# 14 - May 1959
[The National Naturist Review - Winter] Editor: Perc Cousins (Pages: 28 - 5/- per annum)
Contents:-
Editorial
Obituary: Norman Sager
Nudism in Australia as I Saw it (Norman Bell)
N.Z.S.A.
8th National Rally
INF - Winning Essay, International Youth Organisation, Nudist Beaches, Belgium, Canada, Austria, U.S.A., England, France, Denmark, South Africa, Finland, Australia
A Kiwi at Sheplegh Court
Hotsprings in New Zealand (Doug Cousins)
Rules of Tenikoit...
Club Notes (10)
NEW ZEALAND'S ONLY
NATURIST MAGAZINE...
a valuable contribution
towards a better world.
THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL
OF THE NEW ZEALAND
SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION
Box 6359, Wellington.
How important are you to the New Zealand Sunbathing Association? Just as any club or organisation is as strong as its members make it, so the N.Z.S.A. will be weak or strong in the exact proportion that all interested in naturism are firmly behind it, fully realising and appreciating what it means to every one of us. You may think: "We have our own club which gives us all the work and pleasure we need and we are big enough to look after ourselves anyway." If you should think that way, please read on.
Do you realise that if it had not been for national representation, the naturist magazines you enjoy today would not be available in this country? They had been as good as banned until we saw the Minister of Justice and departmental heads. The successful outcome of that interview should be familiar to you end needs no repetition.
The film, "Garden of Eden" was brought into the country and screening made possible by our representations. Members of that time will remember how memberships soared everywhere and the educational value to the general public cannot be underestimated.
On your behalf, successful representations have been made to a number of other bodies as the occasion arose and as a result, you are enjoying a degree of freedom and tolerance that would not have been yours otherwise. The N.Z.S.A. stands ready and prepared to work... and fight if necessary for the rights which we feel are justifiably ours and you will be the one to benefit.
What can you do as an individual, when the time comes to press for nude sea bathing? Or if some Mrs. Grundy-group decides we are not nice and seeks legislation to ban our movement, can you as an individual stop it? Can you as an individual, fight a case in a court of law, where our ideals are involved? Can you do anything should any of the misfortunes beset us that have worried national associations overseas? You know you would be comparatively helpless and yet when you... and you... and you get together, we cease to be individuals and become a body. Still a minority movement, we admit, but big enough to make a fair claim to our rights in a democratic country.
Union is strength, and the greater the number of active supporters there are behind the the greater will be our effectiveness in the community. Through the medium of our National Rallies, you can learn of past happenings, plans, for the future, and elect our officers, bearing in mind continually that if we don't band together and speak with one voice, any of the many possible major catastrophes experienced overseas, could well close our camps and fold up our clubs. We are able to keep you informed of events within the N.Z.S.A. as well as with news from all over the world, through the medium of our magazine, the National Naturist Review. It is the hope of many of us to eventually produce this Review as an illustrated, printed magazine and see it take its rightful place with other magazines in the bookshops. It needs little imagination to appreciate the tremendous assistance this would give to the whole N.Z. movement and the sooner that day comes the better.
Printing costs money and in order to make this a sound financial proposition, the circulation must be doubled, trebled and doubled again before we even dare think of it. If every member of every club becomes a subscriber, that would be a good start, but even then, it would be only a start. We know there are many people who would be willing to read our magazine and we all... every one of us... should become active agents to build up the circulation. You may get new members by doing it and you will certainly be encouraging the few of us who work far into the night preparing it.
The move to form the N.Z.S.A. was a good one and an important step in the movement in this country. Are you helping it to help yourself? It is your voice to speak on your behalf and to protect you and your interest. You don't have to be one of the workers, just a supporter will do. The New Zealand Sunbathing Association can be a strong force to accomplish these things, only when every single one of us is staunchly behind it.
Perc.
Soon will the sun beside the bay
Tan many human pelts;
The bathing season will be on,
But very little else.
Early in June we learned that our Secretary Norman Stanley Sager had died.
The shock of his sudden death is with us yet, and it will be long before his passing can be accepted as a fact. He and Mary were the earlier members of Kaurimu Club and his recent appointment as Secretary was very fitting to one whose interest and assistance extended over so many years. The Club can little afford to lose any member in this way but least of all such a stalwart as Norman. It was always his way to be thinking of something which would help his Club and his well known generosity was a help to our activities at all times. Very recently he gave to the Club a fine table lamp to be raffled to provide funds for Club amenities and he had plans and enthusiasm to see this club grow and become ever more complete. He cannot be replaced and it will many a day before his cheery and lively presence can be accepted as lost to us forever.
To the writer, he was a close personal friend, and his loss has been something which I find impossible to express in words. We did not always see eye to eye, as is natural, but that cemented the friendship rather than otherwise and in Club activities we united in a desire to see it prosper. There are all too few men like Norman in daily life, and the same can be said of our movement, but there is one thing we can do to show our practical faith and genuine regard for Norman and that is to play our part and do our very best to see that the Club he loved goes on to greater strength as he wished. A devoted husband and father he was too, a friend whom I, at least, will never replace. I do, and shall, miss him terribly.
I would like to close this personal tribute with a quotation which expresses my own, and I'm sure many others' opinion of OUR Norman... "The record of a generous life runs like vine around the memory of our dead, and every sweet, unselfish act is now a perfumed flower... There was, there is, no gentler stronger, manlier man. We will keep his memory green."
Eric W. Flint.
NUDISM IN AUSTRALIA AS I SAW IT.
To get to Woodlands, which is the biggest club in Australia, you catch the train to Liverpool and take a bus from there. On the outskirts of Sydney, it is 25 miles from the city. You won't get in unless you are a nudist and approved by Else and her husband, Frank. They are the new proprietors to whom Frank Thomas sold out.
Now that you are inside the rather forbidding iron fence, you will see the six cabins on your left with their flower gardens. The people who rent these live in them every weekend. Other members live permanently in caravans, while still others tent or caravan every weekend.
On your right is the swimming pool, 90' x 36', and beyond it a shelter-shed with tables and seats. At the back of the 3-acre lawn is the clubhouse built by members at a minimum cost, and very useful, for here are shown films on Saturday nights. An open fire makes for a pleasant atmosphere if it is cold, but the 4" x 1" sawn timber on the floor is not conducive to dancing.
There are games courts scattered round the grounds, but the one which gets a thrashing is the volley ball court. Woodlanders are really good and the keenness is most evident when playing for the challenge cup. An interesting rule which improves the game considerably is that only the front players can put the ball over the net. The ball may be hit as often as necessary on each side but not twice consecutively by any player.
As is common with all nudists, they are friendly, but I noticed that there seemed less hospitality at Woodlands and less willingness to chat than in New Zealand. But I spent five wonderful, if somewhat lonely, days there and can recommend it to everyone. Don't forget that it costs a few shillings to stay there and you'll have to fend for yourself.
If you are lucky enough to get to Sunray, in Melbourne, you are assured of the warmest of welcomes as Jim and Reta are about the nicest people you could meet. This probably is the reason members turn up at the club on the windy end wet days, as they did when I was there. Friendly folk, everyone of them, they come up the 18 miles from the city to play billiards and indoor games in the spacious club room which is part of the house. In the sunny weather, tennis is the main sport, with swimming very popular, of course. Children have their own play area.
The club is on a hillside with gum trees everywhere but there is room for caravans and, of course, you fend for yourself. The summer holidays bring plenty of caravans. Electricity for the house comes from a petrol generator, but they hope to have mains electricity within a year. They have two or three spare beds but no provision is made for permanents. Reta very kindly looked after me during my short stay.
There is no unity noticeable among Australian clubs consequently they do not have any rallies such as we do.
The Roscoes, Newcastle, and other lone nudists visit Woodlands, and Woodlands last summer sent a volley ball team to Sunray. Apart from this, there is no fellowship amongst Australian nudists. Harking back to Sunray, fellowship is provided by afternoon tea every Saturday and Sunday and an unwritten law says everyone must attend and have a natter at least. This is something we could copy.
During my tour of Australia, I spent 3½ days at Surfers Paradise. Although the young people wear a minimum of clothes, including swim suits when shopping, I found the experience I disliked most was swimming in togs for the first time in years. It was like wearing all your clothes in the bath. Sunbathing in a swim suit is equally distasteful. If people only knew how pleasant it is to sunbathe without clothes...
NEB, Napier.
"Nudist Paradise."
We have had the pleasure of seeing some of this English colour film and we have already been in touch with the distributors. As we are convinced this film can be of great help to us, every possible assistance and co-operation is being given by the N.Z.S.A. As soon as it is cleared by the censor it is hoped to place it in circuit about September. Club secretaries will be notified as soon as we have definite information, but in the meantime it would be as well to have your organisation ready to give this venture every possible support.
"I'm All Right, Jack."
This is the title of the latest nudist film, only this time it is a satire against us. The cast includes Richard Attenborough, Peter Sellers, Margaret Rutherford, Dennis Price, Miles Mallenson and Ian Carmichael, though it appears that only the last two appear in the nude. We have to expect somebody will try and make some money at our expense. No doubt we can take a laugh and maybe give a bit back, too.
* * * *
REVIEW SUBSCRIPTIONS.
Two clubs have written regarding the matter of 100% membership subscription to the Review. As they both raise the same question, an answer here might put others at their ease too. The essential idea is that every club member has the magazine to read, apart from helping with the circulation but also to keep informed. In the case of couples or families, only one copy need be sent, unless otherwise requested.
This will naturally save the club some expense and help to make the idea more attractive. Membership subscriptions are usually based on a couple as one anyhow.
We find it hard to believe that any club would have members who could be so disinterested as to not want to read our own magazine.
NEXT DEADLINE.
In an effort to bring this Review up to its proper publishing date, we are advancing the next deadline to the 10th. October. Please submit all reports, articles, correspondence etc. by that date.
You are reminded that all remits for consideration must be sent to this office by the 30th. September. Subjects for the discussion sessions way be sent in at any time.
INFORMATION AND WHAT TO DO.
Supplied by our hosts.
Where: The 8th National Rally will be held in the grounds of the Auckland Outdoor Health Club. Your entrance ticket will give you a map showing how to got to the site.
When: The official Rally Days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday; the 1st, 2nd & 3rd of January 1960, but it is hoped that as many as possible will decide to make a holiday of it and make the Club their base.
What's on: (apart from the Rally) The usual races and other attractions, plus the 6th International Grand Prix on 9th. January. The Club is only 14 miles from the centre of Auckland so you can easily stay there and take in any other activities conveniently.
Where to stay: Anyone camping or with a caravan can stay at the Club site. Anyone requiring hotel or motel accommodation is advised to consult their A.A. Handbook, but do not delay booking. We are sorry but we will not be able to make arrangements for billeting - we anticipate that most of our members will be out at the Club.
Hosts: There will be separate couples looking after folk from different parts of the country - thus all South Islanders will be taken care of by one or two couples (depending on how many of you come) and so forth.
Travelling: By 'plane - if you let us know by 30th December, (or 48 hours in advance if coming earlier) your flight number and day of arrival you will be met at the airport.
By train - those coming by Limited or by Express can catch a train on to Ranui station on the Waitakere line) as follows:
Jan 1st. Dep Auckland. 10.30am. 5.O9pm.
Jan 2nd. " " (
Jan 3rd. " " ( 6.58am. 7.42am.
10.15am. 2.l5pm.
3.30pm. 5.03pm.
Ask the guard to stop at Ranui.
These trains will be met. If coming any other time make arrangements with us in advance.
By bus - if coming by Landliner make arrangements with us well beforehand to be met. Local bus transport to Ranui to all intents and purposes is non est.
Tents: There looks like being 3 spare tents, as yet size unknown, but if you want one, book now. We can hire tents for you, providing you undertake to meet the charges. These range from £3.12.O. plus indemnity of £2.10.O. for 8' x 8' to £9.0.0. plus £6.0.0. for 14' x 14' according to size required. Indemnity returned if tent is undamaged. Let us know your exact requirements by the 1st. October (small tents) or 1st. November (larger ones).
Stretchers: (21 day minimum) hire 12/-, indemnity 10/-.
Accommodation at Site: There will be a limited amount of accommodation either in members' baches or in the club house for those who just want somewhere to lay their heads. Please let us know in good time.
Provisions: We hope to have everything you want in the Canteen. There is a 4 Square store within a mile, together with a milk-bar-dairy-grocery and a good shopping centre within 2 miles at Henderson.
Cooking Gear & Crockery: A limited amount will be available.
Feeding: For those who don't have their own gear we hope it may be possible to provide food on a "messing" basis, depending on numbers, but there is a good restaurant at Henderson near by. There will be the usual cuppas.
Ground Fee: 3/6 per adult per day of the rally.
Water and Power: Supplies from the city will be laid on, hot and cold water being available. Power will be on in the clubhouse, so bring your shaver.
Photography: Two official photographers will be appointed to take all black and white stills from which publication photos will be selected. For the sake of the record, clubs may appoint their own movie, colour slide or stereo photographer.
Registration: A11 members register on arrival and will receive an identification disc as a receipt for their ground fees.
Colours are - Grey NZSA Executive.
Blue Official photographers.
Red Those not wishing to be photographed.
White Everyone else.
Square Host club
Business: This year, reports will be duplicated and handed to you with your tag; this will also include a copy of the minutes of the previous meeting. Delegates wishing to submit reports from their clubs are advised that copy must be in the hands of the host club by 27th. November.
Programme: Arrangements are being made to cover a full range of entertainment as previous years, but fina1 details will be supplied when you arrive. The Perc. Cousins Trophy will be presented to the winning team in the Tenikoit Championship and the Ivan Mowlem Trophy to the club enlisting the greatest number of new members during the year.
Who may attend: all members of clubs and genuine followers of the movement are welcome. Admission cards, without which you will not be admitted, will be issued as under; to club secretaries, who must notify the host club who of their members will be attending and this office fox all non-members. Overseas members welcome.
Conclusion: If there is anything special you want, let us know. If you have a baby, let us know that, too, so that we can help. You will like our grounds and we will do our best to make your holiday enjoyable.
Our Address: Auckland Outdoor Health Club (Inc.) Box 2702, Auckland.
International Naturist Federation
So you are wondering how to let your friends know you are a nudist. They have been wondering where you go all those sunny days. They have been looking at you suspiciously wondering where that glorious tan finishes. But, you think, you can't just bluntly walk up to then one day and say, "I am a nudist." It night give them perpetual hiccoughs.
So you might have been hoping they would start discussing the subject to help you to tell them, in a matter of fact way, but they won't. You want to tell then but don't know how. Here is the answer; wear your INF badge. They will then ask you what it stands for... you tell then... and they'll keep on asking questions and away you go. Try it. A badge costs only 2/- from this office.
WINNING ESSAY.
We promised in the last issue to reproduce another of the winning essays submitted at the last International Naturist Congress in England by the youth of the world. This was entered by Isolde Fuerst, Germany, age 16 and was placed first in the competition.
"Why I am in the Naturist Movement."
"Two years ago I was a member of an athletic club. I was training with a trainer who had ambitions of making me into a good 100 meter sprinter. But it seemed a very one-sided effort. I had to keep running and running, and did not have a chance of engaging in any other kind of sport such as Volley Ball or Badminton. I didn't want to become a record-breaker, and I loved rapid movement, which exhilarated me, in games of different kinds. Looking elsewhere for such a chance to do something other than run I was introduced to the naturist movement by a girl-friend. Here my ideals were realised.
In complete contrast to the athletic club, I found true comradeship, and I was immediately accepted into the circle. The boys and the girls played and associated with one another in a completely different way from the athletic club. I had found true friendship impossible there on account of continual state of tension which existed, and we were strictly segregated from the boys, in any case. Apart from that we had the privilege of unhampered movement, without the hindrance of clothes. All false modesty, which had hitherto made day to day living with boys so difficult now disappeared. Engaging in sports without clothes was a much happier and more pleasant experience, and I joined in this aspect enthusiastically.
I had now the chance of choosing the things I wanted to do. I was vary pleased that there was no "Teddy-Boy" element among the naturists. Drinking and smoking had never appealed to me so I was glad that the Naturist Youth discouraged them. Grownups and children were more natural, uninhibited and at ease. Since I have become a convinced adherent of Naturism, I am, of course, trying to bring all friends and acquaintances to visit the club."
(We will print the third winning entry in the next issue. Ed.)
INF INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ORGANISATION.
Following the splendid example set by Germany at the last International Congress, when 60 young people made the trip for this event, the INF/FNI is now trying to establish youth organisations throughout the world. If we have a leader who is used to this sort of work and is prepared to be appointed to represent the N.Z.S.A. we will be delighted to hear from him or her. The immediate work ahead would be to:
a. Arrange exchange of views between young people from the different National Organisations by correspondence.
b. Arrange exchange visits between young people of different nations.
c. Plan an annual International Youth Camp to be held in eligible countries in turn.
d. Make arrangements for carrying out the annual Carl Brown Foundation essay competition.
Apart from the above, much can be done within New Zealand among our young naturists and the idea is worthy of our best consideration. Under the guidance of Jack Gray, England has already formed a youth group and has adopted the name of the Sunlanders. Their first trip during the coming summer will be to France.
NUDIST BEACHES.
There are now nudist beaches in Germany, France and Denmark, all established with the full permission of the local authorities, some of them are under direct supervision of the organised association of the countries concerned and others are just public beaches for nude bathing. How long, New Zealand, how long?
BELGIUM.
The two Belgian associations, Athena and Belvedere, have united into one under the name of Federatie van Belgische Naturisten, (FNIB). A move in the right direction.
CANADA.
An unconfirmed report informs us that a Nudist Ice Skating Association is said to exist in Ontario where the only clothing worn is skates and stockings, nothing else. Not even a cushion in the strategic place.
AUSTRIA.
For some years our friends in Austria have congregated by their thousands on the banks of the Danube in the Lobau area to enjoy the sun in beautiful surroundings with the river on their doorstep. Now it is learned that progress demands that the area be turned into a harbour for oil tankers. As this nudist activity is blessed by the Vienna borough authorities, strenuous efforts are being made to locate another big enough to accommodate the huge crowds of these sun worshippers.
LAKE KEUTSCHACH CAMP.
The Karntner Naturist Club with the largest camp in Central Europe at Lake Keutschach, Austria, was nearly lost to the naturist movement. Fortunately a new contract has been signed with the proprietors and the site is now being improved and will be open to visitors from 1st. June, 1959.
U.S.A.
The latest A.S.A. Bulletin to hand tells us of unpleasant friction from a group of apparent troublemakers who are attempting to form a regional association by intimidation and unconstitutional means. On the other side of the ledger the A.S.A. has successfully stopped an anti-nudist bill in Vermont, while another in Missouri is pending.
ENGLAND.
Strip tease girls actually paraded with banners recently in London's West End, calling for suppression of Nudism because they felt business might be affected adversely by the showing of nudist films. Can you beat that?
It was recently reported over the air, that as a result of the splendid summer in England, membership in the clubs has increased by 50%. This is pleasing news, but it is also very pleasing that this information is regarded as sufficiently interesting and acceptable to listeners.
FRANCE. - MONTALIVET BEACH REOPENED.
Last year the FFN had some difficulty with the authorities and the beach was closed. Following representations by the INF/FNI it has again been opened as a fully fledged naturist beach. The FFN has also been successful in having another beach opened at Agde, not far from Marseilles in the Mediterranean.
DENMARK. - 1960 INTERNATI0NAL C0NGRESS
The 7th INF/FNI World Congress at the Solbakken naturist grounds is to take place between the 23rd. and 27th. July, 1960. The camp itself will last from l6th.July to 1st. August.
SOUTH AFRICA.
A number of countries in this part of the world are making brave attempts to organise naturist clubs, but official and religious attitudes is making it very difficult. Secrecy appears to be essential at this stage.
FINLAND. - UNESC0 AND NUDISM.
A world congress, held at the instance of UNESC0 and to be organised by the Finnish Government has invited INF/FNI to participate. The following themes will be included for discussion at Helsinki between 10th. and l6th. August, 1959.
"In what way can participation in sports improve our technical abilities, our cultural development and generally enrich our lives?" There also will be a competition for the best movie film dealing with sport and physical education and it is hoped that a film depicting naturist activity will be entered. Delegates will be entertained with exhibitions of sports gear and equipment, books and publications etc., while special tours have been arranged.
AUSTRALIA.
Australia's only nudist magazine "Sun Review" won its case recently and is now on sale again and may be sold and purchased anywhere in Australia and N.Z., 8 issues 24/- from P.0. Box 2, Austral, N.S.W., Australia.
Woodlands - This well known club near Sydney is now owned and operated by Frank and Elsa King, who extend a cordial invitation to any N.Z'ers visiting those parts.
Sun Review now lists 11 Australian clubs, some of them quite new to us. We have the complete list of addresses if anyone is interested.
Sheplegh Court occupies a unique place in English naturist activities for two reasons. In the first place you don't necessarily have to be member of an established club to go there, and secondly it is run along the same lines as a hotel, with full catering facilities, and everything "laid on" for the guests.
It is situated in South Devon, inland from Dartmouth, and near the little village of Blackawton. To get there you can drive down from London by car, or you can go by train to Dartmouth, take a ferry across the river Dart, and ring the proprietor Frank Mitchell, who will send a car and collect you for the remaining seven miles of the journey.
If you are driving your own car, it is most important to follow directions very carefully over the last few miles, as the hedges on both sides of the very narrow roads are about twelve feet high, without any breaks, even at the intersections, and it's just like driving down a series of tunnels. It is very easy to get lost if you take the wrong turning, and as there are very few houses about in this area, it is not so easy to find your way back on to the right road again. I can speak from personal experience in this, as the second night I was at Sheplegh we went to a barbecue and square dance in the nearby village of Slapton, and on the way back late at night I spent nearly two hours driving up and down a maze of narrow lanes in heavy rain, and I might still have been there yet if I hadn't been lucky enough to come upon the Sheplegh entrance more or less by accident.
The house itself is a large three-storied stone building, set in fifty acres of grounds, and those of you who were at the last annual rally in Wellington will have some idea of the house and surroundings from the films of Sheplegh which were shown one evening. The place was at one time the property of the Bishop of Exeter, and more recently was used by the Americans as a headquarters during World War II, the beaches nearby serving as a training ground for the landings in Normandy. It was opened as a Naturist hotel in 1946, and is run by Frank Mitchell and his wife, Frank also being the President of the Federation of British Sun Clubs.
The ground floor of the building comprises a large and very pleasant lounge, two dining rooms, "Mitch's" office, and a sun room with a battery of ultra-violet sun lamps where you can get a tan indoors if the weather outside is unsuitable. The other two floors are mainly bedrooms and bathrooms, but the second floor does include a large recreation room where dances, concerts, and other entertainments can be held in the evenings.
The grounds themselves are of course very extensive and there is more than plenty of room for everybody, even when the house is full. There are various lawns and terraces for sunbathing, a tennis court, a kiddies pool, a swimming pool for adults, and also a solarium - a building about 20' x 40', like a large glasshouse, where you can sit and enjoy the sun on windy days.
All meals are of course served in the dining rooms, with the exception of afternoon tea at 4 o'clock, which, in fine weather is served on the main sun terrace outside. This is very sociable occasion as everyone from all over the grounds assembles in the one place for this very important item on the day's agenda. At about 10 o'clock in the evening you can if you wish obtain tea or coffee with light refreshments at the snack bar, but if you want anything stronger, you will have to stroll down to the little village pub at Blackawton a couple of miles away.
If you have a car, there are several interesting trips to be made if you feel like a change of scenery. You can get some sea bathing, at one of the beaches nearby, you can go shopping in Dartmouth, you can drive to Dartmouth and then take a river boat for a very pleasant trip up the river to Totnes and back, or you can venture a little further afield and visit such well-known places as Plymouth, Paignton and Torquay, the letter packed with people in the summer season.
Sheplegh Court too, is always fully booked during the summer months, and it is very necessary to book early if you want to get in; in fact everyone from N.Z. intending to visit U.K. and thinking of spending any time at Sheplegh would be well advised to arrange reservations before they leave here, especially if there three or four in the party. For many English visitors to Sheplegh, who do not belong to organised clubs in their home towns, their holiday there is perhaps their only experience of naturism during the year, but it does give the the opportunity of meeting and getting to know more regular naturists, and no doubt many clubs have obtained additional members as a result of initial contacts at Sheplegh Court.
The tariff is about the same as for equivalent hotels in English summer holiday resorts, the midsummer rates from June 21st. to September 20th. 1958 being from 10½ to 11½ guineas per adult guest plus a "voluntary" gratuity of 1O%, my stay for a week and a day amounting to exactly £14.14.0. Not a cheap holiday, but a very pleasant one, especially if the weather decides to be kind during your stay, and a holiday that you will always remember.
(See next issue for "A Kiwi at White House Club. Ed.)
DEFINITI0N.
A committee is a group of the unfit appointed by the unwilling to do the work no one else wants to do.
(A.S.A. Bulletin.)
By Doug., Wellington Sun & Health Society Inc.
With so much thermal activity in the Rotorua district there are naturally many hot springs, but it will no doubt be of interest to know that they are not all confined to this area. Most of then have been developed into baths for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. Others, like the Hotel Wairakei, have built baths and supply hot thermal waters to them. Of special interest to naturists are those baths where nudity is either logical or the accepted thing.
All the North Island springs are situated in a defined belt between Hawke Bay and near Kaikohe in Northland. The odd two that have to be different are the only in "mainland" springs. Let us look at these first, then the North Island, going northwards.
HANMER: Two baths, men and women separate, costumes not required.
MARUIA (Lewis Pass): A public bath has now been built, but it is not known if the private baths have since been closed.
TARAWERA: Midway between Napier and Taupo. Hot mineral springs on the banks of the Waipunga River.
MORERE: 4 baths, No.1 large public bath, costumes worn; not particularly hot. Nos. 2 and 3 are private, separate cubicles for locking yourself in. Notices clearly prohibit any form of costume. The water is extremely hot. Further up in the splendid bush is No.4, roofed, but other wise open. If you are quick and dodge anybody that may come along you can go in without togs. As the water is not clear (free iodine) this is practicable. Water temperatures good. All baths have salty water.
TE PUIA: East Cape. One large public pool, at rear of hotel. No charge, right temperature, and as with Morere, salty water.
GOLDEN SPRINGS: Midway between Rotorua and Taupo. Warm mineral spout baths.
AWAKERI: Between Rotorua and Whakatane, open public bath, boarded round the top. Temperature right.
BLUE & WARD BATHS (Rotorua): Blue Baths are the public ones, and are invariably crowded! Ward have separate men's and women's baths as well as smaller private baths, and togs are not needed. In some cases the latter have very high temperatures and special curative properties. The main pools are of the right temperature. Ward has fresher water, partly due to the smaller number of patrons. The hours when they are open are restricted, so plan your holiday to avoid disappointments.
OKOROIRE (Near Tirau): There are four baths, but in 1951 I could only find three. They are each enclosed, with locks, so togs are not required. Water temperatures vary. We took No.4 as we were told it is the best.
WAINGARO: Towards Raglan Harbour from Ngaruawahia. These are very popular, and have recently had a children's pool added. Presumably all public. At the actual springs the water is 103 degrees.
OKAUIA (Matamata): There are two sets of baths, the Opal on the west side of the Waihou River (one public bath),
and the Crystal on the east side. The baths are all public, there being a large main bath, children's, toddlers', ladies baths and private spout baths rather like showers. The main bath is right at 95 degrees.
KATIKATI: On the coast south of Waihi. One fair sized public bath, not particularly hot. A new bath is being built.
TE AROHA: In the picturesque Government Gardens are three baths, the main public one being rather on the cool side. The others are private, one each for men and women where no togs are worn. When I first tried to get in the water was at 110 degrees! By the time it was reduced to 104 I could just stand it. The water has special curative properties for arthritis, etc. Local football teams have a soak after the game. Next morning their bruises are pitch black, but fade quicker than ordinary bruises. One further point - the grounds include Mokena, the only hot soda water geyser in the world, playing every 20 minutes.
KAIAUA: On the west side of the Firth of Thames. On private land, some distance from the road, often empty and often dirty. The local resident we spoke to did not recommend trying to find it, so we did not do so.
WHENUAKITE: West side of Coromandel Peninsular. At Hot Water Beach hot thermal water rises through the sands. I know nothing more of this site.
PARAKAI (Helensville): One large public bath, temperature right. Private baths are provided for hotel guests at both private hotels. The waters are curative for rheumatism.
WAIWERA: On the coast south of Warkworth. The springs are right on the beach, some below high water. A public(?) bathing pavilion has been provided for pleasure or treatment (bronchitis). The temperatures are sometimes as high as 105 degrees.
KAMO (Whangarei): Public bath and paddling pool, powerful tonic effects.
NGAWHA: Between Kaikohe and Bay of Islands. Strong Mercurial waters.
If any reader can correct any facts, or otherwise complete this survey of our hotsprings, the writer would be glad to hear from him.
A brief study of this subject has convinced us that there are a number of "official" rules for this game put out by various sources. It is important that the N.Z.S.A. has a standard whereby we all may play the same game and that is one of the ideas behind the annual tenikoit championship at the National Rallies, and the main reason for these notes. Some years ego we wrote to Mr. R. Douglas Ogden, who invented and patented the game and we received his permission to play it, together with a set of rules that have become the basis for our procedure. If there should be any doubt, perhaps these suggestions will be of some assistance.
The size of the court is 40' x 18' divided by a net swung from posts 5' high and 4'9" in the centre and hanging 18" deep. Three feet on each side of this is dead ground and it is a point against the side that puts either foot or ring inside it. Each remaining half is divided down the centre longitudinally and all serves must begin from the right hand corner and outside the line, the ring being directed to the opposite corner.
A net serve may be taken again, but no more than three attempts are allowed. After the serve, the ring may touch the net in passing over any number of times. When serving or returning, the ring must rise at least 6" after it has left the hand and baulking in any form is not allowed and if employed, loses a point. A net ring, left untouched that either goes into the wrong court or out of bounds, is a point against the serving side. The ring, when touching a boundary line, is regarded as in, but if feet are touching the dead ground line and not inside, that is not a point against you. After 5 serves, that pair change places and the serve goes to the other end and from the right hand corner. The ring must always spin and not wobble and never be thrown in a downward direction. It must not touch the ground and must be returned immediately with the same hand that catches it. Should the ring bounce from a player's hand it may be taken and returned by the partner. Only one bounce is allowed and the ring may touch the body at any time.
Scoring is by fives until 31 is reached for doubles, and 21 for singles. The size of a singles court is 40'x 12'. Should any points arise not covered in these notes, please let us have them, so that standard practice is agreed upon throughout the country.
Some girls are like flowers - they grow wild in the woods.
Auckland Outdoor Health Club Inc. (Members.) Box 2702, Auckland.
Nothing much to report since our last issue. Work goes on in the grounds and on the clubhouse and now we have accepted the local power board's quote for electricity and are going ahead doing the necessary clearing work for them. This, however, will not involve us in any reduction of screening. Elsewhere in this issue you will find details of what we shall be offering you when you come up here. Suffice it to reiterate here that anyone who wishes to stay outside the Rally period is welcome to do so on our usual terms: a note from your Club Secretary - and we invite you to drop something in the box for the building fund when you leave.
Kaurimu Sun Club Inc. (Members.) Box 15, Glen Eden, Auckland.
No report.
Auckland Sun Club. (Members.) Box 2925, Auckland.
We are now reorganising as a members club and hope to report more definitely shortly.
Waikato Health Club. (Forming.) (Mooloo Sunbashers.) Box 4032, Hamilton.
We now have a number of interested families with more children than adults. Now a site is needed and we will be pleased to receive any ideas on how to go about attacking this problem. In fact, anything regarding starting a new club would help. As we have a large garden in the country members travelling by road to the National Rally in Auckland are welcome to stay overnight on the way through, up or down. Milk and eggs are available. Space in the house is available for members with large families.
Joan and Arthur.
Gisborne Sun Club (Forming.) c/- Box 6359, Wellington.
Wanganui Sun Club (Members.) Box 410, Wanganui.
No report.
Wellington Sun & Health Society Inc. (Members.) Box 6359, Wellington.
Despite the chilly weather, new members continue to come along and work is proceeding at Fiveacres. The kiddies area is being enlarged and additional flower beds, tracks and a bridge are all part of the scheme. Hundreds of trees have been planted and removed of dead wood, gorse, etc. has resulted in a mountain of rubbish in readiness for Guy Fawkes night. In a few days time, two tons of steel will be delivered to the site in readiness for the pool and a filtration and solar heating system are in the blueprint stage. Paneling and painting of the clubhouse are proceeding and an energetic social committee has all manner of functions arranged right up to the end of the year. We are now purchasing and distributing 112 copies of the Review and expect to increase this number with the next issue.
Canterbury Sun & Health Club Inc. (Members.) Box 1823, Christchurch.
No report.
Otago Sun & Health Club. (Members.) Box 2O56, South Dunedin.
The weather has made work at the grounds impossible in recent months and as we have been blocked from erecting a building on the site, when work is possible the laying out of terraces and games courts will receive attention. The A.G.M. Was held recently and officers were elected for the ensuing year.
Southern Sun & Health Club. (Members.) Box 486, Invercargill.
We recently wrote to the Mayor of Invercargill asking if there was any land available for our purpose. There was none, but the matter was reported in the local newspaper. This was followed by several references to the club, culminating in a three column spread from a reporter who interviewed Laurie, our President, who was not averse to having his name appear in print. This resulted in three offers of land, one of which sounded very attractive; 67 acres of bushland, gently sloping, with permanent water and a shed 14'x1O' and only 14 miles from town on a good road. This offer was too good to miss and our secretary and his wife purchased it on behalf of the club. A store is within two miles of the site and a lovely swimming and picnicking beach is two miles past it. This with steadily increasing membership and monthly socials is very encouraging for a young club.
Back issues of this magazine
are available at reduced prices.
Noted:-
Doug Cousins: Hot Springs of NZ
Europe: Nudist Beaches
N.E. B. (Norman Bell): Nudism in Australia as I saw it
Obituary: Norman Sager (by Eric Flint)
