#  55 - June 1970 

[The New Zealand Naturist] Editor: Joan Treanor (Pages: 48 - 30c)

Contents:-

Guest Editorial by Norman AOHC
Kowhai Club's Trip to Tauranga by Ted Dye
Free Beach New Zealand
New Zelanders Overseas
The Bare Facts
Birthday by Chas Steele
Comments on Photography
The Youth Section with Ross Eves
A Weekend Away
On Some Questions
Competition: What is the Lady Doing?
Competition Results
Health in the Sun
My Young Life
Naturist Holidays in Europe by Jack
News from the Clubs (9)
Letters to the Editor
NZSA News - Change of Address, the 19th National Rally, INF World Congress, To the New Reader, Perc Cousins Trust Fund, Free Beaches
INF News - Italy, Spain, INF World Congress, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Austria, USA, The Central Council of British Naturism
Club Directory: (15)

Noted

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NEW ZEALAND'S ONLY NUDIST MAGAZINE

  the
new zealand
      naturist

Registered at the C.P.O., Wellington, as a magazine

 

NEW ZEALAND SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION INC. P.O. BOX 359 WELLINGTON, N.Z.
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY
MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, DECEMBER

 

A    VALUABLE    CONTRIBUTION    TOWARDS    A    BETTER    WORLD

 

THE N.Z. NATURIST
Editor in Chief		Joan Treanor
Business Manager		Doug. Cousins
Copy Preparation		Editorial Committee
Advertising Representative		Barry Hill
Editorial Office		P.O. Box 2925, Auckland

 

Cover picture by Arne Loot

 

NEW ZEALAND SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION INC.

President		Gavin Robieson, Wellington
Vice-Presidents		Ivan Mowlem, Wanganui Jock Shoolbread, Auckland Jack Knowles, Auckland Norman Bell, Napier
Secretary-Treasurer		Doug. Cousins, Wellington
Public Relations Officer		Dave Wells, Wellington
Youth Organiser		Ross Eves, Auckland
Women's Representative		Gaynor Robieson, Wellington
Overseas Correspondent		David Jenkinson, Wellington
Delegates representing all clubs

 

Enquiries regarding naturist clubs or any matters concerning naturism in New Zealand
or overseas should be made to the association at its office

NEW ZEALAND SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION Inc.

P.O. Box 359, Wellington 1, New Zealand

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP OF CLUBS SHOULD BE MADE DIRECT TO THE CLUBS

 

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GUEST EDITORIAL

WHY SOCIAL NUDISM?

 

In his radio discussion recently (Feminine Viewpoint, 19/3/70) Professor James Ritchie, professor of psychology at Waikato University, criticised social nudism on the grounds that it is an attempt to "create a climate of innocence" without knowing what true naturalness is. He pointed out that recent work has produced new evidence on the animal nature of man, which is still incomplete, but does not fit the Biblical picture of primeval innocence nor the myth of the noble savage originated by Rousseau.

Professor Ritchie's claim that social nudism expresses a rejection of civilisation, shows that he has only superficial knowledge of present-day nudism. If indeed one does hear the expression "back to nature" used in the clubs, this is intended to imply an appreciation of the beauty of natural surroundings and a joy in simple pleasures, rather than a desire to return to a hypothetical innocence, or to deny modern comforts.

By contrast, the religions of the world are based on the feeling that the body is not enough, that the natural world is not enough. Thus a tree, for example, becomes not a tree, but a God, and this attitude of the uncivilised savage is diametrically opposed to the nudist acceptance of the body for what it is. As Lewis Mumford has pointed out:

"To delight in the human body without shame, to enjoy it without adulteration is no simple human prerogative, it comes only at the summit of a high culture".

The element of rejection of the excessively artificial, and a desire for a simpler way of living is not the main purpose of nudism nor is this exclusive to social nudism at all. Nudism is not a "back to nature" revolt, but it is instead a rejection of the body taboo, the convention that the genitals must be concealed. It is only the rejection of this habit of maintaining concealment of certain regions of the body that is definitive of social nudism. Concealment is incompatible with the modern view that the sex organs and their function are a healthy, natural and enjoyable part of life. I am not arguing that the sex function should be public, since this activity concerns only the people directly involved, but social contact is necessary for mental health and in the absence of a valid justification of concealment, nakedness in appropriate circumstances is only logical. Indeed, familiarity with the physical form of the opposite sex may be a necessity for healthy emotional development and hence a fundamental right. At any rate, the body taboo demonstrably leads to much aberrant behaviour, especially on the part of men, to neurosis and to conflict with the law.

On an everyday level nudism appeals because it is enjoyable. It is undeniably more comfortable and surely more sensible to be naked for swimming and sports as well as just relaxing in warm weather. This is only acceptance of reality. The rigid convention of wearing concealing clothing is surely a symptom of neurosis since it involves suffering needless discomfort rather than change a rigid pattern of behaviour. The nudist, on the other hand, does not parade his nakedness in the public place, but adapts his behaviour to take account of public attitudes and the law concerning the situation, with due regard for the wishes of others.

I would not argue with Professor Ritchie's comments on the present use of clothing for titillation and the desire to decorate. Nudists generally do not deny these functions or necessarily condemn them. His comment on the "sardonic satisfaction of slipping into and out of clothing" being more important than the actual enjoyment of being naked, is less acceptable. It is true that we can feel more enlightened than those whose rigid behaviour patterns prevent them escaping the body taboo situation, but I am sure that participation in club activity for its own sake, will demonstrate to most people that there is no finer way of recreation.

-NORMAN

A.O.H.C.

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"Any concealment merely concentrates attention on what is concealed."

- Havelock Ellis

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CEDRIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .by Douglas Tainsh

Courtesy-Australian Post

 

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KOWHAI CLUB'S TRIP TO TAURANGA

by TED DYE

Kowhai Valley Club's annual visit to Tauranga is one of the highlights of the season. Members made their own way by car to meet at Fred's (Tauranga's Secretary) place where Gwen, his wife, had the tea pot brewin' and we all refreshed with this before making the final stage of the journey out to the grounds which are located at the foot of the Kaimais.

We formed a convoy of cars and off to camp. It is a pleasant drive, passing through Gate Pa, famous in the Maori wars, past the race course out to the wide open pastures (not so green this year). The two miles of metal road sure did make a fine smoke screen for the ones behind the leader. Never mind, it just helps to vary the trip.

Tauranga Club now has a new drive which is much easier than the first one. When all cars had parked our first task was to get the camp sites set up, and with the help of the Tauranga members this was soon accomplished. While members unpacked bedding from their cars the children soon found the seesaw and swings, especially the one made out of a tyre. It was indeed good to get our clothes off after the hot drive from Auckland.

A couple of privileged members had the use of a caravan which was donated by one of the members, and this is a real asset as Club members can stay the weekend without having to pitch a tent. Tauranga's club-house is unique in that it is a couple of car cases. With a lot of hard work and imagination they have made good shelter and storage space. Inside this hut is kept table, stools, crockery, etc., even a fridge (no power yet) and on the notice board all news from clubs throughout N.Z. plus their working bee chart.

Tauranga has certainly been hard at it. Since our last visit we noticed a terrazzo bench with water laid on, an old coal range used for cooking and heating water, and this was soon proved workable by the women who provided us with the inevitable cuppa.

While the womenfolk prepared the evening meal we men took off down to inspect Tauranga's new pool which members made themselves. It isn't very big but one can get a few strokes in before hitting the side. The pumice used in this as a base was collected from their own grounds and sent along in a tin tub on a "Flying Fox" arrangement, thus saving a lot of money and manpower. The inside of the pool is done with concrete blocks and red bricks around the top outside. Punga seats and a sunning area make this a charming setting.

After the delicious tea and all washing up completed the teenagers came out with song sheets and their musical instruments and the camp really rocked to the rhythm. A jolly old sing song around the camp fire lasted until 9 p.m., after which we all retired for the night.

On Sunday the youngsters rose with the sun and so an early awakening for all. Breakfast was soon over, and doesn't bacon and eggs taste different when cooked over a camp fire ... mmmmm. Again the youth and the not so young joined in a game of volleyball. What a performance just as well we didn't play to the rules!! Anyway, it was a most enjoyable game with lots of fun and laughs ... never did find out who won. Later us the morning a group took off for the BIG pool. This takes approx. 40 minutes to walk to, but can be really recommended. The walk starts off through native bush to a slightly swampy area along a small stream which winds through beautiful trees and ferns that shade it.

On arrival at the stream the sight is magnificent, with a swift cascade of water falling over the rocks into this big pool. The water looked tempting but once in, it proved very cold and you couldn't stop in long. It certainly made you feel refreshed. We did a bit of exploring to find some good spots for the photographer to take snaps. I made a 8mm. movie here with the cooperation of the youth, and when overseas I feel that clubs there will marvel at our scenery. As hunger pangs were growing we reluctantly headed back to camp where we found that the Waikato Club had come over for the day, so a good gathering and talk was enjoyed by all.

Lunch was provided by Tauranga club, and what a spread. (Doubt if there are any funds left after paying for this lot). We had corn on the cob, sausages, having been cooked over the barbecue by their President George, a variety of meats, lettuce, tomatoes, savouries and cakes of all types. After this all we could do was to laze and talk.

Unfortunately time soon went and with a final cup of tea we had to say farewell to our hosts, Tauranga, and head back to Auckland.

Though Tauranga isn't a big Club its members are a great hunch with mostly families and a number of youth who make you feel young and glad to be associated with a movement such an ours.

Has your club visited another club lately? If not, try to, as it helps to see how each club is progressing and a lot of ideas can be gained from such visits.

See you again next season, Tauranga.

Photo: Author.  

 

 

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FREE BEACH NEW ZEALAND

 

At the beginning of January I attended the Rally at Oranui. It was the first I had attended, and it was a wonderful experience. I made friends with fellow naturists from all over New Zealand, and was again impressed with the fine friendly people you meet at naturist resorts. At the A.G.M. I was pleased that a tribute was paid to the late Perc Cousins, but I could not help thinking that the rally itself, and the large number of people there, was the finest tribute that could be paid to Perc. Everyone agreed that the Rally was a great success, and our thanks go to all those who worked so hard in organising and running it.

After the rally I stayed on for about a fortnight, enjoying the delightful surroundings, and the congenial company. During this time I was one of a party that went to a private beach, and it was a wonderful experience. When we arrived it seemed as if we had come to the wrong place, because it seemed like just another motor camp. Then we found that some people were dressed while others were in the nude, yet everyone was at their ease. Then we trudged over to the sand dunes to the beach itself. It is certainly a beautiful spot, and our thanks go to Ed for allowing us to go there.

The surf was terrific, and some of the waves were real dumpers, so we were soon enjoying it. I was impressed by seeing that some people wore conventional togs, while the rest of us were in the nude. After our swim it was great that both clothed and unclothed were able to mingle freely without any embarrassment on either side. It was my idea of a free beach, and we had a wonderful time. It will be wonderful when there are many other beaches like this all over the country. Surely there must be many other people like Ed who will allow nudists to go through their properties to beaches. If so they would be doing the movement a great kindness if they wrote in to the NZSA.

Since my visit to this beach I have been thinking a lot about free beaches, and I have an idea which I think would soon make other beaches free. I consider that all naturist parents with children could make nudity at beaches become commonplace, without giving offence to people. I suggest that children of pre-school years, say up to about 4½, be encouraged to play and swim at beaches and other resorts without togs. I know a few parents already do this, but if all naturist parents did this other people would copy this, so all small children would give up wearing restricting togs, and go about freely in the way God made them. I firmly believe that many non - nudists think it silly for small children to wear costumes, and are only waiting for others to give a lead. Incidentally at the beach I could not help noticing that when we went in first a certain man was wearing shorts, but when we went in again he was nude too.

Then I consider the next move would be in connection with girls up to about 9. It seems silly to see them with bikini tops. Let them wear shorts only, and again many other parents would let their children follow suit. Then patents on such organisations as Parent-Teacher Associations could use their influence to let young girls use learner pools wearing shorts only. Soon it would become common place to see young girls wearing no tops, and this would be a step to all young children going swimming in the nude. So the sight of the unclothed human body would be common place, and free beaches would follow. Parents, how about trying it?

- JOHN N.

 

 

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NEW ZEALANDER'S OVERSEAS

During 1967 my wife and I decided we wanted to try life in another country and so decided to emigrate to Canada. We had both lived in New Zealand all our lives and this was quite an adventure for us. After many months of filling out forms and examinations we eventually arrived at our destination (Toronto) in April of 1968.

For several years we had been interested in nudism but because of our geographical situation at home, we had previously not had the opportunity to visit a club - the nearest club was about three hundred miles away by road and for just a weekend that was taking things a bit far. Anyway, once we had settled into our new home away went our letter requesting a trial visit to a club (with the unlikely name of Sunny Acres - you'd never guess it was a nudist club). We picked Sunny Acres over several other clubs which are within fairly easy driving distance from Toronto, as it was quite a small club, about fifteen families, with emphasis on family groups. It was not long before we received a very pleasant reply to our letter along with an invitation and directions on how to find the club.

There followed an unfortunate cold spell for several weeks and the matter dropped until one Saturday morning the sun decided it was Summer at long last and the three of us (we have a little boy - eighteen months at the time) hopped into our bomb and headed away from the city, soon leaving the big smoke behind us. An hour later and nearly sixty miles from the centre of Toronto we arrived at the club and met John and Irene, the club proprietors, who showed us around and introduced us to some of the members. We felt pretty self-conscious about our clothes so within a few minutes we were stripped, enjoying the sun and the conversation of our new acquaintances. Such was our introduction to nudism. We decided to take out membership on the first day and it was only a couple of weeks before we had bought a tent from John and Molly, some very good friends we had met at the club, who had "graduated" to a trailer and we were spending a whole weekend at the club.

It is not easy to make friends in a big city, especially if you have just arrived from another country and we sincerely appreciated the warm and cheerful friendship extended to us by the members of Sunny Acres. Hardly a weekend went by when we didn't pack up our gear and head out to our "summer retreat" - we really enjoyed the swimming, volleyball and other games, and the opportunity of just sitting and chatting to our friends when it was too hot for more energetic activity. (Although we have plenty of snow in Canada, most people in New Zealand don't realise the summer temperatures hit the nineties quite often). During the evening the focal point was the campfire, with everyone having their chance to voice an opinion on whatever was the topic of conversation at the time, in between roasting the inevitable wieners or marshmallows.

By the time September came round we had a week's holiday due to us and as many of the club members were planning to spend the long Labour Day weekend at Lakesun, a club about a hundred and fifty miles east of Toronto, we decided to up with our tent, go with them, and spend the whole week there if we liked it.

If we liked it?

A sixty-five acre lake completely surrounded by beautiful bush, with a couple of rowboats, a raft and diving board, a sandy beach and fishing in the lake - wow. That was the greatest week's holiday we have ever had. During the first three days we had endless games of volleyball and table tennis, each game followed by a splash in the lake and a bake in the sun, then corn and weiner roasts at night. Really quite a hectic weekend. However, the week that followed was a lot quieter and we were left pretty well alone, except for Hans and Maria, the proprietors, with whom we spent several evenings talking late into the night. During the day we had plenty of time to explore our environment. The nature walks, all within the club grounds, were marvellous. Even from our campsite we could watch the squirrels and chipmunks at that time busily storing up their supplies of nuts for winter use. These creatures are the most lovable little animals you can imagine. Despite their natural timidity they are so tame that they will come within a few feet of you. Imagine my surprise while taking a shower one morning, out in the open, when a squirrel darted right between my legs to try and retrieve his acorns from a chipmunk trying to do a little stealing on the side.

In another corner of the club, by the lake, we watched the giant bullfrogs croaking away, and the slow plodding of a porcupine as he made his way over to a tree and eventually climbed up to have a snooze in the branches. And fish weren't all that swam in the lake - water snakes, too (quite harmless we were assured), and turtles in a nearby swamp. Even the call of the loon across the lake as the early morning mist lifted added to the charm of this wonderful place. All in all, a veritable paradise for naturist and naturalist alike.

Even before we left this wonderful club, Lakesun, we were planning a return visit on our next vacation. Although my family and I have had only a relatively short time in the nudist movement it is certainly long enough to convince us that the first letter we write when we return to New Zealand will be to the nearest club secretary - come to think of it, we decided that after our first club visit.

"WARREN R"

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"Furthermore, I sincerely fail to see how clothing can prevent anyone from thinking wrong thoughts. Rather, all facts point to the opposite conclusion. Evil originates in the mind - and there only. I feel that anyone who is normally inclined towards evil would be naturally influenced in the opposite direction were he to live with nudists."

From A Naturist's Simple Prayer

by Pierre Desart.

 

 

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THE BARE FACTS

By 'WOS'

It is a real strain to remain sane.

A number of times I have overheard people expressing the thought that nudists must be crazy. I have never argued with those who think that way, because nudists are just a bit mad. But then, so is every-one else, and nudists are just a little less mad than most.

The best way for anyone to understand his fellow man is through communication. By this I do not mean only words. Communication occurs whenever, or however, man reveals his thinking to another human being. Without this revealing of one's self to the world there cannot be understanding, and without understanding we have only ignorance, and ignorance breeds fear. Fear cannot foster love. And that is why it takes such great courage to love, because love is the revealing of oneself to others.

That is why I think that nudists are a little less mad than the majority of people. Nudists at least make a symbolic gesture towards tearing down the custom tailored tradition of hiding behind obstacles to knowledge.

Our language is full of metaphors that relate to the state of nakedness and the possible danger of this state.

'He bared his heart to the world.'

'He stood stripped of his pride.'

'He stood naked before his peers.'

'The bare facts.'

'The naked truth.'

All hint at the desirability of getting at the truth, but at the same time they show the vulnerability of such a state. Here-in rests the problem: almost everyone wants true understanding but they also realise how vulnerable they become to those who truly understand them.

At the risk of making a poor pun, we can honestly say that nudists do make some attempt to present themselves naked to those who espouse nudism. Many is the time I have heard a nudist comment on the levelling effect it has on people to take their clothes from them. They all become just people; plain ordinary people once their expensive, inexpensive, stylish or old fashioned clothes are out of sight. A nudist says 'This is me! Me, the way I really am in this universe without any relative values, and there is not very much that anyone can do about it'.

Whatever nudists are, they are not lacking in courage. In this age of worship of the 'body beautiful' and 'youth', the nudist discards his clothes, and accepts the pot bellies, bowed legs, pendulous breasts, drooping buttocks and soft, muscular bodies of other people because they are just people.

For maybe a few hours each week, the nudist bustles off to his camp and throws away a bit of the sham of modern living. He hangs up his clothes and some of the farce which they help to perpetuate. He says to the rest of his people, 'This is the way I really am; this is the person I have learned to live with during life, and I have learned to accept what it is that I am. Please, will you do the same?' For a few hours each week he is able to recharge his batteries with a little solar energy.

What does it do for him? It helps his perspective. It helps him to relax and get back some sense of sanity, dignity and self respect. The nudist makes himself vulnerable because others know him just a little better for what he is. He is making an attempt to communicate, to erase ignorance and fear, to foster love of humankind. Yes, he is crazy. He is crazy because he is different to most people.

But then, it sure is a real strain to remain sane.

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"There is no such thing as a moral or immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all."

- Oscar Wilde

 

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BIRTHDAY

CHAS STEELLE

The weather was fine and hot. And there were kids: tall, short, knock-kneed, plump-and the guest of honour: me, twelve! 'Happy Birthday,' cutting the cake, 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow' - then the moment I've been waiting for: the opening of presents. Interesting, Voyages of Captain Cook, ah, that's better, Davey Crockett. More books. Ah, a soft parcel - underpants and singlet to match. That'll make mum happy. Socks from Jimmy, tie from Freddy, handkerchiefs from Mary, and a big sloppy kiss from Susie - she's my girl friend.

Grandpa strolls over, taking his pipe out of his mouth as he coughs, curses smoking, and presents a large professionally wrapped parcel from under his arm.

"Happy birthday, son."

There it was, the very thing I'd wanted, a Box Brownie, flash, film, batteries and bulbs.

"Now you can take pictures of all your friends." Grandma was always interested in my welfare.

During this time everyone else had gone home, so Grandma and Grandpa became my first subjects. One shot of Grandma, one of Grandpa and three of Barney, my dog. I had to take three of him because in the first one he tried to eat, the camera, pressing the shutter in the process, and the second time he spotted a cat and chased him at the crucial moment. One of mum; one of dad, as he hit his finger with the hammer while I was asking him to smile. Only one shot left.

Susie's head appeared over the back fence, "Do you want to come and listen to my new record?"

After a quick consultation with mum I clambered over the back fence, being very careful with the camera. As I entered the lounge Susie was putting a shiny new record on the turntable. She shut the top and disappeared into the kitchen. By the time she returned with two glasses of lemonade Elvis was halfway to 'Heartbreak Hotel'.

"Gee, it's hot today," I mused. "I think I'll go and ask mum if I can have a swim in the creek."

Susie switched off the record player. "I'll ask if I can go too."

After the long trek down the path the water looked cool and inviting. The whole area was deserted and quiet except for the birds. I put my new camera on a rock and started to undress. Suddenly I remembered that with all the haste, rushing round asking mum, getting Susie, I'd forgotten my togs. Susie appeared from behind a bush in her new bikini.

Aren't you going for a swim?"

"I've forgotten my togs."

"Silly clot, you'd better go back and get them . I'll wait for you."

I eyed the water in frustration. Suddenly I made up my mind.

"I'm going to swim in the nude!" I exclaimed.

I took off my shorts and underpants and ran straight into the water. Susie stood on the bank somewhat amazed, not knowing whether to dive in or not. I beckoned. She hesitated for a moment then I saw her disappear into a spray of water.

After a while I thought Susie had forgotten about me being naked, but she swam over and asked, "What's is like swimming without any clothes on?"

"Fine," I grinned. "It feels good."

She let out a shy smile. "Will you promise not to look at me if I take my bikini off? I want to know what it's like swimming without any clothes on," she added coyly.

I nodded and she swam over to the bank. I couldn't help but notice her hands come up behind her back to undo her top and throw it onto the bank and then drop under the water, reappearing to cast the bikini bottoms through the air. Susie swam back like a baby dolphin accompanying its first ship.

"It feels good," she stated simply.

We had forgotten all about our nakedness and splashed about merrily for over an hour before the sun began to sink and we decided we'd have to go home. We'd both clambered up the bank before I remembered I had no towel, but Susie told me to borrow hers. As she stood there, naked, water dripping from her body, looking refreshed and relaxed I remembered the last shot in the camera.

I wonder if she would let me take a picture of her.

I threw the towel back to her as I picked up the camera. "Smile."

Susie pulled the towel around her as if she was embarrassed.

"Not with the towel," I explained. "That would spoil it."

She looked at me carefully for a moment. Then in one movement she dropped the towel, lifted her hands behind her head and pointed one leg in front of the other.

"Is this alright?" she asked.

"That's fine." I pressed the shutter.

Thus at the age of twelve began two exciting new adventures: Naturism and Photography. In the months that followed Susie and I swam regularly in the creek. There was a frank delight and innocence which I shall always treasure from those occasions. I admired her beauty and watched her mature into a fine young woman. Our relationship was always fresh and unassuming, unclouded by dark curiosity, while my mates at school were tearing pictures out of girlie magazines and hiding them from their teachers and parents.

Oh, yes, that picture of Susie. When I put the film in for developing the processing firm must have confiscated it, because the first seven pictures were there, but not the last one. This caused me some thought. Susie was always asking to see it and when I told her what had happened to it I added that I'd decided to save up and buy a processing outfit with money from my paper round.

Once again Susie became my model, down at the creek. Of course my parents were unaware of this aspect of my hobby; I was frightened to tell them.

My father had converted part of his tool shed into a darkroom; he was interested in photography himself. I still remember the first of Susie's films that I developed. I had waited for their anniversary when I knew my parents would be out. Watching the darkening form of Susie's unadorned figure in the developer was a satisfying occupation. The excitement of the first film I'd processed and printed, and Susie's enthusiasm about the pictures made the evening one of real achievement.

It had to happen eventually, of course. My mother doing her usual round of housework came across one of Susie's pictures. When I arrived home from the paper run I was severely reprimanded by mum and dad and they demanded that I give them the rest of the pictures, which they burnt. Then they went to see Susie's parents and we were forbidden to see each other again. We both tried to explain that there was nothing in our trips to the creek that we were ashamed of, but to no avail.

I finished school at fifteen and went to work for a newspaper as a cadet photographer. The job was interesting but I still yearned to do figure photography. One morning the Senior Photographer suggested I look through his old photos, for comparison with my progress. Among the photos of general news type, fires, road accidents, and so on, one slipped out of the folder onto the floor. There, beautiful as the morning sunrise, was an uninhibited, unretouched, female nude. I picked it up, wide eyed.

"Does it offend you?"

"No, I think it's beautiful," I replied. Then I told him about Susie.

He seemed to understand only too well. That afternoon just as we were leaving to go home he asked if I'd ever thought of joining a naturist club. I had seen them referred to in various magazines but I hadn't given it much thought. He asked me to think it over and let him know if I was interested. Later on that week I expressed further interest. He pointed out that he was a member of a small club and that he could arrange an interview.

So a new era opened for me. On the first visit I was a bit shy to start with, but that old freedom soon returned. Seeing everybody natural and unadorned in beautiful surroundings brought back the unfettered joy of our days at the creek, tinged only a little with the regret that I hadn't been able to go to a club earlier, with Susie perhaps.

 

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COMMENTS ON PHOTOGRAPHY

D. KNIGHT

Almost every copy of the N.Z. Naturist for the year 1969 has had a photograph from the 68/69 Rally, and not only that but almost all of them have been by the same photographer. This has resulted in a series over the past twelve months of the same picture with perhaps different faces.

You all know why of course. There has probably only been one or two cameras allowed on the grounds during the rally, showing you therefore only these photographers' viewpoints and not offering a great range of style for the Editor to choose from.

Are we then going to have a similar series for the next twelve months of the 69/70 rally at Oranui? Four photographers, all from the same Club, seemed to follow one another around. Very few shots I saw taken appeared at all imaginative. Never mind that certain shots are needed simply as reportage of an event and snapshots can be sufficient but only when the topic is current and not twelve months hence.

There are other types of photographs however that are sadly lacking in our magazine. The type that require imagination, thought and even arrangement, and the most important, the family shot. Of the former example, only an attempt at television coverage of a volleyball game and perhaps the prospective cover work, seemed all that was undertaken.

The family photograph, of course, was just disallowed. I myself would have loved a shot of my wife getting placed in the swimming events, for my own record, but I was instructed to put my camera away or go and take photos in the bush if I wanted to. Well, what the Hell! I can take photos like that anywhere. In fact, I have; long before I became a naturist. I want live pictures now.

I feel strongly that this sort of thing is what will encourage the use of telephoto lenses from the bush and not in it and this is something that should definitely be discouraged.

'Where a camera is in plain view surely it shouldn't be feared. Blackmail would seem pretty ridiculous in most cases. With the possible exception of some types of professional people, there would seem to be very few people who would suffer any financial or mental anguish even if their names and photos were shown on television. Unless of course they are ashamed of enjoying the freedom of naturism.

Even my two children, boys of five and seven respectively, live with it at school. My eldest boy even had a class talk about his club and the great fun he had swimming nude, and he seems to have faced any ridicule he may have received without any great trauma.

I sincerely believe and recommend that every woman, man and child should be able to do as he wishes and generally live as he wishes as long as he uses common sense and doesn't force his way of life on others or interfere with the others' way of life.

Well, I've certainly got side tracked there. Now getting back to photographic coverage of rallies and other nudist activities, I feel, and am quite sure others will agree, that a large potential photographic material for our magazine has been lost during the past, due undoubtedly to unfounded prejudice and fear against anyone with a camera inside the naturist movement. Now while we have prejudice in the movement over photography, alcohol and other points, how are we to convince outsiders that their prejudices are wrong?

The freedom to remove your clothes among others is not enough freedom. To use your common sense and own judgment is what is needed.

I'm off again. I can get a bit carried away sometimes. Back to photos for the magazine.

The genuine coverage of the A.S.C. Coromandel trip in the December Naturist. These Club activity shots were great. A completely new viewpoint. A different photographer perhaps. Even a newer member not yet brainwashed and using a camera with feeling rather than taste. Technical and artistic imperfections pass unnoticed because the interest lay in the activity, the people and what they were doing. This set of photographs were the only ones I've seen in our magazine that made me wish I had been there too.

Our magazine is crying out for this type of photograph and we obviously have artistic talent in the clubs as well, if the wonderful exhibition of prints, put on display in the clubhouse by Mac of Waikato, is any indication. These were terrific but I bet his talent wasn't used during the Rally.

It would appear that only the host club has photographers at a rally. Maybe a better idea would be a representative from each Club could be nominated. It's a thought but I don't think it can improve on family favourites but at least each Club would get a good coverage.

This idea of a colour coding name tags with a specific colour for those not wanting photographs taken is a good idea and should be sufficient to stop a reasonable photographer from intrusion. And punishment in the form of not allowing a member to bring or use a camera on the grounds for a certain length of time for intrusion should be sufficient to deter most people, I feel.

I am positive many other members who attended the 69/70 rally would have liked to have taken their own candid photos of their families' efforts in some of the sports, etc., and perhaps members who were disappointed like me would like to add their comments in the next issue.

 

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THE YOUTH SECTION

with ROSS EVES

It looks as if after all Joan has proved herself correct. During the months since the Youth Rally I have received only a couple of letters and they weren't anything constructive with regards to the forthcoming Rally, although they were just as welcome. Here the months are swiftly passing and still no word of what is happening. Surely we aren't going to have another poorly attended Rally, and is all the work once more to be left to the organisers, without you people helping out? I thought that this Rally was to be run entirely by yourselves, but as no start appears to have been made it makes me wonder whether we should call the whole scheme off, and let me have a quiet year after all.

Through the grapevine I have heard that some of the Clubs have formed their own committees and have already started fund raising schemes for the Rally, and there are a couple of photos on this page showing Wellington members at work. Now, this is terrific, but I would have liked to have been informed personally, and by you, not the parents. I know you don't like writing letters, I don't myself, but surely you can drop me a small note indicating just what your club is doing in preparation for the rally.

But it isn't only the rally we are concerned with. There are other activities that can be carried out, and if we mention these in this article other Clubs can perhaps use your ideas. Now, I know that Canterbury club recently had a miniten tournament and there were quite a few entries, but I don't know the results, and I am sure that someone there could have made a small letter on the way it was run, how many entries, who finally won, and did they get a prize, etc. This is the sort of thing we are after. Your Club's activities could induce other Clubs to do likewise or something else from your suggestions.

What about the younger members who will one day shortly be a Youth member in your Club? Are you doing anything about them? Such as looking after them on a wet afternoon and getting them interested in painting, etc. I know they are a nuisance as far as you are concerned, but if you put yourselves out for them a bit, they will look up to you and try and mould themselves on you in later years. Just because none of the former youth members bothered about you doesn't mean to say that you have to treat the younger fry likewise.

All sports can be carried out during the winter months and here is that chance to get your volleyball teams organised, the mini ten improved. Not only for the Youth Rally, but the main Rally as well, as it would be good to see more teams participating in these activities at both the rallies. It's no use saying that the adults won't let you have use of the courts, because I know that they will set aside a certain time each Sunday exclusively for your use. But they don't know that you require the courts until you tell them. They are not mind readers and you will be surprised how much they will help if only you take them into your confidence.

Next edition of the Youth page I would like to see filled entirely with letters and remarks from all of you. Then I can sit back and do nothing, and this would suit me fine.

 

STOP PRESS

Advice has been received from Wanganui that they will be unable to hold the Youth Rally on their grounds.

Negotiations are under way with another Club and you will be advised in the next issue.

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"With the matter of nudity so closely allied with sex, in the public mind, and the rightness or wrongness of social nudity so closely touching moral and religious training, it takes a very social argument, properly presented, to convince the uninitiated and uninformed that nudism is something of real value."

- American Nudist Leader

 

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A WEEKEND AWAY

To the casual bystander there was nothing different in the appearance of the thirteen youngsters of varying ages and the twenty-five adults standing waiting for the boat to take them away presumably for the weekend, judging by the overnight bags, fishing gear, etc. With cameras slung around their necks, buckets and spades for the younger fry it was rather obvious that as they didn't seem to belong to the one family, one could expect that perhaps it was a sports club, or even a Church group having a weekend away from it all. But the difference was that they didn't belong to any of these groups, but were members of the three Auckland Sun Clubs intent on having a weekend away where they would be able to go around completely naked the whole time, and surprisingly enough this wasn't to be done in tents in a secluded place, but on a beach and staying in a hotel on a lovely island set in the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf.

The boat trip over was enjoyable and allowed time for various members to meet the others from the clubs that they hadn't met previously. Arriving at the hotel supper was awaiting them, and although it wasn't something piping hot as hoped at least the "cuppa" was enjoyable before retiring for the night. The following morning the day wasn't as sunny as one would have wished for but at least it wasn't raining and the water looked most inviting. The start of a pleasant day was slightly spoilt by the fact that all members were asked to don some covering of some sort as the "helpers" in the kitchen weren't at all keen to see naked bodies at the meal table. The sight of partly clothed bodies was more startling than what the naked ones would have been judging on the style of "dress" of some of the members. How lovely to sit down to a meal cooked by someone else, and then to be able to leave the dishes and either stroll down to the beach, get out the camera, go fishing or laze as the person wanted too.

A new sport was introduced that weekend, but I rather have my doubts whether it would take at forthcoming Rallies, although it would be rather interesting to see it being done. Volleyball was played, but owing to there being no facilities for the tying of the net a low one was slung up and this required the players to go around on their knees. Perhaps the ground was too hard or the knees too soft as this sport didn't really catch on with the rest of the crowd. The children had great times building sand castles, etc., but this didn't go down with the bigger fry, so they decided that they would dive from the wharf, and again this event wouldn't go down in history as the best diving executed in Auckland??? and teaching Ross to swim (or sink?). Tiring of this it was then decided that Joe had taken enough photos and now it was his turn to be photographed, but somehow he will never make a model, and the poses he ended up with wouldn't even make our magazine either. I rather feel it would be more advisable if he continues taking those good photos and uses the girls as models.

A walk through the sand dunes and fernery was really pleasant and gave one a general view of the Island. So much so that when the first party returned full of enthusiasm this news soon spread, and it wasn't long before another party was on its way. (Being an easy walk the youngest member, aged three, up to the eldest member who wouldn't reveal her age were able to tackle and enjoy it comfortably.)

What is more enjoyable than a barbecue? Doesn't matter the place or time, there is always something really enjoyable about this sort of meal, and this was obvious here when all tucked in to delicious chops and sausages. Mind you, the sight of one member sitting eating the chops with great relish and not even leaving a scrap on the bones for the dog did make one think he hadn't eaten for months. But not content with this indelicate method of eating, he had to disgrace everybody by calmly tossing the meatless bones over his shoulders, and was rather indignant at the thought of having to turn around, pick them up, and deposit them in the receptacle provided. Of course the thought that at this precise time one of the other members was taking a movie for Club records might perhaps account for this behaviour???

Of course everything has to come to an end but unlike all fairy stories where everyone goes away happy and contented, I would be dishonest in saying this. After all, if you are standing around talking quite happily and a wasp lands on parts where he shouldn't have, it doesn't make you very happy, does it? And have you ever tried to carry on the conversation cheerfully as if nothing has happened and yet dying to know what the damage is??? There were the usual mishaps with the small ones, the few grumbles that one gets no matter whether they are camping in luxury or in a tent, but I would say that on the general the feeling was that the weekend was very enjoyable and as such could easily be repeated again with perhaps an increase in numbers of those who were unfortunate in not attending. J.E.T.

 

 

 

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ON SOME QUESTIONS

by W. SPEICKMAN

In our club magazine (a stenciled affair given out by the Wellington Sun Club for members only) we were asked if it would be possible for some of the members to write an article for the N.Z. Naturist. A list of possible subjects in the form of questions was given. I pondered over these questions, toying with the idea that I might write on one of these subjects. However, I found them all interesting and did not know which one to choose. I will list them for you with the answers they conjured up in my mind. Here goes:

Are Nudists on the defensive against something that does not exist? Yes, we are still defending ourselves against public opinion. Although it is not against us any more, as it was only a few short years ago. The public, at large, accepts us now and I think that we should go over to the attack and show people that we are not a bunch of slightly odd people to be accepted, but that we have something to offer that is of value. Of course if we go on defending ourselves people may think that we have something to defend. This is not so, as we have something to give which can defend itself.

Are Nudists exhibitionists? Of course we are, but aren't we all? Does not everybody wish to show himself to his or her best advantage? But we are no more than everybody else. We like to be nude, but not because we like to show our splendid figures. Most of us haven't got that anyway. It's because we like to feel the sun and air on our bodies and we like to accept the body for what it is - nothing to be hidden or to be ashamed of.

Do we belong to the Movement purely for escapism? Yes and no. Yes because if we were to be nude in a public place we would be prosecuted. We escape the law by forming clubs. No, we don't escape society, rather the other way round as we keep on telling people how nice it is and inviting them to join us. If we only wished to escape we would not do so.

Do Nudists take Drugs? Yes, I do. I take an aspirin when I have a headache. I drink alcohol on social occasions or when I feel like it and can afford it. As for the drugs meant in the question - no thanks. I'd rather stay healthy. Mind you, there may be some nudists who take drugs. I have never heard of it but don't forget we are an average section of society and maybe there are some addicts among us, who knows?

What is your attitude towards illegitimate children? They don't exist. Illegitimate parents perhaps, but illegitimate children no. A child just born is innocent. I cannot understand why society is so cruel to put this stigma on these children - it does make sense. But I do think that as long as society insists on keeping its head in the sand we will keep this disastrous situation with all its misery of broken lives and unhappiness. Why can't we learn that forbidding sexual relations between unmarried people just does not work. Five thousands years of history and our statistics (approx. one child in ten is born out of wedlock) show this. Let us accept that it is going to happen whether we like it or not. Let us show our children how to enjoy it without the misery of unwished-for children. Don't forget the old saying which is so true - "Bad girls don't get caught."

Why do I want my children to he brought up as Nudists? Well I don't. Yes, you read that right, I don't. But it's a case of having to. You see, I would like my children to grow up in a world that is sane, that will accept the body for what it is - part of us. I would like my children to be able to go for a swim or enjoy the sun, as it ought to be, in the nude, anywhere and any time they wish, not only at the sun club but on our beaches and at our city swimming pools. But our society thinks that it is dirty and immoral to undress completely in the presence of others. If you really think on this, it is silly. Dirt is in the mind of the beholder. If you think that something is dirty then it will be and if you do not it will not be. As for immorality, morality has nothing to do with clothes. Morality is a set of unwritten laws made like all our laws - to make society run smoothly, and if they stand in the way of progress towards a better society they should be changed, otherwise they will become an obstacle and a hindrance. In the meantime my wife and I will take our children to the sun club to enjoy themselves, relax in the sun and hope that we do our little bit to make society believe in what we believe is a better one. Besides all that, we are no martyrs. Take it from me, it is fun to belong to a sun club. Come and join us one day and try it. After all, how can you say this is not for you or worse, condemn it, if you have never tried it?

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COMPETITION: What is the Lady doing?

In this competition we have submitted only a portion of the original photograph. We would like you to tell us what you think she is doing. Failing a correct solution we will send the prize of $1 to the person with the most original answer. The full photograph and the winner's name and answer will appear in the next edition.

Send your entries to Competition, P.O. Box 2925, AUCKLAND.

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GIVE IT A NAME TITLE FOR ISSUE 53

WINNER:

FRED G. Non Club member. WAIUKU.

TITLE:

MY FIRST VISIT TOO!!!

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HEALTH IN THE SUN

SWIMMING POOLS:

Pool management is big business these days. It's not just a matter of filling a hole with water and jumping in. It's a known fact that almost all of the Upper Respiratory Tract Infections or URTI'S and skin infections can be transmitted by a poorly managed pool. Ideally, the standard that is set is to have the quality of the water as good as drinking water. Modern treatment of drinking water involves clarifying and sterilizing. It's the same for swimming pools too!

In our Clubs we are placed in the same positions as schools in that we have either (a) A filtered, sterilizing system. (b) A manually operated fill and empty system) or (c) No pool at all.

Now, any Club that has gone into the question of having a modern water treatment plant knows that the hamstringing factor is dollars and cents. Lots of them. This means that only our older clubs who have planned ahead have the means to operate such facilities. Our remaining smaller and newer clubs have to be content with variations of the fill and empty systems, with its inherent dangers to health.

However, with conscientious, proper treatment, a small fill and empty type pool can give many hours of fun and relaxation to us. Obviously the modern water treatment plant has instructions that must be followed to maintain efficient treatment. This also applies to the fill and empty system. The basic operation is centred on clarifying and sterilisation.

This is achieved by filtration or sedimentation. In the fill and empty system the latter applies, during the week when the Club and the pool is at its quietest.

The solids which have been stirred up during swimming settle to the bottom of the pool and will lie there until they are removed or stirred up again. Therefore some forms of suction that can get rid of this film of solids is needed. The Canterbury Club at "Pine Glades" used an electrically operated pump which, attached to an old vacuum cleaner head, suck up the deposit. Auckland Sun Club use a siphoning principle to do this. For a reasonable sum, proprietary suction pumps, either electric or motor driven, are available from most swimming pool specialists.

However, there is another problem that is nearly always overlooked. The most contaminated section of the pool water is the top layer of about 2 - 3 inches. Here lie the leaves, dust, insects and nasal secretions of the bathers. It is this layer which transmits disease and infection more than the rest of the pool. The continual turn around of the filtered, treated pool eliminates most of this, because the water for treatment is drawn off the top.

In the fill and empty type of pool this is not done. The only system that can and should operate is a continual flow of water into the pool and out by some form of overflow drainage from the top of the pool. This will help to control the accumulation of top contamination. The algae can be controlled by chemical additives similar to sterilisation.

Now we come to the snag, and the major difference between school and Club pools. At school the pool is treated daily apart from weekends. The situation is reversed at our Clubs. To maintain ideal levels of chlorination, pools should be dosed and tested for correct levels daily. If the load of swimmers is high, which increases contamination, this may increase to twice or thrice daily. The haphazard handful of chlorine additive to fill and empty pools is completely ineffective and leads to overconfidence.

HTH is the normal chlorine agent which is added to water to kill microorganisms that spread disease. However, the level of chlorine must be maintained continually for this action to be effective. It's like shovelling snow in the winter - you've got to keep at it. There are ways of overcoming this at our clubs. A simple system of a tank with a drip feed can ensure continual dosing throughout the week. Or members living handy can dose the pool on a roster system.

Algae growth can be controlled by this method and we won't be confronted by a green, smelly, dirty pool when we arrive ready for a swim. A well maintained pool can be the pride of any club - it's the best draw card.

 

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TRUE STORY

MY YOUNG LIFE

By RAYMOND J. HALSEY

When I was in the standards at school a few of the boys in my class and myself decided to build a swimming hole in the local creek. We set out to find a suitable site for it. When we found a well-screened location not far from the road, digging began to deepen the bed for swimming. The spoil that came out was put to use to make a dam across the creek. The spoil was put into sacks which were taken from the coalmen's rail siding. When we put the dam across, a tunnel was put in so cleaning could take place when needed, and also an overflow put in near the top. The trap for the tunnel and the overflow pipe was taken from a nearby building site.

When all this was completed and swimming began, a rule was made that no costumes were to be worn. All went well until one day some of the girls in the class found out what we were doing and started to spy on us. The next day we split up, with some going to the swimming hole straight from school and the rest of us going a wee bit later to flush out the girls into the open. Then we all grabbed a girl each and stripped her completely naked, despite the fighting and screaming, and threw them into the water. From that day onwards the girls came back to swim with us in the raw whenever possible. This went on for a few years and nobody was ashamed of the fact. But it came to a stop when we all started to go to work and became conscious of our bodies. I keep going to the hole when I can to get that all-over-tan but had to stop when the houses closed in on the swimming hole.

 

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THE NEW ZEALAND

NATURIST

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Naturist Holidays in Europe

by JACK

Our first naturist holiday in Europe was planned for May, 1969, on the Isle of Wight. We had often read of the Southview Holiday Estate in Sun and Health and hooked well in advance. It turned out that it was not really necessary, since the holiday season was two months away and, although July and August were to he crowded, May and June, when the weather can be very agreeable for nudists, was comparatively light in visitors.

With our car and caravan, we took the ferry from Portsmouth and a short drive brought us to Blackgang on the South-West of the Isle of Wight. It wasn't easy to find the Estate, which is not sign-posted. After several false starts, we located it beyond the Blackgang Chine, which is a wooded valley running down to the sea, and, being laid out with fun-fair shows and gardens, is a well-known tourist attraction. We drove past the 'Ship Ashore' inn along a 'No Exit' road, and half a mile further on came to a dead halt. The road along the cliffs had slipped away, as a result of recent heavy rains. Small cars could cautiously pass over, but there was no room for larger ones or caravans. Such slips, we learned, are not uncommon.

Some folk from the Estate came to apologise, but nothing could be done, so we had to seek a caravan site in the centre of the island. A day or so later, we returned by car, leaving the caravan at the camp, parked at a safe distance from the slip, and set out by foot with suitcases for Southview. Here we were comfortably housed in a chalet bungalow (a bach, to us), with light, cooking facilities and plenty of room.

The Estate is a pleasant spot. At the centre is an ancient stone house, which serves as offices, club-rooms, space for guests and a home for the Wrate family. The cliff-top grounds, charmingly laid out in several gardens and with undulating downland, has a gazebo or two perched on the cliff-edge, and offers marvellous views of the Atlantic and its ship-traffic, and of the delightful Wight coastline. Other facilities include a bar, tennis-courts, a small shop, a swimming-pool and a first-class sauna bath.

The proprietors, Bert and Peg, had taken over the rather run-down property a year or two before and were working hard to put it into shape. We found them and their young children friendly and hospitable, and the charges very reasonable. Only a handful of visitors were on the site, so we had a very quiet and relaxing ten days, in sunshine for the most part, although the temperatures in May were lower than Kiwis would consider suitable for sun-bathing.

One great advantage of Southview is that it is an excellent base from which to explore the lovely Isle of Wight, so little known to overseas travellers. Despite the touristy nature of Shanklin and Ventnor, with their ugly souvenir shops and 'Ye Olde' type of teashops, much of the Isle, especially to the West, and in the centre, is still unspoiled and possesses a wide variety of typical English rural scenery. There are attractive walks, charming villages and pubs, thatched cottages, old manors and historic sites. Everywhere there are seascapes, and beautiful panoramas.

The only drawback to Southview, apart from the access problem, is the relative inaccessibility of the beach. The cliff-path to the sands is narrow and precipitous, and while we were there, had been virtually washed away. It was impossible to negotiate the mud-slips to the beach, so we did not sample the sea. As we left, Bert and his helpers were busy widening the slipped road and shoring up the cliffs, and I understand that the beach-path has been made good again since.

I recommend a stay at Southview. If you are prepared to take a certain risk over access, the location of the Estate and the chance it gives to become acquainted with one of the most delightful corners of England will repay you well.

Our next experience took place at the very height of the European holiday season, in July, at the famous Centre Helio-Marin at Monalivet on the West Coast of France. We drove to Royan, at the mouth of the Garonne, and took the car and caravan across on the ferry (30 minutes) to Point de Grave, then drove the few remaining miles to Montalivet. The Nudist Centre is about a mile from the tiny French holiday town (very few foreign tourists) of Montalivet. On arrival, we found that to be admitted we needed an up-to-date I.N.F. passport. Fortunately, I had mine, but, as the NZSA had dragged its heels in supplying a 1969 stamp, it cost me 30 frs. (about $NZ5.75) to update it.

The Centre Helio-Marin is a magnificent site, almost certainly the finest in the world for nudists. It covers 380 acres, which runs through sand-dunes right up to the sea-shore. There are 170 acres of bungalows laid out in districts named Europe, Florida, Polynesia, etc.; 100 acres for tents and caravans, 60 acres for sports, and 50 acres for walks. The whole is 4 miles in circumference and takes you about 1½ hours to walk around. All this has been developed since 1950 from a single house and some tents on waste-land. The free beach is about 2 miles long, and covers 50 additional acres of fine, white sand, fronted by the superb rolling Atlantic breakers. The beach is constantly supervised and patrolled for danger. Admittance is gained only from the camp; everyone must wear the CHM medallion to get back to the camp.

Everywhere, as in this part of France, there are pine-trees, which scent evenings with healthy perfume; the sandy soil quickly drains away the occasional heavy downpour of rain. There is a complete shopping centre of 20 shops of all kinds, fully stocked, a first-class cafe and restaurant, a bank, a post-office, private boxes, ice-store and so forth. One fine feature is the 'plats cuisines' or take-aways, not, as in New Zealand, hamburgers and pies, but well-cooked French dishes, such as coq au yin, and langoustines, salads, and so on, served in containers and costing singularly little. You need never cook a meal at Montalivet. And the local wines, at prices from 1 fr. 20c a litre bottle (about 28 cents) are in ready supply. It is like living in a completely self-contained town.

Sport is continual and well-organised, for children as well as adults. Every evening, in the excellent open-air theatre, there are films, concerts, illustrated lectures and professional entertainers. A TV. room is available for adults and another for children.

All day long there is a procession, endless like ants, to and from the beach. While we were there, over 2,200 nudists were holidaying at Montalivet, mostly French, but with a sprinkling of Germans, Dutch, Austrians and Swiss and a handful of English. It helps a great deal to be able to speak French, but, in case of need, some of the camp officials, I believe, can use English. The organisation of the whole complex is unobtrusive, but very efficient. The only defect, in my view, was the lack of adequate toilet facilities. With the camp fully occupied, here was great pressure on the toilets and they seldom remained long in a clean condition.

The cost for a car and caravan nightly was 12.50 frs. (about $2.10), including entertainment tax.

Montalivet also allowed us the opportunity of exploring the exquisite 'Cote d'Argent', the little-known lower West coast of France, which the French keep mostly for themselves and where tourists are seldom encouraged to venture. Here are charming villages, massive and placid lakes, fine farm-house restaurants, acres of pine-forests, giant sand-dunes, and smiling and friendly people. It was a memorable fortnight, and I doubt if, anywhere else in the world, the nudist can come closer to his ideal of a naturist holiday.

(Part II)

 

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NEWS FROM THE CLUBS IN N.Z.

PALMERSTON NORTH

In February of this year, after several advertisements in the local paper, sufficient interest was shown to form a local club. The club was fortunate from the start in obtaining permission to use land access to a river some distance from town. At the time of writing the Club has grown to about twenty adults. They are now trying to find permanent grounds. If the right grounds are found the club will be assured of a good membership. Each member is keen and gives every help to the club. Any family groups and couples who would like to join, the box number is 980 Palmerston North.

NELSON SUN CLUB

This has been an interesting period for the Nelson Club. We have to welcome new members, Rosemary, Graeme and their children, Jim and his children, and Ralph. Hugo, owing to a transfer to Wellington, has resigned from position of Secretary and Audrey is carrying over until the general meeting. Hub has been elected on to the committee and has been busy getting things moving. We now have a sandpit and swimming pool for the children. This means happy children and happy Mums! A strong shed has been built to store tools, etc., a much-needed addition. We have had a very good attendance and many pleasant hours in the sun. We were pleased to welcome four visitors from Christchurch, George, Eric, Alma and Colleen. On March 4th we had an entertaining evening of films, shown by a visitor from Australia, Lawford, who belongs to the Heritage Club. Lesley and Peter acted as host and hostess. Overnight visitors to our camp grounds get a beautiful sight. Glowworms. The whole creek bank looks like a bright starlit sky. Audrey and Trevor have bought a caravan which they are willing for visitors to use. Lots of fun has been had from an ingenious shower invented by Trevor. It can be worked by pedalling or motor. We hope to have a photo in the magazine to show you. May our next season be as happy as this past one.

WANGANUI SUN CLUB

Members of the Wanganui Sun Club Inc., after an enjoyable few days at the Rally, have once again taken home the Mowlem Shield for the highest percentage increase in members for the year. Our membership is still growing, and by the time this is in print, we will have spent an enjoyable weekend with our friends at the Hawkes Bay Sun Club Inc. We are all keen on interclub visits, and extend a welcome to members of other Clubs, and hope that they will pay us a visit whenever they are in our fair City.

TAURANGA SUN CLUB

Although we have had regular attendance by most of our members during the winter of 1969 and much work was done, our 1969-70 season really started with Labour Day weekend. Several members from our old friends at Kowhai Valley Club visited us for the weekend. On the Sunday we had visitors from Waikato, Rotorua and even Pineglades. Besides this we had an official visit from Joan, Doug and others. Eighty persons on the Sunday partook of morning tea, barbecue lunch and a delicious "sponge-cake" afternoon tea. Our small pool was finished in time for Christmas and over the holiday period visitors from several clubs camped on our grounds. The hottest and driest Tauranga summer for over 25 years has shown us that our cool, clear water supply is permanent and adequate.

The use of duckboards has eliminated most of the muddy part of the track to the river pool which many visitors have now seen and enjoyed - some, like Ted, many times. We wish to thank Ted of Kowhai for the many snapshots and films he has produced and shown to us. We all hope he will enjoy his trip overseas.

Recently the Tauranga Club made a friendly raid on Rotorua Club where we enjoyed their hospitality and exciting hot mineral stream and waterfalls. Rotorua has exciting potentialities which should make it the "winter" Sun Club of New Zealand. Thank you, Frank and members, and best wishes for the future of Rotorua.

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

With the increase of new members, mainly families, our numbers have reached a stage where for the first time in the Club's history we have had to "freeze" membership. We have now reached the stage where facilities are being stretched to their maximum and until these are either enlarged or improved our membership will stay frozen.

A start has already been made on quite a few improvements. After much hard work, digging cables, trenches, etc., we have electricity down the driveway to the grounds and in the Clubhouse. It is 3-phase and capable of carrying loads far in excess of immediate requirements and will therefore be adequate for many years to come.

The ceiling in the clubhouse has been lined and painted and vastly improves the interior. The walkway and hand railing around the pool has been finished and painted, fitting in well with the general landscape, which has been beautified greatly by the addition of colourful shrubs and plants donated by members. When in full colour the grounds should look quite a showpiece. This season has seen a vast improvement in the standard of all our volleyball players due to last winter's project of levelling the volleyball court, which incidentally was out of level.

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB

The summer brought the local Fire Brigade to A.O.H.C. three times in a month to fight fires on neighbouring property with some 40,000 gallons of sparkling water from the swimming pool. When they replaced this with mere drinking water from the city mains, the tears wept by the pool's filtration expert were almost adequate for further fire fighting! The firemen showed great restraint on the first two occasions but finally succumbed and cooled off in the half empty pool on their third visit.

The Inter-Club Sports Day with over 200 present from several Auckland Clubs was warm but cloud provided ideal conditions for games and the volleyball competition carried on until 7 p.m. before A.S.C. confirmed their Rally victory. A.O.H.C. remain the teniquoit and miniten champions but with the increasing popularity of miniten look forward to more opposition in future.

As a result of good local publicity in the Auckland Star, Herald and Northern Television plus regular advertising before Xmas, then Rally publicity, we enjoyed an influx of over 80 new members.

NORTHERN SUN SEEKERS

After two seasons in semi-recess, Northern Sun seekers are back in business. We have obtained a delightful property north of Whangarei and have a lease giving us five years' occupancy with right of renewal.

The grounds show enormous potential. Basically they consist of a valley with a stream running down one side and native bush coming down two sides and one end. It is completely isolated - about three-quarters of a mile onto private property. The actual valley in which our activities will be based was flat but covered with dead thistles which had to be removed before we could even think about games. The speed with which this was done was staggering - everybody pitched in. The creek was badly overgrown, so we selected a likely Looking spot and began clearing it. The area turned out to be ideally suited for damming and forming a good sized swimming hole. So there we are - after one day's work we have a rough shed, the beginnings of a swimming pool and a rough but playable volleyball court.

At the present rate of progress we should be fairly well set up for next season. Northern Sun Seekers are back in business with a vengeance...

WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY INC.

Instead of writing a club news, we are instead submitting a letter recently received by a new member which we feel covers everything.

"I am not a young man, and have lost my wife. For some years I have been interested in Nudism but have not practised it till now. About one month ago I was brought out to your grounds; it was a very fine day, and men, women and children were walking about and talking, all in the nude, and quite unashamed of it which is just as it should be.

"I removed my clothes and felt that glorious feeling of freedom which you all have experienced. The men were busy excavating for a swimming pool. Unfortunately the earth was very hard, and they had to use a rotary hoe to loosen the earth. Everybody worked well, and the second time I came the excavating was completed, and they were waiting for the timber for boxing preparatory to concreting.

"There were quite a number of children and they played by themselves very well. They have a paddling pool and several forms of amusement including a swing, etc. There was an oldish very quiet white horse, on which the children had rides. They also fed him with carrots and green vegetables. He was a great favourite.

"As I looked around at the scene and the various occupations which people were engaged in and the complete rest, enjoyment and peace which seemed to apply. the words written by the poet Robert Browning over a century ago came into my mind. 'God's in His Heaven, all's right with the world'."

KOWHAI VALLEY CLUB INC.

In the December issue of The New Zealand Naturist we remarked that we were looking forward to the summer months to take advantage of our greatly improved grounds. This hope was realised in full. The long fine summer enabled members to meet regularly and to enjoy companionship and prolonged swims in the clear waters of the stream.

However, we have to report that our club no longer occupies its site. Although our membership more than doubled over the past year, our finances would still not permit the required payments for occupancy of the land. It was therefore to the mutual interests of both parties (owner and club) to seek a piece of ground elsewhere. Accordingly, the Annual General Meeting of the club, held on April 12th, 1970, resolved to accept an offer, couched in generous terms, of a bush section with stream, not far distant from the evacuated land. The owner of this land has warned us that the occupancy may be of a temporary nature but we are glad of this chance of a breathing space, while we spend the winter months in examining various other possibilities.

Our first swimming night of the winter season took place on Saturday April 4th. We had a bumper attendance. In this connection we take the opportunity of heartily welcoming Oranui members to these swim evenings.

 

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

REFUSED MEMBERSHIP

As one who has always been very interested in the Naturist movement, I was very disappointed a short time ago when I was refused membership of one of your affiliated clubs. To start at the beginning: about 18 months ago I had a very serious accident which confined me to a hospital bed for 5 months and when eventually I was mobile again with the help of crutches I decided to apply for membership. I explained my position to them, telling the secretary that I was a deserted husband awaiting my divorce and on those grounds alone I was refused. I'm very sorry if I'm ignorant, but I just can't see the difference between a single man, who most clubs seem to welcome, and a man awaiting finalisation of his divorce.

In the past 18 months I have now undergone 8 operations and I'm very sad that I have missed what must be some of the best inspiration towards recuperation which I am convinced exist in membership of your clubs.

I would appreciate it if you would print this letter in your column, "Readers Have Their Say," because I would be very interested to hear your's and other opinions on the subject.

I have no objection to full publication of my name as I feel that there is no need to be ashamed of my interest in this worthwhile movement.

-PETER M. GILMORE

EXTRACT FROM LETTER SENT TO THE BUSINESS MANAGER

With regard to the enclosed letter my last year's issues of the magazines persuaded my wife and I (plus 2 children) to join one of the Clubs in Auckland. We did so recently and have enjoyed every minute of it. The Secretary tells us that our subscription also covers the issue of the magazine so that we will not be requiring it from Wellington. However, I have enclosed a dollar for a year's subscription to be sent to friends in Auckland. We are hoping that a year's subscription will make them join also. 

 

APPEAL FOR MAGAZINE PHOTOS

I could not agree more with Shirley K's letter in Issue 54. On one side there are appeals for more natural photos and on the other hand we have all sorts of restrictions imposed by individual clubs, or in the case of the Rally, by our own Association.

Fortunately, I saw very few red tags on the grounds, proving that most members of our movement do not object. Several clubs are relaxing their photographic rules more and more. This is the time to show that we, as members of the nudist movement, are not afraid to come into the open for our principles, and are indeed proud of our membership. The times of blackmail or being afraid to lose one's job surely have passed. Even members of Parliament are not scared to admit their sympathy with the principles of our movement.

Some argue that if we relax our photographic rules we will have snoopers, who will photograph shapely girls from hiding places or via devices in the camera lens enabling them to take a photo under a 90° angle. Bah! What a fantasy!! But even if this was the case, it would show only a naked person in the photo, which is not of any pornographic value. But don't let our fantasy run away with us. What is wrong with the taking of a photo of your own family or friends in one or another activity with their children. These are the type of photos we want for our magazine. These are the photos I want for my own album. And a Rally is the place for that, where we mix with other people of the same principles from other parts of the country, where we make new friends, where we want to fix these moments of friendship so that we can revive our memories during the winter months or at socials of our club. Then we will have more interesting photos than the bare bottoms and backs as in the official photos of the Rally.

Bring it forward in your club and submit a remit to the next meeting of the Sunbathing Association, to allow the taking of photographs of your own family and members of your own group at the next Rally.

Show that you dare to come out in the open for your ideals.

- Emiel Roland

WHAT MAKES A NUDIST?

The article, "What Makes a Nudist?" by JJH in the Winter 1969 edition of The New Zealand Naturist brought a cool draught of clear air into an atmosphere which has long been befogged by clouds of woolly idealism. The trouble is that many sane and honest naturists are themselves deluded into believing that nudism is some sort of mystic ideal, an intellectual experience which will lead to a pure, clean, healthy Utopia. The 'Naturist Press' is to blame for foisting these nebulous ideals upon us. By its very nature, the 'Naturist Press', on sale to the public at large, has two main functions. To explain and to convert. Of necessity, any explanation or exposition of the nudist movement must be defensive. Nudists are, no matter what club membership figures show, a minority group. As such the nudist is making a plea for toleration and acceptance by the public at large. To ask for such open acceptance, the 'Naturist Press' has to impress the public with the idealistic and beneficial facets of nudism. Similarly, the 'preaching of the nude gospel' endeavours to get more people on our side by trying to explain that there is more to nudism than just stripping off clothing and mixing socially.

Nudism is such a simple subject. It seems impossible that so many reams of choice prose and poetry have been churned out to try and convince the world that nudism is more than just being naked. Are nudists adult enough to face the truth about themselves? Or do they prefer to keep the truth wrapped up in a welter of idealistic cotton wool and mystical tissue paper?

What makes a nudist? The joy of being nude. Of being seen in the nude. Of seeing others in the nude. Of enjoying the sensations of sun, air and water on the nude body. The joy of being free to walk, run, leap and play in the nude. The security of being able to enjoy nudity in the company of other nudists without the fear of society's disapproval and possible condemnation.

There may well be food for the psychologists in such reasons for being a nudist - so what? If a person has this delight in nudity why should not he, or she, be able to enjoy it in the same way that the person who delights in speed, free fall parachuting, game shooting or drinking alcohol is allowed to follow their pursuits without society's condemnation?

Another facet of naturism which is often played down by the 'Naturist Press' is the fact that the average male is inherently an exhibitionist. This can be clearly seen in nature, the gorgeous plumage of the cock, the bold markings of the buck and in mankind by the vanity of male dress, bright uniforms, etc. Whether or not they would ever admit it, most male nudists do fulfil some deep-rooted need by exhibiting their masculinity. The vast majority of female nudists only become nudists through the influence of their husbands or partners. The female does not seem to possess this essential 'drive' which would seem apparent in her partner. However ,the shy and winsome lady nudist is just as much an exhibitionist as her forceful male partner. This can be instanced by the fact that the lady nudist is rarely averse to being photographed in the club grounds! Children, prior to puberty, are, of course, natural nudists. But after the onset of puberty they too develop all sorts of inhibitions, restrictions and pre-conceived ideas which have to be broken through with patience and understanding. This is often the bitter moment when the nudist parent suffers a long and often painful period of self appraisal, wondering where he went wrong and should he have pushed his own ideal so hard.

If these reasons for being a nudist are valid, does this mean that the old ideas of nudists being cranky eccentrics still hold good? The short answer is no. Nudists never were cranky eccentrics, not many of them anyway. On the contrary, nudists were bold enough to realise that there was a need to be able to freely express and bring out into the open the deep-rooted desire for nudity that exists in most ordinary people. This deep-rooted desire is now attempting to break out in other, not so desirable, ways. Witness the present trend in stage performances designed to shock the public, the off beat activities of beatnik groups, the increase in pornography, strip shows, fashions, art and other manifestations of the desire to knock conformity and give free reign to suppressed desires. Such a desire, however well throttled, exists in most people. Very few have had the guts and intelligence to face up to it, recognise it and do something constructive about it. The nudist has done just this.

So, what makes a nudist? Primarily the good sense and guts to be able to recognise that there is this need, that it can be enjoyed and, in its own way, that it makes life fuller, easier and happier.

If you, the nudist reader, are shocked by this exposure of the reasons for becoming a nudist, think again, be honest with yourself, don't believe all the 'Naturist Press' tells you and examine your initial reasons for taking the plunge. And you, the non-nudist reader, recognise yourself, give yourself the chance to overcome something which must exist within you - why else would you be reading this magazine otherwise?

Finally, to keep the peace, the author is also a convinced nudist. This was written as a result of JJH's welcome challenge followed by several heated arguments with other club members and is therefore fairly representative of the reasons why some half a dozen people became nudists. In the author's own case the desire for complete nudity began in the late teens and was stifled until well after marriage. Even then, it took an understanding and sympathetic wife a very long time before she would agree t4 visiting a club. The hurdle was finally overcome, mainly because of the 'ordinariness' and decency of the club members, and now the author, his wife and son are regular weekend inhabitants of a sun club. Here we are able to enjoy nudity with other nudists, to be able to enjoy the freedom of swimming, sunbathing, badminton and even the mundane tasks of cooking and 'tent-keeping' without the restrictions of clothes. In short, what make us nudists is the joy of being able to relax completely in the nude.

- HBE

I AM NEITHER

In reply to Kevin's letter in the No. 53 issue, "I am a Nudist."

I would like to ask why do we so readily label ourselves and become separate from the whole. I do practice a little yoga, eat yoghurt and wheat germ, don't smoke, have just a little nip on special occasions, but don't consider myself a Naturist.

For a fact I am a human being like anybody else, depending on a vehicle of flesh and blood which functions better without being drugged or overfed.

I strip, because it is beneficial to be exposed to the sun and air for a certain period.

I joined a Club because this is the only way to live a free life without coming in conflict with the present law. When that law changes and we all are allowed to strip on appropriate occasions, do we all name ourselves

Nudists or Naturists?

Of course not; it's generally accepted and part of our daily living.

-MARIUS REBERS

Wanganui Sun Club Inc.

SWINGING NUDISTS

Frank S. Sviatko's article "Nudists as People" is a nicely put case for tolerance in our clubs. The Editorial committee is to be congratulated for allowing the subject of sexual morality to be aired in our magazine, a sure sign that we are becoming mature enough to take an honest look at what nudists really are as people.

I wonder however if those people he is preaching to are aware of the meaning of some of the terms he uses? In particular the label "swinger" may be foreign to folk who do not read "Playboy" or similar literature. "Swinger" has several shades of meaning on the go-go teen scene, but in this case I take it to mean those who believe that love and sex need not be bound by the conventions of marriage and who feel free to "swing" occasionally to other partners. These ideas are certainly controversial, but so often nudists hide behind a cloak of apparent purity and any who dare to express such liberal ideas are likely to be excluded, disowned or ousted. But surely morals are a personal matter, and in the realm of sex the law allows quite a bit of scope for expressing one's particular morality, so our clubs have no grounds for censoring those who may be unconventional but who do not offend any laws.

Sure, most members are content to remain conventional, but the fact is that we do have swingers in our clubs. Some find satisfaction and enrichment for themselves and their marriages in being free to express love and affection where it is felt. Sadly, others swing because of lust, frustration or perversion. But then, who are we to judge? So long as their philosophies are not overtly paraded, or linked to nudism, I agree with Frank that we need have no fear of public opinion, or that the honestly held moral standards of other members are in danger.

I am, Yours faithfully,     

- BLAIR

LEISURE AND PLEASURE IN NUDISM: AN APPEAL TO YOUTH

Internationally, New Zealanders win acclaim for achievements in athletics, in badminton, hockey, mountaineering, horse-racing, and ... the demi-God RUGBY, to name a few. We see thousands of young folk exercising themselves on sports grounds, in gymnasiums, in halls, or in swimming pools each weekend. But, I wonder, what percentage of our school population is actually involved thus?

For all the activity, there is probably as much boredom and frustration, particularly in suburbia. One could scarcely imagine that mental or physical benefits would result from such lack of participation and fellowship. Could our nudist clubs help - in my opinion, markedly yes!

Club grounds and amenities could be made available to many groups, to many sports, to many hobbies, and with a community aspect similar to that of any local fair or parade. Why should the local scout troop or Bible class or tennis team be denied the opportunities to mix with nudists (not necessarily nude) and enjoy a swim, a hike, lunch, etc., and be more informed and appreciative for the experience gained?

For all our bragging about nudism we see few active youth groups in our clubs because we have no orderly campaign; in fact, we have not dared to appraise the public mind on the matter.

Nude boys and girls get absorbed in the same books or gad about on cycles or horses or whatever, in the same way as their age mates. Why not together on each others' domains? The balderdash seen at times in daily papers wherein nudity is equated with sexual misconduct and aberrations, is an illogical confusion of facts. Those who've seen nudist children at Rallies or on their own premises would claim otherwise - an open, frank, and unsullied association.

There is one snag to all this! It would mean a lot of work and courage to bring naturism fairly into public focus.

- PENWORTHY

MOWLEM TROPHY

May I reply to Charles' letter in Issue 54? This trophy was donated many years ago expressly as an incentive to the smaller clubs to help them in their formative years. The basis on which its award is calculated is as follows:

Except for Auckland where there are three clubs, the increase in financial membership during the year is worked out as a percentage of the district population. I say "district" as the urban areas alone would not qualify - the rural areas surrounding the urban areas are included. For example, Wellington plus Lower Hutt cities only total 188,980, but the full area is 282,583. All figures used are supplied by the Department of Statistics.

For Auckland, the total population is first divided proportionately according to the total membership of each club. The resultant figures are then worked out as percentages as for all other clubs. This method for Auckland was decided by the NZSA Executive several years ago.

Whilst I have not had the chance to discuss this trophy with its donor, I am sure Ivan would be happy to consider any suggestion for improving the method by which its award is calculated. Members of clubs are cordially invited to forward their suggestions to the national office. After these have been considered by Ivan they will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the NZSA Executive.

DOUG. R. COUSINS   

National Secretary.

 

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N.Z.S.A. NEWS

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

We wish to advise all readers that the postal address of the national office, which includes the business side of our magazine, has been changed to P.O. Box 359, Wellington 1. For many years we had our box at a downtown post office, but with the many changes to the city it has become increasingly difficult to clear our mail. We have now moved to the C.P.O. We have been fortunate to obtain a new box with a number almost the same as the old one.

THE 19TH NATIONAL RALLY

The host club has already formed a Rally Committee with many plans for the comfort and entertainment of visiting members. Have you made your plans to attend? The dates have been confirmed as 31 December 1970 to 3 January 1971 with the NZSA Executive meeting on 30th December. The Wellington Sun Club Inc. reminds all who have visited their grounds previously that they won't recognise it, as there have been so many changes to the landscape. If you do not know what a National Rally is and what happens there, we suggest you ask your club Committee to tell your members all about them.

I.N.F. WORLD CONGRESS

We are very pleased to advise that once again New Zealand will be officially represented at this event at the North Kent Sun Club grounds later this year. Although we are the farthest country away from the INF headquarters we have never missed being officially represented at their biennial congresses. Our thanks go this time to two members of the Wellington club who will act as our delegates.

TO THE NEW READER

Are you reading this magazine for the first time? We wonder what your reactions have been. We would be happy to hear from you and to read how you feel about our movement in general and the magazine in particular. The clubs listed in the directory near the end of this issue will be glad to hear from prospective members. Perhaps you are not too sure about joining up just yet- especially as by the time you read this it will be mid-winter. But that is just the time to make the initial approach. Many clubs have indoor winter activities at which everyone remains clothed. This is a good time to get to meet the members and find out for yourself that we are just ordinary folks.

Then there are the pamphlets and our own brochure listed in the accompanying advertisement. Later on you might like to avail yourself of other NZSA services, such as processing your naturist films - black and white or colour.

This office or the nearest club Secretary will be pleased to hear from you - and please remember that little act of courtesy in the form of a stamped addressed envelope for the reply.

PERC. COUSINS TRUST FUND

We are again very pleased to acknowledge further donations in lieu of floral tributes for Perc.'s funeral. Some readers, both club members and otherwise, have undertaken to give us annual donations for which we are very grateful. We thank the following people for their donations:- Last balance $976.67; Donations in lieu of floral tributes $6.00; Club levies $4.45; Rally collection $30.00; Investment Interest 5.34; Sales Hotsprings Handbooks (final) $1.80; D.L. (Auck.) $10.00; H.M. (Auck.) $1.00; J.P.A. (King Country) $3.00; B.G. (W'gton.) $1.00; J.E.N. (Wairoa) $2.40; M.M. (Manawatu) $1.00; L.J.M. (Gore) $1.00; W.T.G. (Wairarapa) $1.00; W.B.R. (Canada, ex-Nelson) $3.08; New balance $1047.74.

 

FREE BEACHES

This matter has been commented on in recent years with growing frequency. Many club members have enviously eyed their European naturist friends with the freedom they enjoy. Since the Oahu Beach trip the subject has been on the tips of our tongues. The Executive discussed the matter at its last meeting with the following results. It is proposed to approach the authorities for a change of law to permit, ultimately, fully free beaches. It is likely at first that only certain selected places, not necessarily beaches, would be set aside for clubs on specified days.

 

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I.N.F. NEWS

ITALY

The on-the-spot assistance of the INF is no longer required, and Italian naturism is now able to stand alone. Two grounds have been listed in the latest I.N.F. Holiday Guide. The I.N.F. does, however, deplore the lack of co-operation from the authorities in Italy.

SPAIN

Contrary to the Italian progress Spain is making no headway owing to the attitude of the religious authorities. However, the possibility of a naturist centre in Spain is being studied.

I.N.F. WORLD CONGRESS

The theme of this year's Congress will be "Man and His Environment". We have received advance information that indicates the Congress will last for 8 days - with business scheduled for various portions of 4 days. Included in the programme are Press meeting, free discussion, sports, dance, folk songs and des, bus tour, and the opportunity to visit other club grounds.

BELGIUM

The Belgian government has decided to hold Biennial Sports Meetings. The aim is to encourage people to join sports organisations, or if there are none, to form them. The Minister of Culture called the meeting of sports organisations to prepare for the Sports Meetings. The national naturist association (FBN) was represented and will have an official delegate on the work teams.

FRANCE

We record the sad loss of Albert Lecocq whose many achievements include the following:-Started the magazine "Vivre" in 1927, founded two clubs as early as 1929 and 1931, Secretary of "Air et Soleil", in 1945 founded the Club du Soleil in Paris - "his" club, which today has 11,000 members and 50 sites! He was a founder of the FFN and a member of the INF Central Committee.

GERMANY

Plans for this year include a youth camp in July/August, a regional sports meeting in May and a musical gathering in February.

GREAT BRITAIN

Yet another Grand Old Man of naturism has passed away. Percy Wilford, of East Midlands Sunfolk, died last year at the ripe age of 93. He founded the club at the age of 70 after being with Nottingham Sun and Air Society. He lived to attend the 21st birthday of East Midlands.

NETHERLANDS

Efforts are being made to secure a naturist centre and a naturist beach in the Netherlands.

AUSTRIA

Austrian naturist authorities have invited naturists to two different ski-camps in the winter and spring. Transport, tow rope, ski equipment, and even a nearby ski-lift are available. Fully provisioned lodges are available.

U.S.A.

The ASA has achieved a milestone with the completion of a 12¼-minute 16 m.m. sound film "The Take-Off". It depicts nudity honestly and openly, neither emphasising nor dc-emphasising it. It tells the nudist story to non- nudists - who we are and why we believe in nudism. The ASA Motion Picture Committee received the film enthusiastically.

THE CENTRAL COUNCIL OF BRITISH NATURISM

As a result of meetings held last year a re-organisation is to take place in British naturism, due primarily to the great increase in membership and work of the national body. Basic guide-lines have been agreed to by the clubs for the Executive to follow in preparing concrete proposals for the future at the next Annual General Meeting.

One matter decided on was that the magazine British Naturism should carry on in much the same form as at present.

 

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CLUB DIRECTORY The secretaries of the clubs listed below will be pleased to hear from genuine enquirers. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. NORTHERN SUN SEEKERS P.O. Box 4126, Kamo. AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB INC. P.O. Box 2702, Auckland. AUCKLAND SUN CLUB INC. P.O. Box 2925, Auckland. Phone 604-235 KOWHAI VALLEY CLUB INC. P.O. Box 6238, Wellesley St. W, Auckland 1. WAIKATO OUTDOOR SOCIETY INC. P.O. Box 619, Hamilton TAURANGA SUN CLUB P.O. Box 2205, South Tauranga. ROTORUA SUN CLUB P.O. Box 1007, Rotorua. GISBORNE SUN CLUB P.O. Box 126, Gisborne HAWKE'S BAY SUN CLUB INC. P.O. Box 551, Napier Phone 37-692 WANGANUI SUN CLUB P.O. Box 410, Wanganui. Phones, pvte 38-421, 33-123 WELLINGTON SUN CLUB INC. P.O. Box 2854, Wellington. Phone TIB 8300 NELSON SUN CLUB INC. P.O. Box 467, Nelson CANTERBURY SUN & HEALTH CLUB INC. P.O. Box 1823, Christchurch. OTAGO SUN & HEALTH CLUB P.O. Box 2058, South Dunedin. SOUTHERN SUN & HEALTH CLUB INC. P.O. Box 486, Invercargill. Phone 541K Winton 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: New Plymouth Blenheim Palmerston North Westport Masterton Timaru To contact them, write to:         N.Z. Sunbathing Association Inc.         P.O. Box 6359, Wellington

SOLAR incorporating SUN REVIEW        AUSTRALIA'S NATURIST MAGAZINE Profusely illustrated From your newsagent or direct from the publishers 40c per copy GOLDRAY PUBLICATIONS Box 2, P.O., Austral, 2171, N.S.W. Australia     Read and enjoy                         Health & Efficiency The   world's   greatest sunbathing  magazine  SCORES OF PLATES in every issue PLUS the official news and pictures of  all  British  Naturist  Clubs Full Colour Cover 16 issues yearly including 4 special DOUBLE SIZE extra numbers Send NOW for specimen copy, 3/- post paid or 50/- post paid for 12 months HEALTH & EFFICIENCY PLANT NEWS LTD 38 North Audley Street London, W.1, England

 

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Noted:- 

Free Beach New Zealand by John N.

NZSA News - Free Beaches

A Weekend Away

On some questions

Emiel Roland: Appeal for Magazine Photos

19th Rally Wellington - 1971

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NUDISTS ARE NORMAL??

 

 

 

Joe   ASC 

  

D. Knight   A.O.H.C. 

 

Joe   A.S.C. 

A WEEKEND AWAY

 

 

Joe   A.S.C. 

 

Doug Cousins  

D. Knight   A.O.H.C.  

 

 

"It's so easy Mum!"

 

 

Photo: Arne Loot

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