consideration be in the hand of the National Organiser by the 30th September. That these remits shall be referred back to the Clubs which will instruct their delegates how to vote at the next following national rally. The result of these decisions will be passed on with club and national organiser's, reports to the General Assembly.
Change of title for |
The title of the National Review shall be changed to "The National Naturist Review".
National Officers. |
National Organiser - Perc.
Public Relations Officer - Stewart.
Overseas Contributor - Gerald.
Legal Officer. |
Russell of A.O.H.C. to be the official legal adviser.
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RECOLLECTIONS |
Well the rally is over and now we are home once again we can remember all the fun we had...
Remember Dick with his undies and pyjamas on trying to combat the cold; he needed no urging to stoke the caravan stove.
Who was responsible for the ear-splitting snores issuing from the "Pyjama" tent? Pug, Stewart, Dexter Bill and Norman declined to comment.
Alan has a flair for wrecking camp stools, one minute conversing intelligently, next flat on his back roaring with laughter.
Keith of C.S.H.C. who was responsible for the hot water almost 24 hours a day - much appreciated by all. Thank you Keith.
Clarry and Martin who, with their concert made us forget the wintry weather.
Jim who brought Harold and I back to reality with an early cup of tea.
Dexter's cup which Russell christened "the 44 gallon drum with a handle".
Arthur had a busy time helping Glenis run the various games and patching tents.
Trevor who was as busy as a bee but still managed to keep cheerful.
Altogether I have come to the conclusion that Nudists are Nice People.
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Write for the Review. Holiday experiences for nudist readers must be many - we would like to hear them.
NEWS FROM THE CLUBS...
Kaurimu Sun Club. (Members.) Box 15 Glen Eden.
Social evenings have been held during the winter months including a birthday party for Eric. Vandals have caused £30 damage to the club house and members' gear, smashed a boat and slashed Lilos. The Police are investigating. The President has purchased 21/2 acres adjoining 8 acres leased from Eric, all beautiful bush. Development of a drive and car park preceded.
Wanganui Sun Club. (Members.) Box 410 Wanganui.
Many visitors from Wellington and further afield over Xmas-New Year have stayed at the grounds. A number of prospective applicants are coming forward.
Otago Sun and Health Club. (Members.) Box 2058 South Dunedin.
Only 3 North Islanders were able to tour further South after the rally and visit the grounds. We are hoping to hold the rally here in 2 years time and will work to this end. Concreting the pool continues but heavy rain continues to make the access difficult for gravel etc. Plans for the coming year will be a club house, children's paddling pool, levelling for lawns and games courts. Insect control is a problem also being seriously considered.
Auckland Sun Club. (Proprietory) Box 2925 Auckland.
Auckland Outdoor Health Club. (Incorporated) (Members) Box 2702. Auckland.
Waikato Health Club. (Members) Box 32 Hamilton East.
Gisborne Sun Club. (Members) c/- Box 6359 Wellington.
Wellington Sun and Health Society. (Inc.) (Members) Box 6359, Wellington.
Canterbury Sun and Health Club. (Members) Box 1823 Christchurch.
Noted:-
6th Rally Christchurch - 1958 (Jan)
7th Rally Wellington - 1958 (Dec)