#  57 - December 1970 

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

Contents:-

Guest Editorial by Gavin Robeison
From Prudism to Nudism
Sunlanders at Agde by Ted Dye
Interview with Selwyn Toogood
Definition of a Nudist
Talking to Women with Gaynor
Free Beaches 30 Years Ago by Doug Skene
The Youth Section with Ross Eves
Out the Back of Beyond by Doug Cousins
INF News - Australia, Denmark, Naturist Holidays in Europe, INF Conference
Health in the Sun
Suntan Preparations
Progress
Why not Pitch Horse Shoes?
News from the Clubs in NZ (7)
Letters to the Editor
NZSA News - Statistics, Congratulations, Sun and Health, Holiday Visitings, Holiday Visits to Clubs, Perc Cousins Trust Fund
Palmerston North - Launched
Club Directory: (16)

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, A.O.H.C.

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NEW ZEALAND SUNBATHING ASSOCIATION INC.

President		Gavin Robieson, Wellington
Vice-Presidents		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

Dear Gavin,

Would you please write the Guest Editorial for our next issue, say what you like, and perhaps incorporate a Christmas Message - signed Joan, Editor.

Well this is the sort of message you cannot ignore and as a result you are now, reading a few thoughts from me that managed to survive the editor's pencil, about the nudist movement and things in general. The president of the Hawkes Bay Sun Club said in his annual report that it was always "progress" that was reported - never "failure". He wondered why this course was always necessary. Was it to build up the confidence of the members, or was it that every defect could be turned into an asset somehow? Nevertheless he did concede that our activities are catching the eye of the public more and more every year, so that it was just a matter of reporting "progress".

Like Norman of Hawkes Bay I report "progress" - "progress" achieved within ourselves, not just in the acquiring of a few more members or a few more acres of ground for our clubs, but like A.O.H.C. which had its twenty-first birthday this year, we are growing up. There are members among us who see this as a bad thing as they are still orientated to the small group outlook, which was necessarily prevalent in the early days. I think these people are perhaps confused and worried about the turn events seem to be taking. In my remarks made in this publication at the beginning of the year, I stressed the importance of the whole movement, showing an image of us being normal people, doing, after all, what should be a normal thing. It appears that in doing this, some of our members feel we should not break down too many of the old standards, which our founders set as a guide for the conduct of our clubs and our dealings with the public in general.

This is an attitude I cannot accept. Whether we like it or not our organisation must move with the times. I have been accused by newspaper editors and various officials from time to time as being far too conservative in my and the movement's approach to various matters. In other words, we have been regarded as over puritanical and not quite "with it". This, of course, is quite wrong, but I think it was engendered by our desire in the past not to offend anybody or anything. However, it is necessary to be up with the times and vary our thinking in order that we may be a progressive and aggressive body of people, who knows where we are heading and are prepared to make our influence felt in the community. By aligning our social standards in the clubs to that which is prevailing and accepted outside, we are merely confirming to those who express interest in us that we are just normal people.

Well. Just where are we? I reported progress at the beginning and felt that the movement had at last reached its majority. The very fact that I can write this editorial the way I am doing it proves this. The fact that members can write and discuss conflicting views and also associate themselves if they wish with the movement in various quarters also proves that we have grown up enough to be regarded as just another organisation. Our opposition to the Bartlett petition was handled by the news media in an almost nationwide coverage - in a completely factual and unsensational way. Our point of view was taken as both being of news value and also as a basis for editorial comment. The broadcasting service had at least two programmes, one national and one commercial, which featured our opposition to Miss Bartlett and stated our case very thoroughly. This is real progress.

The question of alcohol and nudism continues to plague the various clubs and this is one thing on which we still tend to flounder in the wilderness. Many of the clubs have from time to time, run very successful socials, balls, and other evenings at various places and at which liquor has been a part. These have been most enjoyable and I personally can see no wrong in these functions being held. After all, they are just a part of the normal social scene. On most occasions these shows are valuable in that members can usually bring their friends and this quite often leads to new memberships.

The question of liquor and nudity on the club grounds is of course an entirely different matter and one that is eventually going to require a great deal of wisdom on the part of all clubs in resolving the issue. However, the present practice of not mixing nudism and liquor is I feel in the long run a good thing and I am sure that all thinking people will place sunbathing and existing club activities a long way ahead of the doubtful pleasures of the "Half G".

By the time this magazine reach you, summer and Christmas will be with us. I sincerely hope that all readers enjoy both thoroughly and that the new year will bring you all prosperity.

To the old hands - good sunning.

To the new readers - why not join us. It's very worthwhile.

Gavin Robieson.

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FROM PRUDISM TO NUDISM

By Clydella (Clyde for short) Wyncyette

 

After our parents' death my sister Bonita (Bonnie for short) and I had lived together in the home which, with a modest income, they had left us. Since we had no need to work and had avoided the pitfall of marriage (men are such revolting creatures aren't they my dear?) we spent our time in doing good works and amongst these the Temperance Association, The Purity League and the Society for the Abolition of Indecency occupied the major portion of our time.

The last named society was, indeed, a special pet of ours for we found the modern cult of over-exposure of the body altogether obnoxious. After all, our parents had managed to produce ten offspring (by immaculate conception, of course) without ever seeing more of each other than heads and feet, so what need could there be for abbreviated clothing, bikinis (ugh!) or - worst of all - complete nudity. (My smelling salts quickly! Even the mention of that word in my younger days would induce a fit of the vapours.)

The Society had decided to launch a nation-wide campaign to abolish indecency and to this end had drawn up a very comprehensive petition which was ultimately to be presented to Parliament. A certain Saturday had been set aside as the date when all our forces would swing into action with a concerted effort to obtain signatures for the petition. Bonnie and I had been assigned a section of our district with which we were tolerably familiar, where at least some of the residents were favourably disposed towards our objectives.

On that fateful sunny morning we set out attired (as usual) in our black crepe dresses, black straw hats and sensible black coats reaching somewhat below our knees. As we set out I had quickly to suppress an errant thought which strayed unbidden into my consciousness, that our clothes were perhaps not the most sensible for a morning of walking. But repress this thought I did and as if to punish myself for allowing it in the first place reached for my black gloves and handbag, and added a grey scarf for good measure.

Our campaign opened auspiciously with a visit to Colonel Whitewood who was so enthusiastic about our objectives that it was with difficulty that we restrained him from appending several forged signatures. A mixed reception followed our promising start but we had managed a dozen signatures by the time we reached Mrs South's house. Here we met a blank wall.

"I have studied your petition closely," she said, "and although I can agree with some of your aims, I am sorry that I cannot sign it. The words indecency and permissiveness would have to be defined more explicitly. This could have a very inhibiting effect on the naturist movement in N.Z. and as my husband and I are members of a sun club this would be the last thing we would want."

My sister and I gasped and clutched each other for support. To think that we should see the day when a woman would brazenly say to our faces that she went to one of those dens of iniquity - a Sun Club. With averted faces we left that devil's den and proceeded to her neighbour. We travelled down a long driveway eventually arriving at an open gate. By the number of cars parked there it was obviously a club of some sort. Probably bowling or tennis. We carried on through the bush lined path which was rather dim and finally emerged into dazzling sunlight. We heard voices but for a moment saw nothing, then suddenly nausea and dizziness swept over me and I felt myself falling. As I descended into this bottomless abyss my last memory was - horror of horrors - hordes of gaping ... NUDES.

As the blank mist began to dissipate vague murmurings faintly pierced my consciousness I've loosened her underclothes. Is she all right now?"

"The other one is still out but this one is regaining consciousness." "Oh, Heavens," I gasped. "This nightmare is still with me. A doctor!" I sobbed. "Hurry! I need a doctor!"

The nearest horror stepped forward informing me he was a doctor and that I would be alright in a minute. Advising me that I had fainted probably due to the heat and the excessive amount of clothing I was wearing he informed me that we had strayed into the Waikickamukau Sun Club. I drew back in horror, and very icily apologised for intruding into one of their disgusting orgies and that as soon as my sister fully recovered we would relieve them of our presence.

But as I attempted to arise my legs once again gave way and I was assisted to a nearby chair. I was then informed by a well tanned gentleman that, the Club didn't go in for orgies, and that one of their few rules is that their behaviour must be above reproach at all times. "We were just having a game of volleyball when you both arrived. If you were a member," added the doctor, "you would find that much less promiscuity goes on here than in many another so-called respectable club. We just couldn't afford to do anything else. The whole Naturist movement would fall to pieces otherwise."

"But what about the children? How do they react at the sight of all these naked bodies?"

"No-one takes any notice after a very short time, least of all the children. And it's much healthier for them to grow up knowing what the human body looks like. Don't forget that the human body was God's creation."

"Don't worry her with propaganda," interrupted a rather kindly matron. "Can't you boys see that she's still in a state of shock. Here, dear," and she produced a cup of tea each, "this'll make you feel better." As we sipped the much needed stimulant I gazed around. Truly they did seem to be taking no notice of one another's nakedness and conversed in the most natural manner. Perhaps there was something in what they said and certainly the warmth of the sun did make me feel that I, for one, was grossly overdressed. In fact, the more I gazed, the more I felt that I, the clothed one, was the misfit and not, as I had previously thought, these not unfriendly nudists.

An hour or so later two calmer but somewhat disillusioned spinsters bade farewell to these friendly people. It was not until we entered our front door that I suddenly remembered the purpose of our morning's work - the petition. Where on earth was it? We both rummaged through our handbags but could find no trace of it.

"What shall we do?" asked Bonnie.

"Frankly, my dear, I don't think I care very much. Now we've been in that Sun Club I'm not so sure that the petition was the best thing after all. Though I still agree with some of it."

Without waiting for a reply I went to my bedroom leaving the door wide open (a thing quite unprecedented even between us two sisters). Deliberately I began by removing my sensible coat, dress, red flannel petticoat, combinations, spencer, foundation garments, waist to knee drawers and stockings. Finally I stood there, mother naked, and stared at myself in the full-length mirror ... a thing I had never done before.

"Acres of whiteness," I breathed, "but apart from that not too bad for a middle aged spinster. If only I were brown all over I wouldn't look completely out of place at the Club. After all, not every member was a Venus di Milo."

I strolled to the window overlooking our secluded garden, opened it and began taking in deep breaths, when I noticed that Bonnie too had shed her inhibitions too for there she was enjoying the rays of the sun near the apple tree.

I hastened to join her...

(Characters in the above are purely fictional and are not intended to represent any real person living or dead.) Thank God!

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"Nakedness should never be discouraged. The baby should see its parents naked from the beginning. However, the child should be told when he is ready to understand that some people don't like to see children naked and that, in the presence of such people, he should wear clothes ...

"The very fact that the law does not permit exposure of the sex organs is bound to give children a warped attitude toward the human body."

Mr A. S. Neill

Headmaster Summerhill School

 

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SUNLANDERS AT ADGE

Each year this British group of nudist youth take a two weeks annual camp, usually on the Continent. Agde in Southern France was chosen as they have a nudist camp. The advance party consisted of the car owners who went earlier than the train party to prepare arrangements for all. With a fantastic amount of baggage, tents, etc., the train party left Victoria Station on a fine Saturday morning. Arriving at the customs shed at Folkstone we passed through the custom formalities and then boarded the boat for the crossing of the English channel. Another train trip brought us to our destination where we were met and driven to the camp about fifteen minutes away.

After filling in papers and producing our I.N.F. passports which were held until we left, we proceeded to unpack and pitch tent. With the various tents in different sizes, shapes and colours we made a very impressive sight. The sparkling water looked so inviting and with us being so hot we didn't need to think twice but were soon swimming merrily.

The camp itself covers a large area and is well laid out with chalets, tents and caravan sites, all of which can be hired. Ablution blocks and water taps are plentiful, and there are a variety of shops catering for all needs. Two swimming pools plus various games courts proved most popular. A T.V. room and large hall for general entertainment are available. During our stay a group of pop stars and a circus for the children provided the entertainment.

With the weather being so hot the hundreds of people present sunbathed, swam, water skied, canoed, or rode on paddle boats. In the late afternoons volley ball was played using the dividing fence between each row of tents as the net. I found the sea water temperatures varied from day to day with some times being quite cold.

The "queer" smells that arose when the evening meals were being prepared almost put me off my meal, but the final effort always went down well. One evening we celebrated a boy's birthday and what an evening we had. The hangovers next morning proved that. I don't think that the birthday boy appreciated his present ... an accidental?? push into the pool.

The two weeks soon drew to a close and the farewell party which was held outdoors with kerosene lamps providing the lighting, made a delightful evening with delicious food and a good time was had by all.

The return trip was the reverse of the inward one and we arrived back in London sporting a golden tan but feeling rather worn out after our hectic time.

"Sunlanders" are a great bunch and attend camps all over England every second weekend during their summer July to October. Their membership is nearing the 100 mark now, so come on you Youth members of New Zealand, try to form a group on the same lines.

There were so many humorous happenings during the holiday but as they would probably fill the whole magazine I have condensed the story to just give a general idea.

My thanks to Sunlanders and may they share many more happy holiday camps in the years to come.

Ted Dye.    

 

 

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Interview  with  Selwyn  Toogood

Deadline Canterbury Sun & Health Club, Sunday, September 13th, 11 am.

It was the Club's pleasure to be host to radio personality Selwyn Toogood, who recorded a programme for his morning show, "Selwyn Toogood Speaks."

On arriving at the grounds on a typical Canterbury sunny morning, Selwyn was shown around the grounds and met quite a number of the members. He was also shown through some of the cabins which are owned by the members and seemed to be very impressed by everything at the club.

As the photo shows, Selwyn then gathered some of the members together and proceeded to tape the programme, which incidentally was half an hour long. Selwyn must have had quite a time editing the tape down to the required quarter of an hour for his show. It would have been better to have had the full tape broadcast but nevertheless it was still an achievement for the club to have had this interview for the very popular Selwyn Toogood show.

Everyone enjoyed the visit, and Selwyn himself seemed to enjoy it very much. Perhaps one day he may come back and present a much fuller programme of the Club and Movement.

Thank you, Selwyn, for a short but enjoyable programme.

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PLAIN SPEAKING

In reply to an argument that many young men only buy naturist magazines for the pictures of the girls, Hugh Shaylor, a leader of British naturism, would say, "Of course they do. Weren't you interested at that age?" And to the remark that they only join out of curiosity, he says, "And why shouldn't they - weren't you curious at first, as a young man? The ones we do not want are those who remain curious, and want to stay only out of curiosity."

 

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Definition of a Nudist

A nudist is a person who believes that clothes are neither normal nor natural to the human being, but may be worn when social circumstances of environment or physical comfort would indicate the propriety of so doing. He does not conceive of the human body as being in anywise shameful in itself but carefully distinguishes between decent and indecent exposure. He accords to every part of the body an equally normal naturalness wholly devoid of any vulgarity or obscenity. In this view an elbow, a pubic arch, or a nose are equally respectable; a thyroid, a testicle, a mammary are just so many glands each with its particular but equally splendid function to perform.

The nudist holds that sun and air bathing are essential to the maintenance of health at its best; that there is no essential reason why the sexes should be segregated since modern psychology furnishes many reasons why they should not be. He, therefore, believes and practises a non-segregated or social nudism in games, swimming, sun and air bathing and in outdoor sports generally; while in the home within the family circle, he cultivates the clotheless life as being the normal life. The nudist believes, and hopes, that the limits within which nudism may be practised with propriety will gradually broaden until the practice of social nudism becomes an accepted procedure.

Nudism began not as a philosophy but purely and simply as a health measure. Physicians were first attracted to the value of sunlight as a curative in rickets, a soft bone condition of children due to lack of Vitamin D. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that no children develop rickets except those who are denied the beneficent influence of sunlight on the body and cases of rickets are immediately curable through a regimen of sunbathing. The world famous work of Dr Rollier, Leysin, Switzerland, proved the equally marvellous results of sunshine in cases of operative tuberculosis, particularly of the bones. The cures effected by Dr Rollier were almost miraculous; deformed, twisted and shrunken little children changing into fine, straight strong bodies after six months to a year of daily sunbathing. Soon a whole series of diseases came to be known as "diseases of darkness" of which the common cold is perhaps the most universal and most costly - and most needless. They were so called because it was recognized that all were due to the deprivation of the body of its normal and natural measure of sunlight through encasing it in a prison of clothing. Living in sunless houses has been another contributing factor. All these facts were clearly known to the medical profession years ago, but the convention of clothing was so strongly entrenched, the body taboo so firmly rooted, and the imagined connection between bodily nakedness and sexual immorality so generally believed, that medical men, with rare exceptions, did not dare to preach the truth about clothing and sunlight as they should have done. Today, thanks to cur magazines and to the years of nudist theory and practice, sunbathing has become an accepted custom, and each year, witnesses more thousands of persons making it an essential part of their personal hygiene.

In this connection and merely in passing, it should be emphasised that outside of the tropics, men and women need just about all the sunshine they can get, and they need it "all over". To say, as some do, that it is fine for the body in general but quite unnecessary for the loin region, in many respects the most important section of the anatomy, is contradictory both to theory and practice in respect of sunlight in the temperate and polar zones. Winter sunshine is lacking in those rays essential to vitamin D formation. It is clear that summer is 'Harvest time' for vitamin D and unless we store up a good plenty of it in summer, our winter health will run at lower level than it should. For further discussion of the relation of sunlight on the body to our physical well being, the reader is referred to standard works on nudism and to medical treatises on solar ray therapy. It is an extensive and most illuminating literature. The value of daily sunbathing during pregnancy is now firmly established as furnishing the foetal skeleton with lime and calcium without robbing the mother's dentition for these needed supplies. But leaving this interesting field it is almost startling to learn that sunlight has a scarcely less important bearing upon mental health. The people of "sunny Burma" are said to be the happiest people in the world while the depressive influence of long periods of fog and darkness is abundantly attested. No less an authority than the Encyclopedia Britannica emphasises the mental enrichment in happiness and joyousness that comes with sunbathing, and sunshine is now recommended by medical men, psychologists, psychiatrists as standard procedure in depressive mental states. If the sun is of such vital necessity to bodies and minds suffering from solar starvation, is any further argument necessary to drive home the folly of neglecting sunbathing and the wisdom of giving the body all the sunshine it can get?

The sex life is probably more mental than it is physical, important though the latter may be. The adoption of clothing did two dangerous things to the human animal. First it starved his body of Vitamin D. Second it robbed him of the right to the sight of the naked body, especially of the opposite sex. Now this is not only a natural and normal right; we venture the further assertion that it is essential to a non-erotic contemplation of the sex life. Psychologically the hiding of the body in clothes and the attendant development of the body taboo has filled the world with sex curiosity that seeks by every means available to answer a thousand and one questions about sex anatomy and sex procedures. Nudism is the only normal and natural way to meet this vicious and wholly unnatural condition. No greater mistake has ever been made in human thought than promulgation of the idea that nudity per se is conductive to sexual immorality. The exact opposite is absolutely and demonstrably true. As Havelock Ellis puts it: "If mankind wanted to encourage sexual immorality it could have devised nothing better calculated to that end than to have insisted upon the universal adoption of clothing", or words to that effect. Nor should it be urged that nudism in mixed groups destroys modesty and all proper sense of shame. Here again we are entirely safe in saying that the fact is quite the contrary. There is a pseudo-modesty in society that feigns shame at sight of too much body, but laughs loudly at lewd stories. And there is a sweet delicacy of real modesty on the part of a nudism woman who views a naked man in perfect calm and blushes crimson at any improper remarks or suggestive story. The latter carries in the person a dignity of which the former is wholly incapable. It may be added that in clothed society a man is capable of innuendos and of behaviour which he would be utterly ashamed to exploit in a nudist group. In short, nudism is in every way conducive to a higher morality rather than to a lower one as compared with clothed society. And for childhood and youth it is the only perfect and natural school of sex education.

We quite agree that if nudism were generally accepted and understood, there should be little need for nudist organisation. There are, however, several needs which can only be met by sound, strong organisation. In the first place the average person or couple desirous of living the nudist life discovers that it just can't be done without running too great danger of being apprehended in the nude by neighbours, strangers or unfriendly authorities. How can the average believer in the principles of nudism put those principles into practice if he is not fortunate enough to own a farm or estate of just the right extent and terrain to afford the needed seclusion? The only answer seems to be through the organization of a local club or society which, either through collective ownership, or collective renting of a desirable property, may thus afford to offer the individual members facilities which singly none of them could obtain. Many such clubs have been formed and some of them own country club properties which have been highly developed - with clubhouse, privately owned cabins, outdoor swimming pools and a wide range of sports and athletic games.

A further need would seem to be some sort of an inexpensive national organisation which might serve to bind together all those isolated and widely scattered believers in nudism who have no opportunity to join a local group by reason of being too distant from one, and also to afford to those who are members of a local group the further opportunity of becoming more closely identified with the national phases of work for nudism. Through this means, two or three or more persons within reasonable distance of one another may be brought together and become the nucleus of a new local group.

Finally, organisation is essential to educational and defence measures. Pamphlet and magazine literature needs to be issued and distributed. Antagonistic action in certain quarters where our movement is misunderstood, must be offset, often by legal action which could not be effectively carried through except by an organisation more or less representative of the entire movement. To meet these various needs, the American Sunbathing Association was organised and duly incorporated.

Before leaving our general discussion of nudism, we might briefly consider the moral and legal aspects of the subject. Many persons who will readily concede the health value of sunbathing nevertheless feel that there must be something immoral, or at least indecent, in unsegregated or social nudity. Some of these persons introduce "religious" and "Biblical" arguments against nudism. The reader must be referred to longer treatments of this phase as presented in the general literature of the movement, but brief reply here would be logical and to the point. It should be repeated, as often said before, that "you can prove anything from the Bible", either the rightness or wrongness of nudism. But the preponderant argument in the present instance is in favour not against, the nudist contention of the fundamental decency and fineness of the human body and all its functions. Briefly, the body is God-created, "in His image", and the sex function is "God ordained": "be fruitful and multiply", and marriage is God-blessed. Nakedness is recorded of the prophets, of King Saul and of King David, apparently in all cases with approbation. Jesus was doubtless baptised naked and came through His resurrection experience naked, leaving all the embalming winding sheets in the tomb. And in the Oxyrhyncus manuscripts, after discussing the coming kingdom, when His disciples enquire "when shall these things be"? He replies "when ye shall be naked and unashamed". Explain it how you will, it is clear that Jesus felt that in a society characterised as "the Kingdom" men and women could dispense with clothing and there would be no shame in so doing.

Quite apart from all the foregoing observations, it is probably true that the presentation of logical argument has never won a convert to nudism except, perhaps, in the case of very "open minded" persons. In other cases the determining factor is the "personal equation" by which we mean the emotional reaction of the individual either for or against the idea. Since clothing is thoroughly artificial and nudism is wholly normal and natural, many persons, both men and women, welcome nudism and come to it with little effort or none whatever. Others find their acceptance of nudism completely inhibited by a mental and psychological "conditioning" from the days of childhood, the outgrowth of parental censure and conventional attitudes which combined to build up a strong and binding sense of body taboo which all logic, often supplemented by a strong inner urge, is wholly powerless to overcome. These people are to be pitied rather than condemned; many of them will be won by patient and kindly consideration but seldom if ever by logical argument. Theirs is an emotional barrier, not an intellectual one. Generous consideration for their feelings will be more effectual in winning such to nudism than will any other means. Never brow-beat, never get into heated argument, never threaten or cajole or ridicule such persons. Their emotional barriers are not broken down by. such inappropriate methods.

There is a certain measure of well-intentioned hostility to nudism on the part of persons who, for one reason or another, do not understand it or, by reason of their institutional connections, feel called upon to oppose it and to persecute its adherents. We hold no malice toward such, though in some instances we could well wish that before exercising any hostility they would seek to gain first hand, experimental knowledge of the movement. It is natural to expect that some of the Catholic clergy will not be able to entertain respect for any movement against which a pontifical pronouncement has been issued, though we must admit that some very encouraging support always has come and still comes from a number of the Catholic clergy. The same is also true, though to a greater extent, of the leaders of reform and anti-vice organisations. Of these, a considerable number have uniformly supported our movement and one of the outstanding temperance workers in the Methodist Church has served as president of the American Sunbathing Association. It is among petty police authorities, magistrates and justices of the peace that we find little if any just consideration of the movement, though the higher courts are generally favourable to our point of view. Gradually hostility is being replaced by tolerance and we believe that what hostility yet remains will gradually and completely disappear as our movement becomes more clearly understood.

Reprinted from "Sun Annual"

"Why did I join? - Well, I suppose it all started the day my wife said to me, 'Charlie' she said, 'I just haven't got a thing to wear!' "

 

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with Gaynor

 

This is the first opportunity to write to you for some years and I am sure I am going to enjoy hearing from many of you again. Gavin and I have recently completed one of the many trips around the various Clubs of New Zealand.

This trip took us first to Palmerston North to meet the members of the newly formed club there. It is wonderful to think after all these years we are going to be able to include Palmerston North as a Club and perhaps some day a Rally Club.

From there we went to Hamilton and spent a most enjoyable day at the Waikato Club, which is progressing rapidly. They have a Volley Ball Court and also the hole dug for their pool. I think the most distinctive feature of their club grounds is the most magnificent view right out over the plains. It was a beautiful, clear day when we were there and the view was positively breathtaking.

During our stay in Hamilton we were invited to a social evening at a member's home. This was a most enjoyable evening when we met most of the members and were able to answer a great many questions for them.

Rotorua was next on our list. Here we met the President of the Club and his wife and spent the evening with them, once again discussing Clubs and answering many questions for them. We were not able to visit their grounds, unfortunately, as it was pouring with rain at the time, but I understand that this Club has one or two quite unique features, the most unusual being a hot thermal stream running through the grounds. This conjures up ideas of motels or cabins or such which would make a marvellous stop for travellers! So work hard Rotorua!

Our last "port of call" was Napier and the Hawkes Bay Club. This is a super Club with grounds which are very nearly ready for a Rally. Their pool they hope to have finished by summer and at the moment they are working on a new Club House or recreation hall, so it should not be many years now!

We spent a weekend at Hawkes Bay with a social evening at Taradale where once again we met many of their members. The weather was just marvellous and we even managed to improve our sun tans. During this trip both Gavin and I were very impressed with the easy, natural hospitality of all the people in whose homes we were billeted. Practically all these people were strangers to us but in each place it was like walking into our own home. This is the big feature in belonging to a movement such as ours, to be able to travel from place to place and to know there will always be someone with the same ideals in life as you have.

During this trip many questions were asked and most answered, but there was one in particular with which I felt concerned, our Womens Page.

We discovered that all Clubs have a great many inquiries from single men and men without their wives! How? Why? What's Wrong With The Female Race in New Zealand!!! We discovered from several sources that most of the women are just too vain. They are afraid that their figures may not be as attractive as some others!! This includes the young teenage set also!! So I say to all you ladies, married and unmarried, please forget about your figures - a lovely, healthy, natural sun tan makes any figure, regardless of shape or size, look so much better and of course the sun and air helps to improve muscle tone. I have also noticed that the young sun tanned figure allowed to go without a bra is a great improvement, so teenagers if you want to improve your figure join a Sun Club and have fun and be healthy.

I am very thrilled to let you read an article from Tricia of Wellington Sun Club who, with her husband Graham, was lucky enough to be the official delegates at the I.N.F. world conference.

TRICIA'S LETTER

Graham and I were very warmly welcomed by Rosemary and other members of the North Kent Sun Club on our arrival there on Tuesday, 12th August. As I wasn't feeling very well, the next person I was introduced to was the doctor. He had a consulting room and a member of the St. John Ambulance was on duty with him. The doctor examined me and gave me some nasty medicine - about three doses of which cured me.

We were then shown the facilities prepared especially for the conference. Near the large marquee where the meetings were held was another one for delegates with no other accommodation. Across a track from this tent was a large three-sided building where we dined. The meals were cooked and served at one end and tables and chairs filled the rest of it. We thought the people ho catered for all those meals were marvellous. The food was very well prepared and we were served very quickly. There was only one problem which was that the front of the building was open. In one word - wasps!!

That evening, Tuesday, we attended a Buffet-Dance held at a hotel not far from the Club. This we enjoyed immensely. A raffle was held during this function and I won some Chanel No. 5 perfume.

On other evenings there were films, country dancing and a barbecue. At a cocktail party put on for the delegates by the North Kent Sun Club Committee we were officially welcomed and presented with "mini-ten" bats and a set of rules.

The weather was lovely for most of our stay, and though we spent the majority of mornings and afternoons in the conference tent, we still managed to find time to play a little mini-ten or volleyball, and swim and sunbathe. We also did a fair amount of chatting to people about New Zeal.nd and our home Club. We thought the sports area very large - there were about eight mini-ten courts and two volleyball courts - not to mention the pool and children's playing area.

Though we congregated mainly round the pool during our free time, we noticed we didn't meet many people. A lot of the "locals" appeared to us to spend a great deal of time in the campsite around their own tents and caravans.

Some of the local people - not nudists - had stalls set up in the grounds. There was a fruit and vegetable one and also a van where milk, milkshakes and yoghurt was procurable. Also in the grounds was a special area where beer and wine could be purchased but had to be consumed in that area.

One of the highlights of our stay was when we were interviewed by a woman for a B.B.C. programme. She was very interested to speak with us as she originally came from Christchurch.

There was also a shop in the grounds run by a young couple from the Club. I bought a dress from them the material of which allows 70% of the sun's rays through - so I can sunbathe the way I want to when I cannot make it to the Club.

We were very sorry to leave the North Kent Club and would have liked to stay there for a couple of months at least.

 

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Free beaches... 30 years ago

The laps were sweeping south, indeed a submarine had been sighted off Cook Strait. Our regiment was allocated a coastal strip from Blackhead to Brighton, if you know the Otago coastline, and it was mid-summer.

Week in and week out we patrolled that wastral strip, digging weapon pits, observation posts, establishing ammo dumps and supply lines for portable kitchens to feed the troops.

But our thoughts were not only on warfare - the glorious white sands of southern beaches and the ever-rolling surf below us were ever a temptation. Our company commander, a naturist if ever there was one, soon organised swimming hours to relieve the tensions and to promote good health and fitness. With the great sand hills between us and the township no togs were allowed.

This was the life! Gee! What a war! Civvy life was never like this! For many of us this was a first experience. But that Military Operation was soon altered when the battalion commander observed a company of completely naked manhood enjoying the sun and the surf as our Maker intended.

Routine orders soon read: Duty's Command's - Beach Patrols. All ranks will wear hats at swimming parades until further notice - and that they did! Wearing their Glengarry's at a rakish angle and nothing else they advanced on the surf to deposit their offending head gear at the water's edge. This was officialdom duly satisfied! I wonder how many of those boys are the fathers of club members today?

Of this I am certain. That lonely beach in all its glory is still waiting. Perhaps the Naturists of Otago will claim it for their own in years to come. I sincerely hope so.

Doug Skene. 

A.O.H.C.     

 

 

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THE YOUTH SECTION

With ROSS EVES

SUN CLUB YOUTH HOSTELS???

What do we know about Youth Hostels?

Well, they're buildings which provide simple accommodation at very little expense for people who travel under their own steam - foot ,cycle, canoe even

There are Youth Hostels in over 34 countries. They vary in size and style, but all provide the basic essentials - dormitories, washing facilities, kitchens where one's own meals can be prepared and lounges where one can read, play games, or just sit and talk.

The idea started in Germany to encourage touring in the early l900's and soon spread to other countries. The idea encourages people to move on by restricting stays to only three nights. The rapid growth of the Hostels stems from the desire of youngsters to explore the countryside and it is an ideal way of having an inexpensive holiday.

Sun Club Hostels??

Well why not. Surely this is a natural transition. How groovy it would be to be able to travel New Zealand for next to nothing courtesy of your own Sun Club Movement.

It would be relatively easy for the NZSA to organise the Clubs to receive and cater for the young traveller. Even a small brochure suggesting various tours of the country involving stays at Sun Clubs for one or two nights.

This is a challenge for the NZSA and the Clubs to open up their gates to the youngsters and offer simple, cheap, and hospitable accommodation during their holidays.

A nominal subscription should suffice for the youngsters to become a member of the NZSA Youth Hostel Club, or some such name, and this should entitle them to be received as honorary members of each club they desire to visit.

Most centres now have well established club grounds and facilities which could match or surpass some Youth Hostels. It shouldn't be all that too difficult. Let's take a couple of young fellers - Bill, aged 14 and Tom, aged 16 - and trace a fictitious trip that they might take if the scheme was introduced.

They live in Dunedin and are members of the Otago Sun Club. Early in the year they write to the NZSA outlining their proposed itinerary and enclosing their membership fee. The NZSA, in return, contacts the Clubs on the route and arranges accommodation with the various Club Secretaries. Simple so far. Then by mail, Bill and Tom receive from the NZSA a detailed account of where to go and who to contact.

They leave Dunedin and travel to Christchurch, where their instructions lead them to "Pine Glades". Following two glorious days in the South Island's Premier Club - catch that swept up advertising?? - they board the ferry for the Mainland. Another couple of nights at "Five Acres" and then they're off again. 'Where?

Well the choice is varied.

The NZSA could offer a trip via Hawkes Bay, Rotorua, Auckland to Whangarei, back through Auckland - a different club this time - to Tauranga, Gisborne, Wellington, Christchurch and home.

Think of the possibilities!

How about it NZSA???

The slogan could be "Travel on next to nothing, wear next to nothing".

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"The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere. That is why so much social life is exhausting."

- Mrs Charles A. Lindbergh

 

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OUT THE BACK OF BEYOND

By Doug. R. Cousins

How would you like to live 15 miles from the nearest town, on the wrong side of the river, and with no electric power? That is the fate - if such is the word - of Ian and Jennifer and their three children way out near East Cape. The river is deep enough to require a tractor - not a car! - to cart everything across, and knee deep for waders - in the dry season. But any sort of rain in the hills can bring down a raging torrent that covers the 200 yard wide river bed with a roaring flood that isolates the family for days, or even weeks. This year electricity has been installed, and what a boon it already is!

But this type of life has its compensations for naturists, and one is privacy. What more could you ask for when the family has its own splash pool, teniquoit court and many acres of farm land in which to work and play, without a care for clothes. Their year-round tans are evidence of constant sunbathing, even in winter.

Last Christmas on the way to the Rally at Oranui our party from the Wellington and Hawkes Bay clubs stayed a night with Ian's family. We arrived around 1 p.m., telephoned them from a convenient farmhouse and waited. The wait was long enough for us to have lunch and clean up afterwards. We could see that Ian was busy with a bulldozer clearing some scrub. After introductions our gear was piled on the tractor and we followed on foot. On the flat, leading to the farmhouse, we passed two lovely, tanned, little wood nymphs who were there to welcome us.

As soon as we arrived at the house and saw the pool our clothes flew in all directions and in we went! Lovely, after the long hot drive in the morning! A yarn, some photos, a cuppa and a rest preceded our moving to the old house in the orchard for dinner. Cooking on a wood-fired range by candle light is not the best way of serving a 5 star meal, but we all enjoyed it as usual. We probably burnt out about a dozen new candles that night, but they didn't seem to make much difference.

Next morning was fine and warm, and we were even warmer after Ron's toastie pie breakfast! After packing up the tractor, we walked back to the farmhouse - a quarter mile and nobody wearing more than jandals. As we left, all of us were thinking what a great time we could have had were we staying a week - no clothes to wash, and both the river and splash pool for ourselves. There have been some members of Ian's club who have done just that. How we envy them! But, as is so common in visitors' books at holiday resorts, we all say the same thing we'll be back!

 

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I.N.F. NEWS

AUSTRALIA

In our last issue David Luttrell asked why there was so little news published about our big brother across the Tasman. As the heading of this page indicates, this is the INF News. Most of the information given is culled from the Newsletters and Bulletins published by the INF. Australia is not yet affiliated to the international body - its application for affiliation is being considered at present. The INF naturally gives us very little information on Australia. May I also refer to "A Holiday in New Zealand" in our last issue. Merv. spoke about a better liaison between our two countries and added that it was no fault of ours that this is not as good as it might be. There is quite a lot of Australian news appearing in Solar magazine which is sold in New Zealand shops.

In order to bring readers up to date here is the latest news. The Australian Naturist Federation is the latest attempt to form a national association of sun clubs. The HQ is in Victoria and every effort is being made to build up goodwill among clubs, to weld them into a sound organization such as we have, and to improve the image of naturism in the minds of the public. Their greatest difficulty to achieving good public relations is the lack of willingness by so many club members to get out into the open and allow their names to be associated with the movement. They realise the great value of doing this but few are game to do so.

Another problem is that, even if they get over the federal laws, they must still surmount the State laws. This is especially so regarding magazines with natural photographs. They have approached the authorities and have been promised a fair hearing.

We in New Zealand wish Australia all the luck in the world. That country is one of the most backward in many ways, and general censorship laws, not merely those applicable to naturist magazines, are very archaic. We shall try to publish more Australian news in later issues of this magazine.

DENMARK

For the first time the Danish naturist organization participated in the national Camping Show this year. The beautiful stand attracted a large number of visitors and many favourable articles in the Press. Slides were screened showing some of the club grounds and holiday centres.

NATURIST HOLIDAYS IN EUROPE

We have just received a copy of a brochure issued by European tourist organizations advertising naturist holidays AND CRUISES around Europe and elsewhere. Natural photos in colour make us envious! We even tried to imagine one photo as being an Aramoana cruise in the Marlborough Sounds one Christmas with club members - all nude - lining the decks!!! Unbelievable? It is being done overseas, as the photo proves!

I.N.F. CONFERENCE

My wife and I were very pleased to be able to represent all the Nudists of New Zealand at the 12th I.N.F. Conference.

The venue of the conference was the North Kent Sun Club which was well prepared for the influx of delegates from all over the world.

As many different languages were spoken by delegates, we required translators, who did a marvellous job.

Through ill health of my wife we arrived late and wish to thank Jack from the Napier Club for sitting in for us prior to our arrival.

The conference marquee was well set up with the committee seated at the top table and the delegates alongside. At the rear of the tent were the interpreters, who sat in enclosed cubicles and spoke into microphones. Each delegate had an earphone connected to a box which had three channels so they could listen in their own language.

In front of each delegate was a small flag representing his country and there were larger ones around the tent behind him.

Most of the time in the conference tent was taken up with lengthy discussions on three major themes:-

(1). Very interesting (or I found them so) speeches from each delegate relating to nudist events in his country as had occurred just prior to conference. Most delegates in their speeches seemed to be of the opinion that nudism was on the incline except countries whose Governments denounce their activities.

When I presented my speech it was listened to with interest and I received a standing ovation. A great number of delegates questioned me on various aspects of our club life.

(2). Sporting activities, which seemed to have a very large following in all the European countries, the largest of these being Germany. In fact "Oscar" was the predominant speaker on all phases of Nudism related to the I.N.F. conference. Later in the proceedings this German gentleman was unanimously elected the new Treasurer of the I.N.F.

(3). Finance. It was unanimously approved that the I.N.F. open a Swiss banking account with the aim of assisting countries whose Governments or Religions frown on Social Nudism to form their own Sunbathing Associations.

Graham.

 

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HEALTH IN THE SUN

DERMATITIS: The skin is a highly complex organ, not just a mere outer covering for the body. The outermost horny layer is remarkably resistant to mechanical, chemical or germ attack. However the most vulnerable parts of the skin are the opening of the sweat pores, the hair follicles and the sebaceous ducts. It is through these openings that mechanical, chemical and infective agents enter. Perspiration and natural skin grease are continually being exuded on to the skin surface. They provided a protective function by forming a coating. Generally, fair dry skins are more susceptible to irritants and dark greasy skins to blocking of the pores by oil and grease. Our skins have wide individual variations in their natural resistance to irritants of alt types.

Dermatitis is a very general term indicating just a simple inflammation of the skin regardless of the cause. The commonest cause of dermatitis is sunlight. Common sunburn is an excellent example of acute dermatitis. Other common causes include detergents, washing powders, and some ointments, lotions and medicaments. So-called "industrial dermatitis" arises from contact with some irritant at work.

 

PREVENTION: Avoid contact with irritating materials. Use protective clothing like gloves if necessary. Apply barrier creams before starting work. Clean dirt and contamination from the skin thoroughly and regularly. Replace skin oils and fats which have been lost by rubbing lanolin into the skin.

First Aid attention to cuts and scratches which may often be starting points to dermatitis. Avoid lengthy exposure to the hot sun early in the season - tan slowly over a period of time.

 

MILK: How many times have I seen the sun club family enjoying a picnic lunch under the benign beaming sun. Great idea. But remember, Mum, put the milk in the shade. Investigations have proven that all light causes a deterioration in milk, daylight more than artificial light, and hot sunlight more than either.

 

CLUB FIRST AID KIT: Of course every Club Committee has a responsibility towards its members, but it is amazing just how many forget to provide a small but essential medical kit at their Club grounds. Your chemist can give you all the necessary items and instructions for their use.

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STOP PRESS

Extract from letter from Australian Government Customs Representative to our Editor.

13th November, 1970.

Dear Mrs Treanor,

I have to advise that at a recent censorship conference in Australia, the Minister for Customs sought and obtained concurrence of the State Ministers to the future release of "The New Zealand Naturist" in the format in which it is distributed in New Zealand.

In reaching this decision the Minister has stressed that the magazine will be admitted providing that its present standard is maintained.

Yours sincerely,

R. Johnsen

AUSTRALIALN CUSTOMS

REPRESENTATIVE

 

 

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SUNTAN   PREPARATIONS

SOME MAKE TANNING POSSIBLE WITHOUT PAINFUL BURNING

In November 1968, when we reported upon Suntan Preparations, we also mentioned the harmful effects that can result from too much exposure of your skin to the sun.

In urging people to be sensible in this matter we said:

"... It is not a coincidence that the word 'tanning' comes from the leather trade and the girl whose glorious tan is the envy of her friends may regret her folly at 40 when she has a coarse skin to deal with.

"The causes of skin cancer are somewhat varied, but the incidence of some kinds of skin cancer is higher in groups of people who spend much of their time outdoors, and ultraviolet light is known to play some part in causing this particular cancer. The casual sunbather is not likely to be affected but it does show that sunlight must be treated with respect ... every summer, beaches and city lawns are crammed with the population soaking up as much sun as they can get."

Comments that support these arguments have recently been published in "Consumer Bulletin," the monthly magazine published by Consumers' Research, Washington, New Jersey, USA. The following quotation is taken from the issue of June 1970:

"Sunlight is more potent than the passing of time in destroying a youthful appearance. Dr Albert M. Kligman, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, has pointed out in the Journal of the American Medical Association that the harmful effects of sunlight begin early, may be sever at the age of 20, and are clearly evident in a majority of young adults before the age of 30. Beyond the age of 40, he found that most persons showed serious elastic-tissue abnormalities; the damage done to the skin by extensive sunbathing in early adulthood can never be counteracted. It results in a premature appearance of old age, wrinkles, mottling, dryness, and flaccidity of tissues. Dr Kligman recommends always shielding the skin from the sun by appropriate clothing and extensive use of sunscreens based on p-aminobenzoic acid, which he considers quite effective."

It is almost a tradition that the young, and the not so young, people in New Zealand should get a good suntan during the summer. If you decide to do this, and to take chances about the damage that sun may do to your skin in the process, then we suggest that you read again what we said in November 1968, and choose a "sunburn preventative" according to the ratings we then gave.

It is to be remembered, of course, that our list of preparations is now two years old; new ones may have come on the market in the meantime, old ones may now have changed formulas.

- Reprinted by permission of Consumers' Institute

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"P R O G R E S S"

An up to date subject considering Manapouri and all that and a hardy annual during many a Sun Club AGM too!

I can well remember, harking back to the early days of the Canterbury Club, one vociferous member speaking against the intrusion of cabins into the natural and peaceful surroundings of "Pine Glades". This had roused him to a full pitch of oratory as he attacked those who dared disturb the sunny slumber of the Club.

"Progress is not wanted here," he thundered. "Let those who want cabins go elsewhere. Soon they will want us to have electricity, caravan points, ablution blocks, and heaven knows what else."

A voice was heard in the pause. "Well, why don't you sell your new car and come out to the Club on a horse!"

Levity aside, however, this progress versus conservation thing is still a touchy subject.

Let's weigh it up.

There are those of us who live the quiet solitude of a lazy day in the natural surroundings that enhance some of our Clubs. They do not want cabins, noisy children, transistors, chopped down trees and ugly brick and concrete utility buildings. They oppose progress and are quite prepared for the inconvenience of the sub-standard conveniences, muddy swimming holes, and rustic fences. They don't mind treading on the odd thistle or having mud oozing up between their toes. And they form a considerable group of opinion within our friends (I loathe the word movement. Smacks of cults and the like).

On the benches of the Opposition we have those of us who are for progress. Progress for them is the "in" thing. They want concrete drives (they hate muddy feet), ablution blocks, filtered swimming pools, hot and cold showers, tent sites with power on and flush toilets. They advocate more and larger games courts, tolerate transistors because they "understand" the youngsters. They will destroy shrubs, trees and natural bush to form new drives and build cabins. They will operate canteens to make money that will be spent partly on rubbish bins and incinerators to get rid of the waste the canteen generated.

These are the two extremes.

Where are YOU??

Progress brings certain disadvantages, but you can swim in clean water, shower in hot water and one has a rubbish bin in which to put lolly papers from the canteen. Progress usually means more members, because members are needed to help pay for the progress.

Non progress means stagnation, limits expansion, contains membership, drives away the young people, but it retains the simple pleasures not possible in the other situation.

What is the answer?

Well, there is one possible solution.

In Auckland there are three Sun Clubs.

Auckland Outdoor caters mainly for the progressives, I guess.

They have nearly all that they need - canteen (complete with rubbish bins), Clubhouse with kitchen and lounge, filtered swimming pool, hot and cold showers for the dirty ones, games courts, electricity at the camp sites and cabins.

Auckland Sun is probably middle of the road, or rustic fence. They tolerate transistors, have one volleyball court and built their own plastic lined swim pool ($15). However, they do retain natural bush right up to their doorstep. One has to chase errant volley balls through stands of fern, manuka and lacebark. And they have a muddy swimming hole would you believe...

Kowhai on the other hand are still settling in. They make do with a clearing, natural bush, limited facilities and peace and quiet. There one can really relax next to nature.

Is the solution in having three contrasting clubs??

Maybe it is. If so our Auckland friends have all the luck.

I wish that I could afford to become members of all three so that I could pander to all my moods, you know - rush, relax or ruminate.

Don't you?

- MAX THOMSON

 

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WHY NOT PITCH HORSE SHOES?

The origin of horse shoe pitching is uncertain.

One thing is certain.

It didn't come from horses!

The game involves an attempt to throw a horse shoe so as to encircle a stake or to get the shoe as close to the stake as possible.

It is usually played by two or four players. When two play they pitch from one pitching box, 6 foot square, in the centre of which is a steel stake 1 in. in diameter and inclined towards the opposite stake 40 feet away (30 feet for women - equality, huh - and juniors). After both players have pitched two shoes each (called an innings) they walk to the opposite box and pitch from it. When four play, each pair of partners pitches from opposite boxes. Singles are played to a winning score of 50, Doubles to 21. After all shoes have been pitched in an innings, the scoring is as follows:

One point for each shoe closer than the opponents if the shoe is 6 in. or closer to the stake; three points for each ringer - a shoe enclosing the stake; four points for a ringer and closest shoe.

If shoes are equally distant or if opponents have the same number of ringers, these are considered ties and no points are scored. A leaning shoe has no value over one touching the stake. There are special shoes designed for pitching which no self-respecting horse would wear, but for club needs I guess Dobbin's cast offs would do admirably.

Seriously, though, the game has its merits as recreation for the less active and the area needed is minimal. And it is another attraction that your Club could offer.

Another suggestion is to put the Club Committee into pairs, organise a game and let them pitch at each other all day, just like a committee meeting???

 

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THE NEW ZEALAND

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NEWS  FROM  THE  CLUBS  IN  N.Z.

AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

Over the winter months a willing band of workers have made vast improvements to the grounds and amenities. We now have power and to you bigger clubs this might not seem anything grand, but after being many years without it we are proud of our efforts. Now we wonder how we ever managed without it.

The carpark that previously was almost a nuisance with it being so small has been enlarged and can accommodate twenty-three cars, and with it full, one doesn't have to manoeuvre around to get out again. Even on the wettest of days we can assure you that the cars can easily come or go and even though one has lost the pleasure?? of not knowing whether one would ever get out again, the members are more than willing to forgo this in the knowledge that they can use the carpark at any time.

With paint the clubhouse has also taken on a new look with both the inside and out receiving the treatment. Shelves have been made for the storage of the chilly bins that used to take up so much room. The large blackboard that practically covers one wall is a terrific idea and there is no excuse now not to read the notices there. Colours are springing up amongst the green foliage showing the work of the ardent gardeners, and with the fence around the sparkling pool repainted, the grounds give an atmosphere of home away from home and we hope that many visitors will call upon us during the Xmas season.

With the community cooking such a popular scheme at the last Rally it has been decided to once again have this idea at the Wellington Rally. Not only did our own members enjoy it but we had so many visitors that our cooks were working practically all the day to prepare the meals. If you happen to pass a trailer loaded with gas stoves, primuses, pots and pans and the fridge precariously perched on top you will know that A.S.C. is on the way to the Rally.

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB

Our biggest event since the last issue was without a doubt A.O.H.C.'s twenty- first birthday celebrations at a dinner-dance held in one of Auckland's leading catering establishments. The formal seven-course dinner was attended by over 130 members and their friends, who wined and dined into the early hours. From the remarks heard afterwards we could be celebrating cur birthday annually!

Other social events in our calendars were two hot swims at Helensville at a private hotel followed by drinks and a smorgasbord dinner. The latter one was attended by over 70 members who enjoyed every minute of it.

Membership has been growing steadily even in the winter months before the start of our usual advertising campaign. This could be the result of favourable articles and kind comment from a well-known local columnist.

CANTERBURY SUN AND HEALTH CLUB

The exceptionally mild winter has kept many members tanned and fit looking for the start of the season, and warm winter days have seen many of us combining sunbathing with painting baches, mowing lawns, trimming trees and many other open-air activities. Several working bees have been held. A group of swings and slides has been moved to another spot in preparation for a badminton court. One of our members has made jigger swings which are giving much enjoyment to the small children.

The grass has been mown, many new trees have been planted, and some old ones removed and the grounds are looking great.

Socially, we have kept members busy too. We had a wine and cheese evening in the University at 11am attended by a great crowd who ate, drank and made merry with gusto. The film "Airport" and supper after was enjoyed by a group and many of the younger folk turned up for a skating evening.

Several advertisements in the local paper have elicited a goodly number of enquiries, so it looks as if we shall have increased membership for the summer.

The new filter system and the repainted pool are looking inviting and all we want now is some hot sunny weather. Roll on summer.

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB

This summer has seen our club really going ahead. In September through advertising and the N.Z. Naturist we had a large increase in membership. The numbers of family groups applying has been good and this is what every sun club needs. With the population of Palmerston North and surrounding districts there is now a successful Sun Club but there should have been one years ago. Now at last we have arrived and are now becoming known in Palmerston North as a Club. At our Annual General Meeting a President, Secretary and a very keen committee were elected. Many grateful thanks to our National President Gavin for all his help and advice. All our members are enjoying nudism in natural surroundings and we all hope for a long hot summer.

Any interested family, groups and couples please write:

The Secretary, P.O. Box 980, Palmerston North.

HAWKES BAY SUN CLUB

An excellent social evening was held for members and friends at a Napier Hall. Apart from providing social contact during the winter months, it also resulted in several new applications for membership.

To try and get things ready for the youth Rally, working bees have been organised and the foundations for our new ablution block have been poured.

Twenty-six Wellington members headed by our National President Gavin and his wife Gaynor visited Hawkes Bay during our AGM weekend. A well attended impromptu social was held on Saturday evening and despite a few headaches, the concrete mixers were rumbling at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.

A new 60 x 30 pool complete with filtration has been planned for completion this summer and an earth moving contractor has been engaged to dig the hole.

With these new attractions coming up, we are actively encouraging applications for membership.

Enquiries may be made by writing to P.O. Box 551 Napier, or by ringing 37-692.

NELSON SUN CLUB INC.

Some wet weather and cool breezes have kept the numbers of weekend visitors to the grounds low, but the weather is improving slowly, and members are coming out of hibernation, slowly.

Doug C. brought a small party from Wellington to visit us in September. A well attended film show on the Saturday evening, and a visit to our grounds by a small group on the Sunday, were the activities indulged in. I'm pleased to be able to say that the Wellingtonians went home slightly singed. We cannot yet offer very elaborate facilities, but hope to make up for that, in the meantime, by the warmth of our welcome.

We had our Opening Day on the 18th of October. Cool, cloudy conditions in the morning kept people away. But improvement in both weather and attendance were enjoyed later in the day.

We were to have had our half annual general meeting on the same day, but lack of a quorum made this not possible.

After the winter months, during which little or no interest was shown by potential members, there has been a gratifying increase in the number of applicants in the past few weeks. Some have become members, and we extend to them a warm welcome.

We have room for many more members. So, if you live in the Nelson area and would like to enjoy the activities shown and written about in this magazine, come and join us. You'll be glad you did.

 

TAURANGA SUN CLUB

Members of the Tauranga Sun Club have been very busy during the winter months beautifying and enlarging the grounds. With the opening of the season which really starts with Labour weekend, our grounds should present a welcome sight.

We have a second caravan on the site and an enlarged cook-house, giving us better facilities. Native trees have been planted for better shelter, and with floral borders, all contribute to the beauty of our grounds. A new track has been built down to our pool, from where there are many pleasant walks, including one to a newly found cave.

Visitors from A.O.H.C., A.S.C., and Wanganui have been welcomed.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

 

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE UNDER FIRE

Your last effort (issue 56) was the straw that broke the camel's back. When the so-called NEW Editorial committee took over the magazine in November 1969, we the Club members were told (not in the mag of course) but by Club chit-chat that we can look forward to a new mag. Bigger, Bolder and Brighter, and altogether a much better publication. What a load of RUBBISH.

Besides the noticeable improvement of having eye-catching girls on the cover, and in issue 55 and 56 the new cover type setting, the inside still leaves a lot to be desired.

Comparing your mag. photography wise with the other Nudist magazines available in N.Z., i.e. Sun & Health, Sun Seeker, Health & Efficiency, etc., when are you going to wake up and realise that you MUST use photos of posed models, both male and female.

How the photos in issue 54, pages 14 and 32, issue 55, pages 2, 19, 39 and 41, and issue 56, pages 9, 24, 25 and 49, ever got past your proof reader, I'll never know. Is he or she half blind, or does he or she know nothing about the focus and clarity of photos that have to have printers' blocks taken from them. OK, you're going to say - "But we can only work on what's contributed." My reply to that is, it's about time you stepped the price up to 50-60c and started buying photos from our excellent professional photographers here in N.Z. or buying prints from overseas agencies.

In issue 55 we have a two page bitch from A.O.H.C. under the heading "Comments on Photography" and in issue 56 we have another full page on photography, but it seems that the writer of the latter is only using his pen to express his own views, and not give any constructive advice on how to take better photos.

In summing up I don't think you (the Editorial Committee) have achieved the improvement that I and my friends expected.

So how about getting with it.

Norris Lurker.

The price increase is to be discussed at the A.G.M. at Wellington - Editor.

 

THOSE PHOTOS AGAIN

It's about time that such photos as appeared in the last issue (by Muray Wren) were used. After all, the nudist movement does not consist of people with no feelings at all, and to let the public see that we do such simple things as holding hands is good.

We have tried to create an impression over the years, and I feel that we succeeded but only too well, as newcomers to the movement are worried that they might accidentally come into contact with another human body. In fact this happens frequently during volleyball games, and in the swimming pools, but there are no ill effects, as it wasn't done on purpose, but was in fact taken for granted.

After all, our clubs are only different in one way from any other social club. We take off our clothes when the weather is right, but beyond that we do as all other clubs do and act normally.

The photo represented a feeling of delightful companionship and was a pleasure to look at. Far better than all those posed models who don't care whether they are enjoying themselves or not.

Please, Editorial Committee, more of these photos.

N.L.A.

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"Indecency, vulgarity, obscenity - these are strictly confined to man, he invented them. Among the higher animals there is no trace of them. They hide nothing; they are not ashamed. Man, with his soiled mind, covers himself. He will not enter a drawing room with his breast and back naked, so alive are he and his mates to indecent suggestions... No; man is the animal that Blushes. He is the only one that does it... or has occasion to!"

 Mark Twain.

NATIONAL RALLIES . . . A PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW

At the time of going to press many of us are looking forward to attending the nineteenth National Rally at Wellington. For Biddy, Sue and me it is our fourteenth (we missed the first Christchurch one) and although each in its way was unique because of different people, sports and social activities, better or worse weather, they all had something in common apart from the good fun and camaraderie we enjoyed at each. This common factor was the great increase every year in Auckland Province members attending these Annual Rallies.

For instance at the last Auckland Rally we had only seven adults from Christchurch and in fact only fourteen from the whole of the South Island. Wellington was represented by sixty-three adults and Wanganui eleven. So out of the six hundred odd attendance on the peak days only approximately ninety- five bodies came from South of the Auckland Province.

Contrast the 68/9 Christchurch Rally the year before when a goodly crowd of "foreigners" invaded the Mainland, seemingly outnumbering the local members. In fact there were over thirty-odd from Auckland alone.

Now, every year a hard core of veteran members attends every rally without fail. When this hard core hosts a rally, they are usually the ones too who are up to their eyes for months organising every minute detail to make it a success. So in effect they never have a relaxed holiday at their own club.

Now, I shall come to the crunch. Rallies are becoming big business and could become more of a physical and mental strain on the host club. Now is the time to have biennial rallies and let us get out of this rut of Auckland, Wellington then Christchurch. How delightful to be able to spend a holiday at our own club, at home or even overseas for a change every second year.

The National Executive could still meet once a year. Why not mid-winter at Taupo or Rotorua. A motel could be booked out complete with private hot pools. What a change from trying to get through all the business in one day!

Every year, at say Anniversary weekend or Easter, three local Rallies or sports meetings could be held. One in the South Island, one in the Wellington province and the other somewhere north of Gisborne. At A.O.H.C. our last two inter-sports days were like mini-rallies with at least the attendance of the last Christchurch Rally but with the minimum of organisation.

So, if the decision is made to hold the rally at Christchurch in 1971/72 1 don't think this family will be making the pilgrimage. We have heard so much about the wonderful Xmas holiday at Oranui from visiting club members that we may have a go ourselves next year and be stay-at-homes!

Jock Shoolbread

A.O.H.C.

NUDISM IS A WAY OF LIFE:

Everyone loves a lover and hates a pusher. And although nudism is a way of life that is not necessarily loved by everyone, we still don't have to ram it down people's throats.

Over the years the Canterbury club has been under fire many times by other clubs for their easygoing attitude. We have not pushed for free beaches and social acceptance. We do not go out and give public lectures and have big membership drives. Yet we are growing fast and increasing our membership. We simply go our own happy way and leave it to non nudists to make up their own minds. If they wish to join, we are happy to welcome them. If they don't, the best of British luck. Yet beneath the surface there is a lot going on. We are busy making and keeping members happy and to make them part of a big family.

We have been criticised for many things, but never for a lack of atmosphere, warmth and friendship. Perhaps I am looking at it from the wrong angle, but I would like to see it kept that way. Nudism is a way of life, not a religion, and there is no need to be pushy about it. I am not taking up surfing or stamp collecting just because others are, and I feel that we should respect other people's feelings.

John T.   C.S.H.C.

WORKING BEES!!

Those infernal working bees... Now, don't get me wrong. I appreciate the fact that to progress our club has to rely on the volunteer spirit of a few hardy individuals that thrive on shovelling, slashing, construction and the like. God bless 'em. Without these fine people our clubs would still be clearings in the bush. But... There are plenty of people like me who work hard during the week and sometimes weekends too. There are people like me who are sick and tired of work by Friday and look forward with keen enthusiasm to a quiet, lazy and relaxed weekend at my sun club.

However, I'm rapidly becoming a social outcast amongst my friends. Why?

Because I don't come arunning when the working bee is called. Because I don't want to slash gorse, chop trees, paint, hammer, shovel, mow, or any of the other things that my hard-working friends feel they must do. All I want to do is what every Sun Club advocates ... relax in the sun, let all my weekday worries fall off with my clothes and enjoy my family. Is that too much to ask???

Anti Organised Working Bees

Copy of letter sent to N.Z.S.A. Treasurer.

Dear Sir,

Please find enclosed $2 donation towards your Youth Rally. This donation is to go to the Wellington Club lads and lassies' efforts as featured on page 21 of the June issue.

I hope this small donation will encourage other clubs to feature their efforts in a similar manner. Those two pictures are worth more than a thousand written or spoken words.

Wishing the Youth Rally every success.

C.K.M.     

Westport.   

 

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N.Z.S.A. NEWS

STATISTICS

In our last issue David Luttrell makes several enquiries about the movement in this country. We would like to give readers the answers.

1. The number of members of this Association is 16. The members are the affiliated clubs. There is no provision for individuals to become members of the national body. They must become members of the affiliated clubs - and quite a few belong to more than one club.

2. This raises the question as to how many members there are in the clubs. We can only guess, based on the levies paid annually by the FULLY affiliated clubs and the number of copies of our magazine that are distributed by clubs. As the numbers fluctuate so much all the time, perhaps we never will know exactly!

3. The number of magazines printed and how they are distributed is published annually in the Business Manager's report. The Association annual report and accounts are sent to all club Secretaries and are available to general members for perusal on request. All Executive officers, including club delegates, receive their own copies. The current position is:-

The postal subscriptions cover NZ, Australia, USA, Canada, Malaysia, Papua, Trinidad and elsewhere. We receive requests for single copies from many countries. We are trying to establish a firmer agency in Britain. The small one we have does receive requests from around the European continent.

CONGRATULATIONS

Wanganui and the Northern Sun Seekers are our latest clubs to become incorporated. This is good news and now gives us 11 clubs out of 16 that are incorporated. It will be a real pleasure to see all of them with this evidence of the legality of sun clubs.

SUN AND HEALTH

We wish to advise that we do not handle the special editions of this publication. We only deal with the regular edition, at 70 cents a copy or $7 a year.

HOLIDAY VISITING

With the approach of the holiday season many members will be planning to go away, and that can include visiting some of our clubs. Members are reminded of the courtesy of notifying the Secretaries of the clubs they plan to visit well in advance, and if you are not known in any of those clubs, then send your letter through your own Secretary.

On arrival at the other clubs the best means of immediate admission without any fuss is to produce your current NZSA Passport. These are available from your Secretary without charge.

Whilst you are away please remember to bear in mind the possibility of obtaining some photographs for publication in our magazine. If you require processing facilities for your naturist films (black and white as well as colour) the NZSA will be happy to arrange this for you. Just send the films to this office and we will do the rest.

Finally, when you write to other clubs please remember that little gesture of a stamped addressed envelope.

HOLIDAY VISITS TO CLUBS

It will no doubt be of interest to all members to note the following brief summary of our clubs where holiday camping is NOT possible. All the others have space and facilities for overnight campers, but not all have improvements that will allow caravans.

GISBORNE - no club grounds as yet.

ROTORUA - space is available but there is no cold water - it is all hot thermal water!

WANGANUI - they have temporary grounds, but further information is not yet available. We suggest you check with the Secretary.

SOUTHERN - the grounds are small with little development.

PALMERSTON NORTH - their small grounds are over a river, and there has been no development and there are no facilities.

PERC. COUSINS TRUST FUND

As we near the end of our financial year a few more club levies have come in to swell the funds. We are pleased to acknowledge the following contributions:

Last balance $1092.54; Club levies $16.00; U (Blenheim) $2.00; RHH (Wanganui) $1.00; TGWM (Auck.) $3.00; DCT (Waikato) $1.10; Investment Interest $12.11; New balance $1127.75.

 

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Palmerston North - Launched

Different couples from Palmerston North were previously members of Wanganui or Wellington Sun Clubs. All were keen to form a club in the Manawatu but for many years no person was prepared to push the matter.

Until February 1970, when a meeting was called amongst known members, it was convened at a private home where the Palmerston North Club was formed. There were eight members in the Club, all were enthusiastic and bright hopes were held for the future. Advertisements were placed in local newspapers and these resulted in more members for the Club.

An afternoon was arranged for all to get to know each other, and a farm was the venue providing club-like conditions. There was a small creek nearby which did have some water in it, and although shallow, gave the impression of being a swimming hole. At least the water covered one's ankles. Before long all were in club uniform including the three new couples. The sand flies did not show any favouritism but chewed into old and new alike and seemed to enjoy their freedom also. People talked, yelled at children, lazed in the sun and occasionally wet their feet in the creek.

Then inspiration - build a dam in the creek and make a swimming pool. This was an electrifying idea, all were in the creek in seconds. From a quiet gathering it now became a clattering laughing group of people, children and adults alike.

Boulders, stones, and large logs were pushed and thrown about, all aimed in the general vicinity of where the dam was to be. People slipped over, were splashed and splattered with a vicious mud, but all worked willingly with the vision of a swim at the end of their labour. Two hours later an efficient dam had been built giving a pool measuring 2ft in depth, 20ft in width and about 30ft in length. Many were at this stage battle scarred with bruises and broken nails. The pool was a beauty and this more than compensated for the suffering.

All enjoyed more than one refreshing swim and were proud of their swimming pool.

This outing tended to break the ice amongst members; it has been spoken of during this last winter as being one of the milestones in the formation of the Palmerston North Sun Club.

During the last winter we have had two visits from the National President; on one occasion he was accompanied by his wife. Both have given advice and encouragement which was needed. The visits also gave a chance for some members to obtain knowledge of clubs elsewhere.

We do say "Thank you, Gavin." Your visit and advice was most welcome. Another visit was by Doug. and members were advised of a film and slide evening in a private home. This evening was well attended and it proved to be a great success. Our thanks to Doug. and his assistants. We appreciated your visit very much.

Also during the winter months we had an official outing together at a local restaurant. This evening proved to be very pleasant and it was decided to have more of this type of outing.

We have now had our first Annual Meeting and the Club has come a long way in twelve months. From eight members we now have over thirty adults and about the same number of children. All have the one trait found amongst Naturists, enthusiasm and friendliness.

Palmerston North will eventually have its own grounds; the word grounds is the main topic of any discussion amongst the members. Our Secretary has travelled many miles on his own account searching for a suitable club ground. Many farmers have been approached and areas looked at, but as yet nothing suitable has been found.

From a small beginning we are progressing towards becoming a large club.

We invite genuine enquiries from any interested families and couples to P.O. Box 980 Palmerston North.

"M"

Palmerston North

 

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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 391, Gisborne HAWKE'S BAY SUN CLUB INC. P.O. Box 551, Napier Phone 37-692 WANGANUI SUN CLUB P.O. Box 410, Wanganui. PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB P.O. Box 980, Palmerston North. 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 Westport Masterton Timaru Blenheim   To contact them, write to:         N.Z. Sunbathing Association Inc.         P.O. Box 359, 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 ADVERTISING RATES FOR NZ NATURIST     Full page ...... 43 ems deep $25.00     Half page ..... 21 ems deep $13.50     Quarter page 10 ems deep   $7.50     Sixth page ..... 6 ems deep   $5.00     Eighth page  4½ ems deep   $4.00 Rates for clubs on application NOTE: 6 ems equal one inch All advertisements are 26 ems wide

 

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Noted:- 

History: Palmerston North - Launched

Doug Cousins: Out the Back of Beyond

Interview with Selwyn Toogood

Definition of a Nudist (from Sun Annual)

Max Thomson: Progress

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Photo: Mac, W.O.S. 

Photo: D. Knight, A.O.H.C. 

Photo: D. Cousins 

Photo: Joe, A.S.C. 

Inspector of Public Decency!

Photo: Murray Wren 

Photo: Murray Wren 

Photo: Emiel 

 

Photo: Doug. Cousins 

Photo: Roy C. 

Photo: Norman Houlgrave 

Photo: Doug. Cousins 

Photo: D. Knight 

Photo: Doug Cousins 

Photo: Doug Cousins 

 

 

Photo: Joe   A.S.C. 

Photo: Doug. Cousins 

Photo: Alan King 

Photo: Leon Gilbert 

Photo: Doug Cousins 

Leon Gilbert 

Photo: Arne Loot

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