President

Perc. W. Cousins

Vice-President

Ivan Mowlem

Treasurer

Doug. Cousins

Public Relations Officer

Gerald Wakely

Overseas Correspondent

Ken Treanor

Youth Organiser

Ken Treanor

Female Representative

Joan Treanor

Liaison Officer

Jim Quinlan

Delegates representing all clubs

N.Z. NATURIST

Editor

Gerald Wakely

Business Manager

Doug. Cousins

Production

Annette and Bob McIver

Norman Bell

The tenth National Rally has come and gone. Old friendships have been renewed, new ones made and promises to meet again next year ring out as each party leaves.

To the hosts is left the tidying up and a well-deserved rest. This year's Rally bore all the marks of a well thought out and well run show. From the movement in New Zealand as a whole let's say - congratulations, Canty!

Canterbury Sun & Health Club has deservedly won the reputation as the club with the mostest for the youngest. It is particularly pleasing to note the full programme put on for the youngsters and the emphasis on making them a part of the Rally. Not only are they our investment in the future, but, in their teens, they are our Achilles' heel, unless we can make our clubs attractive and lively enough for them to want to come out.

Comment should not be lost on the work put in by the N.Z.S.A. Executive which spent a day on the increasingly complex affairs of the Association before the Rally started. Now that they are all home again let's say - "good on you" - and mean it.

Unfortunately, no photographs of Rally events were ready in time for publication. but these will appear in our next issue.

Some rearrangements have been made following suggestions from the executive meeting. More suggestions wanted from the ordinary readers, please! Is there too much spouting? Do you like our comic strip? How about the serial? Does anyone other than the Editor enjoy "Off-beat corner"? Come on, tell us - you read the thing - or do you just get it for the pictures? If so, help us get more from your club or of your own experiences of naturism.

Gerald Wakely   

Although the New Zealand Naturist is the official journal of the New Zealand Sunbathing Association opinions expressed in this publication are not those of the Association unless expressly stated to be so.

Birds of a Feather

Some time ago a friend expressed the opinion that an interest in nudism in itself was not sufficient guarantee that the members of a nudist club would be "our kind of people". The speaker was a man of some education, and having just met a nudist who had been a prison warder and pugilist, felt that an afternoon in his company might be rather less than stimulating.

This attitude is understandable, and it is certainly true that our clubs have a diverse membership. While the clubs are small there can be no one social group represented in considerable numbers and consequently the member is forced to mix with people different from himself, or remain a lone sunbather ignoring the social aspect of nudism.

Variety, the spice of nudism

I believe that this situation is not entirely a disadvantage. In this age of the specialist there is a need to broaden our outlook if we are to avoid becoming as restricted in response and incapable of adaptation as the machines we govern. A wide range of friends will help us to become full human beings with understanding outside our own field. We will find these people fascinating too, because their interests and attitudes are different from our own. They will make us aware of a new perspective with insight into the richness of life which would be missed by restricting our pleasure moments to people much like ourselves in occupation, age and cultural background.

The new member, then, will find that nudists come in an exhilarating variety. Our clubs are now happily bringing different racial groups together, Maori and Pakeha, Islanders and Chinese dispel any lingering intolerance of colour by sharing the activities of the club. The Immigrant, already in a strange community, is no longer at a great disadvantage where his fellow members all have differing ways of life, while his own presence increases the diversity and interest at the club.

As has often been pointed out, nudism is a family affair. The children are not left at home as is frequently the case with other groups, and they become more mature through the contact with adults. Conversely, the fact that young and old are together removes the serious intensity from living, allowing all ages to join in party games, singing and festivities that are so much more fun than cocktail parties.

I have myself been made vividly aware of new activities by my nudist friends. Exponents of Yoga, ju-jitsu, and all-in wrestling have intrigued me. Trans-ocean yachtsmen, those who have sought Utopia in the South Sea Islands, and political advocates have all expounded their experiences and opinions. On one occasion some years ago, a couple touring the country with an acrobatic act visited the club. Their experiences were themselves unusual, but their interest in philosophy provided the basis for a friendship which we still maintain around the world.

But the outwardly more ordinary nudist can be absorbing too. A clerk had toured China, filmed much of the development there and gained first hand knowledge of the conditions. A mechanic worked during the winter only and enjoyed the summer sunshine on his savings not worried by the lower standard of living.

Altogether the variety of people at any nudist club can be a great asset. It is probably shyness rather than snobbery that keeps people apart, and the friendly atmosphere traditional to nudism allows social barriers to be broken down where there are many opportunities for friendship with colourful personalities so different from ourselves. Birds of a feather miss much of the joy in life by restricting themselves exclusively to their own group. We do not need to mirror those about us.

Norman Fullerton   

Off-beat Corner

My love in her attire doth show her wit,

It doth so well become her:

For every season she hath dressings fit,

For winter, spring, and summer.

No beauty she doth miss,

When all her robes are on:

But Beauty's self she is,

When all her robes are gone.

Anon. (17th century)   

If the art of conversation stood a little higher we would have a lower birth rate.

Stanislaw Lec   

Up in the North, a long way off,

The donkey's got the whooping-cough.

Anon.   

In-laws are rodents in human guise

Who eat me out of cakes and pies

O'er hill and vale and rivers and ruts

They gather for dinner

I hate their guts.

A seasonal ditty worked into a hooked rug in the Museum of Hobbies. St. Augustine, Fla., USA. (Illustrated in The Houghton Line.)

The Auckland Outdoor Health Club started at the end of September 1949 as a break-away from Kaurimu, which was not then a club as such but just a meeting place for naturists. The reason was the most frequent one for naturist break-ups - a clash of personalities. The A.O.H.C. was founded by those who preferred a members' club run by an elected committee. So they moved about a quarter mile up the road to a property owned by a naturist couple, Helen and Bert, who could be said to be the founders of the Club.

The first President was Bert and the first Secretary, Bill C. Bert and Helen's property was later bought by Norman from Hamilton but with no difference in the Club's tenure. A small area was cleared and a club house was built.

Move back to Kaurimu

John became Secretary in October 1950 and carried on in this position until May 1953 when Gerald took over. At the annual meeting in 1953 it was decided by a majority vote to leave the site that we had been using and move to Kaurimu where we had arranged to lease a part of Eric's property. Ray and Alma did not agree with this proposal and they, together with Norman Murray and another couple, stayed on and later formed themselves into the Auckland Sun Club.

At Kaurimu we gradually cleared some land and over the next year we cut and filled and made a space for a playing ground and also somewhere to sun; we had a dam for swimming and we also built a club house. This was a remarkable structure which started off with log corner posts and ended with fancy window frames. In October 1954 Gerald became President and Colin B. became Secretary. In January 1955 we made naturist history in New Zealand by being the first club, together with Kaurimu, to bring the National Press in on a National Rally. We invited reporters from the Herald and the Star and - with no little trepidation - from Truth, and in the event got the best write-up of all in Truth.

The Club took a major step towards official recognition when it became an incorporated society early in June, 1955, again being the first New Zealand nudist group with legal standing.

Present property obtained

In April and May 1956 we located our present property and started to move in there. That sounds easy to those who come along now in their cars and drive right into the middle of the property, but those who came out then will certainly agree that it seemed far from easy. That must have been one of the wettest winters in years.

Every weekend a few dauntless souls went out, waded through wet paddocks and started clearing from the creek towards where the baches now stand.Our first summer saw us with this part cleared and grassed and city water laid on.

In January 1957 an influx from Kaurimu brought us extra working strength and a revitalisation of our enthusiasm and we found it easy to go ahead and clear the main area which is now so nicely grassed and in lawn. Under Hans' direction the concrete bridge was built to span the creek, the road having been previously completed as far as the old car park. Next year the splash pool and some equipment were completed.

1960 Rally

A further burst of development was spurred during 1959 in preparation for the Rally. Electric power was brought in by underground cable and a club house started and brought to a usable condition. Some of the visitors helped to complete the preparations and the clearing of tent sites round the new parking area.

Since the Rally, development has been restricted by financial difficulties. More than half the annual income is required for purchase of the 26 acre site, potentially the finest club property in the country, so that rather than sacrifice future development for improved facilities in the present, we have retained the whole grounds.

The money available has been mainly used for work on the boundaries, again with an eye to the future, when subdivision of neighbouring properties would restrict our activities. Bamboo hedges being planted down two sides of the grounds promise complete privacy in about five years time.

Gerald remained in the office of President until October 1960, having been in office as Secretary or President for nearly 8 decisive years in the development of the Club. Norman then became President, and Catherine succeeded Mabel as Secretary.

Before concluding this history perhaps it should be mentioned that the Club was foremost in putting forward the idea of a national association for naturists in New Zealand. This was bitterly opposed at the National Rally in Wanganui in January 1957, but was accepted at Christchurch the following year. The fact that this magazine is now printed is also largely due to members of A.O.H.C. who have pushed ahead with this important step against the now usual cries of "Not yet" from other clubs. Perhaps southern winds and cold inhibit thought? He who hesitates...

Norman Fullerton   

Nudist clubs, as most other organisations, have older members - and those who'll be in that category sooner than they care to realise. Do we do all we can for them?

"An old Chinese Grandpa, too feeble to work, was considered by the family an unwanted burden - just another mouth to consume the meagre supply of rice. Therefore the father of the home decided to put the old man on a wheelbarrow, and take him up to the mountains to die.

"The little eight-year-old grandson went along, full of curiosity and questions. The father explained that the grandfather was old and helpless, and that there was nothing else to be done with him. Then the little chap had a happy thought: 'I'm glad I came along, Daddy,' said the youngster, 'because when you get old I'll know where to take you!' The daddy stopped dead in his tracks, thought better of the whole situation and brought the old gentleman back home."

Reprinted from CARE, in The Later Years, April, 1961.

Nudist Films

Michael Keatering, the producer of "Travelling Light", has concluded work on another film, entitled "Sunswept" and this effort has been approved by the newly appointed panel of the Federation of British Sun Clubs as a factually representative film of modern naturism.

We read of many others being screened in various parts of the world, but films with such a title as "Some Like It Cool" can be presumed to depart from the factual in an effort to draw the crowd. This trait can become a worry to us, especially when they are coupled with sexy type films in one programme.

Quite a number of English clubs have been approached by film companies to use their grounds as locale for some of their nudist stories.

England

The British Sunbathing Association were to have a stand at the 4th National Camping and Outdoor Life Exhibition to be held in London from 5th to 13th January, l962.

Europe

Ski camps, where activities are conducted in the nude, are again being held in Austria this winter and another is being planned in France by the Club de Soleil.

Activities of sun clubs in Australia this season have been rather handicapped. In New South Wales severe flooding caused extensive damage at Woodlands but thanks to all rallying round the club was open again for the holiday season. Victoria suffered the biggest bush fires for many years. The grounds of Sun Valley suffered to such an extent that it will take the club a considerable time to recover.

In spite of all the setbacks there is one big step forward to record: representatives of practically all sun clubs in New South Wales met at Melbourne's North Side Country Club where, in co-operation with Victorian, South Australian, West Australian and Queensland sun clubs, the Australian Federation of Sunclubs was founded.

Generally speaking, sun clubs and nudism enjoyed a commendable amount of favourable publicity in the daily press last year. Newspaper and cameramen from an illustrated weekly were invited to Sun Valley and Woodlands on open days and useful publicity resulted.

Puritans should wear fig-leaves on their eyes.

Stanislaw Lec   

Held at "Pineglades", the grounds of the Canterbury Sun and Health Club Inc., from 31st December 1961 to 2nd January 1962.

Congratulations to Christchurch for conducting one of the finest Rallies to date and all who have had a hand in the organisation of this function deserve a big "thank you".

Sunday morning gave us a really fine day and what a delightful scene it was with 160 adults and 104 children playing tenikoits, volley ball, swimming, sunbathing, and just lazing about in the shade of the pine trees, which are growing all over the club grounds.

The competitions for volley ball commenced at 10.30 a.m. and most clubs entered teams for the play off. This game proved most popular and this is the first year that it has been introduced into Rallies. It certainly gave more members a chance to enter competitive games.

Another new venture was the introduction of a separate games programme for the children, which took place daily under the expert guidance of Bill from "Pineglades". Having so many children between the ages of 3 and 16 years increased his job immensely and here again we must say "thank you" to Canterbury for making the children feel that this was their Rally also, whereas previously the kiddies have had to make their own fun.

Official Opening

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Perc officially opened the 10th National Rally and after afternoon tea we had a Youth Gymnastic Display by the teenagers in the charge of Norman, who showed what they could do on a vaulting horse. Even the little tots did their best to compete with their elders, much to the amusement of the onlookers.

Fancy Dress Party

Nine-thirty in the evening of New Year's Eve brought forth a great array of costumes for the fancy dress party and supper. Members did a great job here in arriving at the marquee in many makeshift costumes and these gave the judge (Harold from "Pineglades") a proper headache in making his selection of best costumes. The results:

Best acted costume: Barbara, from Christchurch, as a beatnik.

Best costume: Harold, from Wanganui, as a vamping female.

Most novel costume: Pat, from Christchurch, carrying a babe in arms with title "I should have danced all night".

Those who did not show up in costume were marked men, for during the evening each was made to pay a penalty, much to his sorrow.

A raid from a plain clothes official caused chaos amongst the party goers, but order was restored when the unfortunate man was thrown into the pool. Each visiting club gave items prior to supper and all this helped to make this show a "cracker". As the chimes pealed out at midnight, about nine hardy members dived in to the acclamation of onlookers. A tired but happy party then broke up and retired to bed (we think).

A.G.M.

Monday, unfortunately, was not at all sunny, and everyone hoped that Christchurch was not going to repeat its weather of a previous Rally. Tenikoit and volley ball continued throughout the morning and at 1.30 p.m. the Annual General Meeting took place outside the club house, but here a cold snap developed and shirts, jerseys and sleeping bags were the order of the day, so much so that the Press reporter who was present must have wondered whether he was in the right place.

Following the meeting, several swimming events took place.

Discussion Session

In the evening, a discussion session took place in the large marquee and so much interest was taken in this forum that, instead of lasting for one hour, the film programme following did not commence for another hour. Colour slides of Mount Cook area, by Paul, were well received. and, following this, Doug took over with films from other clubs.

"Pineglades" then gave us a fright for down came the rain, the first for months, and this continued throughout the night. A few tents were washed out but temporary accommodation in the club house made sleeping for those few more comfortable. We are pleased to say that the third day made up for the rain for it turned out to be such a "scorcher" that many shirts had to be left on those who had been out too long in the sun on the first day.

Further games of tenikoit and volley ball were played all day until the finals in the afternoon resulted in a win for Wanganui, who retained the Perc Cousins Trophy for tenikoit; Canterbury Tans for the junior table tennis trophy and junior tenikoit trophy; and Canterbury also won the national volley ball.

This grand function finally wound up with a concert and at the closing ceremony the National President thanked the host club of Christchurch for conducting one of the finest and best conducted Rallies since the inauguration of these gatherings, and complimented the Club on their growth through being able to take advantage of the increased public recognition of the benefits of naturism.

Jack, W.S. & H.S.  

Our reporter at the Rally sent us back these impressions:

The organisation ran without a hitch yet at the same time remained unobtrusive, thus providing a standard which other clubs will find difficult to equal. The weather was much kinder than in 1958, although for northern visitors its rapid changeability from summer to winter was extraordinary, and persistent winds a little unpleasant. But the days were generally sunny and sunburn lotion was much in evidence.

Impressive youngsters

The young people were the most impressive feature of the Rally. The teenagers in the Canterbury Tans transformed the Rally from a predominantly family gathering to a representative cross-section of society, and their games and laughter helped provide an atmosphere of light-hearted enjoyment.

Canterbury members attending were 93 adults and an equal number of children; Dunedin 11 adults and 10 children; the northern visitors were nearly all adult because of travel difficulties, with 14 from A.O.H.C., 4 from A.S.C., and 17 from W.S. & H.S.

Home comforts

On Sunday, visitors to "Pineglades" were greeted with a news sheet and a Souvenir Programme upon registering. Morning and afternoon tea were provided by the canteen each day and the games and other events run off smoothly. On Sunday evening, New Year's Eve, the Fancy Dress Party provided a new attraction, with many ingenious costumes. As was reported in the local paper, no one went dressed as a nudist, but we feel that this may have been due to the decidedly chilly temperature.

What price peace?

Next year's Rally is to be held at "Five Acres", the grounds of the W.S. & H.S., and will be of four official days for the first time. We feel, after being aroused each morning by the public address system announcing morning tea at 'Pineglades', that this could well include one uncommitted evening.

Features of the 10th National Rally were:

1. Daily news sheet, with up to the minute information.

2. Multiplicity of games with introduction of table tennis and competitive volley ball. Volley ball threatened to displace tenikoits as the paramount game.

3. A new high standard for amenities. With about 26 members' cabins, ablution block with hot and cold washing and showering facilities, electric power and even a bath; club house, hall, canteen, games courts, swimming pool, and marquee.

4. Organisation. With about 30 tents on the grounds besides baches and day visitors, rubbish disposal and cleanliness generally were first noted. The programme ran without a hitch and as one performer during the concert remarked, "A fine volunteer spirit prevailed: if you revealed any talent the organisers saw to it that you volunteered".

Finally the honours go to the teenagers, the Canterbury Tans and those who make them a part of C.S. & H.C.

Travellers' tales: Two sunburned types from Auckland stopped off after Rally at Oamaru for a meal, got out of car wearing normal clothing of short shorts and skimpy top. Natives, overcoat clad and white, reported not too friendly.

I find that woollen singlets start me itching,

And yet to scratch in public's rather rude;

While nylon sticks and needs a lot of hitching,

And cotton fabric's thin and somewhat crude.

When all that's left to do is sit and brood

As if to constant irritation fated,

Quite often do I feel, in such a mood,

That wearing clothes is greatly over-rated.

For instance, when the weather's less than witching,

And blazing skies have left me feeling stewed,

When with a clammy skin I'm almost twitching,

And when I sit I feel as if I'm glued,

It's then against male clothing quite a feud

I start, and wish all suits could be cremated,

And think, by nudist logic fairly wooed,

That wearing clothes is greatly over-rated.

When winter chills have penetrated stitching

And seem with special bitterness imbued,

I realise that by my garments ditching

In summer, I'd have greater fortitude

Against the season's winds that now intrude.

In short, less clothing means a body mated

To health, and minds to finer instincts clued;

For wearing clothes is greatly over-rated.

So welcome, sun! With bodies tawny-hued

Let's meet your gaze, and not be over-weighted

By garments. Let's enjoy you in the nude;

For wearing clothes is greatly over-rated.

Ben Trovato   

Naturist magazines

What are available? The only restriction on the availability of British nudist magazines is that of import licensing. There is none other.

The well-known "Health and Efficiency" from England, a magazine that has been propounding the nudist philosophy for over fifty years, may be purchased in many shops, and the two Australian publications "Solar" and "Sun Review" still cross the Tasman in quantity every other month.

And now, our own magazine, written and produced by members of this organisation, has at last blossomed forth as the sort of magazine we have been striving to produce; a fully printed and illustrated effort, available in New Zealand without any import restrictions. This, of course, is only a start, for we hope it will not be long before it will increase in size and quality with possibly lots more illustrations. As circulation increases, our funds will benefit and future improvements will become practical.

Do you subscribe?

Do you subscribe to our magazines?

It should be no duty to do so; in fact it should be a pleasure and a delight to keep abreast of the times by reading our publications, especially this one that tells you about the activities of the folk right here and around you. We need to be well informed and we need to keep our minds alert. Those who scoff or are just plain ignorant, can well besiege us with doubts and fears and unless we are sure of ourselves and the true ideals of the movement, we may well be sidetracked. Let us have the answers ready and face up to our adversaries courteously and courageously.

During the off-season, when practical sunbathing is only a dream, we tend to lose touch. Here our magazines can do a wonderful job by maintaining our enthusiasm and interest and by providing us with the pioneering spirit; the desire to see this movement take its rightful place in our national life. We know it is good for us and good for our children. It is good in every way. Let us all be kept well informed. If you have any difficulty in obtaining our magazines drop a line to the office of the N.Z.S.A. We can and would like to help you.

Perc. W. Cousins   

Arising from the meeting of the Executive on 30th December, 1961:

* Officers remain the same as last year (see front cover).

* John (A.O.H.C.) is appointed as N.Z.S.A. representative at the I.N.F. Congress with Pam and Brian (C.S. & H.C.) as observers.

* The following remit be presented at the I.N.F. Congress:

"That the N.Z.S.A. emphasises in the strongest possible terms its belief that naturism implies, above all, tolerance, not only of religion, but of race, and that it is inconsistent with the naturist way of life for any Body or Club affiliated to the I.N.F.or any other affiliates, to lay down limitations

in membership of any Club on the grounds of Race or Religion".

* The policy of no racial discrimination and nude bathing on selected beaches was endorsed.

* A draft constitution will be circulated to clubs for discussion at the next meeting.

* The national per capita levy was increased from 2/- to 2/6, the additional monies to go to the Perc. Cousins Trust Fund.

* The Mowlem Trophy (increase in membership in relation to population) was won by Canterbury Sun & Health Club by a very short head. Actual figures: Canterbury 32, Wellington 21, A.O.H.C. 49 coupled A.S.C. 12.

A serial specially written for the
NEW ZEALAND NATURIST

by Joan Jellett

So far: Bruce, trainee salesman, hitchhiking on his Christmas holidays, is given a lift by Frank and Joyce with their children Linda and Garry. They pull off the road near Rotorua to a hot pool in the bush, where the children race him to be first in. They tell him not to worry about togs. He blushes scarlet as Frank and Joyce come round the corner.

Frank sized the situation up quickly.

"Sorry, Bruce," he said. "Reckon I should have warned you. Those two never wear togs out in places like this. Nor do Joyce and I. You fitted in with the family so well it looks like it just didn't occur to any of us there was anything to warn you about!"

The ordinariness of Frank's tone belied the content of his words for Bruce. Frank and Joyce bathing naked in front of their children! In Bruce's world that just didn't happen. If he had had time then to think about it he might have concluded that this was possibly connected with the difference in age between his parents and Frank and Joyce and to other factors such as his parents' upbringing. As it was he was too confused to do more than stammer:

"Well...I...er..."

Joyce broke in:

"How about getting your togs from the car, Bruce? We'll be in the pool by the time you come back."

Bruce escaped thankfully. Frank and Joyce undressed and joined their children in the pool.

"Gee, Dad," said Garry, "I didn't mean to scare Bruce off. He's a good joker."

"Of course you didn't, Garry," replied Frank. "It's probably that he's just not had the chance to do this sort of thing with his folks. Remember when we brought Tony out to the club for the first time?"

"Just let him take it quietly when he comes back, children," said Joyce. "We'll have a chance to talk when we're eating."

Not nuts

When they were in the car having coffee Frank said: "You probably don't often see your people without clothes on, do you, Bruce?"

"Gosh - never," replied Bruce.

"Well, in our family we never make anything of it," went on Frank. "The kids have always been used to seeing Joyce and I naked, right from when they were born."

With a shy giggle Bruce said: "That nearly makes you nudists!"

"Yes, we are," replied Joyce. "We've belonged to one of the clubs in town since the kids were little."

"I didn't mean that seriously," exclaimed Bruce. "Nudists are cranks - grass eaters and all that."

"They're not really, you know, Bruce," said Frank, "and Joyce was being serious about us being nudists."

"You ought to come out to our club, Bruce," cut in Linda, "it's super fun."

"And we've got a beaut swimming pool," added Garry.

"I don't know what to say," said Bruce. "I thought nudists were nuts and cranks - and, oh, a lot worse. But you folks aren't."

Frank had been digging in the glove box of the car.

"Here are some magazines, Bruce. Put 'em in your swag. They'll do for light reading - and I think you'll find the people in them are quite ordinary folk like us."

When they finished their sandwiches Frank drove on to Taupo. As they dropped Bruce, Frank said:

"Best of luck, Bruce. It was good meeting you. If you feel like looking us up when you get back home the address is on one of those magazines."

"Thanks a lot," replied Bruce. "I'll certainly do that."

"You know," said Frank, as they drove on, "there was something about the way Bruce said good-bye - especially to you, Lin - that makes me think we might see something of that young man again."

"I hope so," said Linda.

*       *      *

Ten days later found Bruce back at the hot pool where he had had his first experience of nudists in the bare flesh. In the meantime, he had hitch-hiked to Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga, The Mount, and back to Rotorua. After spending a couple of days looking at the tourist sights in Rotorua with several thousands of other people he felt the need to be on his own again. Besides, the magazines that he'd been lent made him want to try out in private what it felt like to sunbathe and bathe in the nude - and where better than the place where the idea had first hit him?

He had had a dip in the hot pool and liked it, but found keeping on the qui vive in case anyone came too much of a strain for him to really enjoy it. In fact, a rowdy party of bodgies and widgies in a beat-up V8 had finally sent him scuttling into the nearby forest - but not before they had had their fun seeing him dash for his clothes.

Fire!

Bruce awoke with a start. He must have drooped off to sleep in the sun, he decided. as he drowsily tried to come to life.

Then he smelt something that brought him to his feet quickly. Smoke! A forest fire!

Now he realised what had woken him - the shouts of people coming to fight the fire. Then it must be nearer than he thought. Hurriedly he pulled on his clothes and strapped his pack.

Gathering it up, he crashed through the undergrowth out of the forest onto the firebreak and down to the road.

As soon as he hit the road there was a shout:

"There he is. That's the joker. I seen him. Didn't have no clothes on. He started it. Get him quick!"

(To be continued)

Another Rally is over, but wasn't it pleasant to renew acquaintances again, and better still to meet new people? It was good to see such a large gathering present at "Pineglades".

A pleasing aspect was to see the familiar sights of our National President present at Canterbury, plus his friendly wife Phyll.

I noticed that there were quite a number of newcomers to nudism amongst the crowd attending the Rally, but when I spoke to them, they were all of the same idea that this nudist life is the one for them, and they don't even regret the "red suits" they acquired either!!

Noticeable, too, was the large number of women and children present. Never at any Rally have I seen so many happy and contented families - a real testimony to our way of life.

Interviews

I suppose that all people have fads, especially women, the men say; and I must say I have them... Here is one of them: that interview.

Should the Club interview the prospective member in his or her home, should the interview take the form of vetting before a Committee, or should the prospect be invited to the grounds for a "preview" of naturism in the raw? All of these methods have at one time or another been adopted by the Sun Clubs and in fact are in use today.

How does your Club operate? Personally, I am in favour of the home interview, mainly because it was the policy of the club that we originally joined to "vet" their applicants at their usual committee meeting and I jibbed at the thought of appearing before a sea of strange faces in an unusual environment. I remember making some futile excuse to my husband. leaving the "dirty work" to him. Later, of course, I realised that my fears were groundless, yet I feel that other women must have the same apprehension. At the home interview the position is reversed the prospect is at ease and the interviewer can see at a glance the type of people they are. There is an opportunity to meet the other members of the family, if any, and the whole process is such a pleasant contrast to the formal committee interview that I am surprised that some clubs still retain the latter.

Following this home interview some clubs invite the applicants to their monthly social where they can meet the members in an atmosphere of carefree friendliness. Later, on their first visit to the park or grounds, they are not greeted by strangers in undress, but by new friends already made, a far better arrangement.

Once in the companionship of naturist life at the Sun Club, one can relax and really enjoy the beneficial effects of social sunbathing, without worries and without shame.

Until next issue, good sunning.

HI!

A New Year is with us bringing a host of interesting events yet to happen, but I reckon that, in the New Zealand naturist world at least, it would have to be something very big and spectacular to overshadow the wonderful time the juniors attending the 10th Rally at "Pineglades" experienced.

We, that is Bill, the Canterbury Youth Organiser, and I, planned to entertain young visitors and the Canterbury youngsters with a complete junior programme, with complete control over all events and functions in the hands of Bill and his junior committee. Well, the results speak for themselves and you can rest assured that every young naturist that came to the Rally had a great time - they just couldn't help it. Even right down to the under fives who had an afternoon painting session to themselves which had all the spectators in fits!!

Yes, what with races starting at 9 a.m. until the end of Story Time at 5.30 p.m., the list of things to do and enter left little to be desired, and all our thanks go to Bill. He put a great deal of time, thought and work into this Rally for the 115 children who came to "Pineglades".

Wellington will have a lot to live up to next year!!

Talking of Wellington reminds me that at last I have been told the big secret that the Juniors from "Fiveacres" have been up to. Noel, W.S. & H.S. Youth Organiser, sent me an interesting account of the trip he arranged and this will appear in the next edition of the Junior Section.

Following is a list of Junior prize winners in the competitions held at the 10th Rally:

Junior Tenikoit Trophy - Wendy and Jim, C.S.H.C.

Junior Table Tennis Trophy - Graham, C.S.H.C.

National Essay Competition - Wendy, C.S.H.C.

Best All Round Boy and Girl - Margaret, W.S.H.S., and Brian, C.S.H.C.

News of the latest competition for 1962 will appear in the next Junior Section.

Good-bye for now.

Ken   

News from the clubs

From Auckland Outdoor Health Club Norman writes:

"Volley ball is now taking pride of place among our sports, although visits by two teams from a city firm have shown that we have not yet reached world standards. Work is proceeding with the installation of a filter plant on the splash pool, and repairs to the pool. At the half annual General Meeting a Planning Committee was appointed for a term of five years to ensure a sustained policy of development of the grounds.

"For the first time in recent years Father Christmas visited the club and distributed gifts to some thirty children under the admiring gaze of about sixty adults."

Judging by performance at Christchurch A.O.H.C. did some homework volleyball-wise.

From Percy we hear that in anticipation of sponsoring the next National Rally (they will, and for four days instead of three) Wellington Sun & Health Society have formed a rally works committee under Michael.

To: Business Manager,
     "N.Z. Naturist,"
     P.O. Box 6359, Wellington.

 Please send me "N.Z. Naturist" for ........
    issues (5/- for four issues), starting with No...

I enclose cheque/M.O./cash for £ .... / .... / ....
    (please add exchange outside Wellington).

Name ...........................................................

Address ........................................................

............................................................... (24) 

Percy continues: "Three Youth Organisers are now doing a good job with our young fry and an all-day hike round the coast was a great success. A tree house is another "first" and the youngsters now have their own club house in the kiddies' area. Father Christmas and his fairy, together with a clown, games, a tree, presents, and a special afternoon tea, wound up the junior activities on a happy note.

The Social Committee concluded its monthly winter socials in November with a Shipwreck evening; a mannequin parade, sketches and a mock court being the highlights. A Visitors' Day was so successful that another is planned later in the season."

Aucklanders who visited Wellington on their holidays are loud in their praise of the hospitality extended, rain, wind and boulders notwithstanding.

Relaxing after the Rally, Ken writes from Canterbury Sun & Health Club:

"Right from the word go we realised that the Tenth National Rally was something special and we should treat it as such, but who could have forecast such a far-reaching success as we experienced? We made a lot of friends, had a whale of a time, and the atmosphere, which went off with a bang at the New Year's Eve party and continued throughout the three days, was absolutely wonderful. In three years' time we hope to see everyone back in Canterbury for the 13th Rally."

From Les, of Southern Sun & Health Club, we hear that, though they have no facilities for club get-togethers, they have had some publicity which has brought in enquiries for membership. We hope that the law of supply and demand will operate and that the southernmost naturist club in the world will soon have grounds.

THE DOBBIE PRESS

AUCKLAND

CLUB DIRECTORY

The secretaries of the clubs listed below will be pleased to hear from genuine enquirers who enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB Inc. (Members) P.O. Box 2702, Auckland.

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB (Members)
P.O. Box 2925, Auckland.

KAURIMU SUN CLUB (Proprietary)
P.O. Box 15, Glen Eden, Auckland.

WANGANUI SUN CLUB (Members)
P.O. Box 410, Wanganui.

WELLINGTON SUN & HEALTH SOCIETY Inc. (Members) P.O. Box 6359, Wellington.

CANTERBURY SUN & HEALTH CLUB Inc. (Members) P.O. Box 1823, Christchurch.

OTAGO SUN & HEALTH CLUB (Members)
P.O. Box 2058, South Dunedin.

SOUTHERN SUN & HEALTH CLUB (Members), P.O. Box 486, Invercargill.

If you are not close to any of the above clubs you may like to know that other naturists are ready to form clubs in the following areas; to contact them, write to:

N.Z. Sunbathing Association, P.O. Box 6359, Wellington: