# 138 - September 1991 

Reflections from
the Orchard

by Phillipa Anne Hornell

In the seventeen years I've been involved in the Nudist movement I have probably heard every myth and misconception concerning nudism: They must be a pack of perverts of weirdos, that you have to take your clothes off at the gate and you don't put them on again until you leave, it's too cold in Dunedin to be a nudist.

I have also been asked why on earth would anyone want to be a nudist?

I hope here today to take nudism out of the closet, so to speak, and show you all that it is a very healthy, normal way of life. This statement has been backed by orthodox heart psychiatrists, clergy and those studying child development and resultant intelligence quotients. In fact, studies done have shown that children brought up in the nudist way of life have good if not above average IQs and are very well adjusted children who move into and through puberty with confidence and self assuredness, with a natural acceptance and respect of their bodies and a well developed self respect.

On a lighter vein for a moment - with having been brought up in a family where nudity was only whispered about, where it appeared that clothes were sewn on and only unstitched at bath time to get rid of the tide mark, my introduction to nudism was a harrowing experience.

At the time, I was 22 years old, newly separated with an eighteen month old daughter. I was introduced to what I thought was a rather nice, normal! reasonably good looking man. After having known him for a number of weeks, he dropped the bomb shell - "My two children and I are nudists and we would like you to come with us next Saturday. "You have got to be kidding" was my instant reply. So much for him being normal after all. As time went by, bringing summer with it, my friend and his children spent more and more time at "the club" whilst I twiddled my still clothed thumbs. My daughter was by then a confirmed natural naturist as are all small children, shedding clothing faster than I could put them on her, so I thought, well if you can't beat them why not join them.

The next Saturday dawned bright and sunny, so no excuses this was to be the day.

On arriving at the Orchard Sun Club's grounds in Abbotsford we were greeted by a group of the friendliest people I have ever met. The only problem was, that I couldn't help talking to their boobs and other appendages that aren't usually seen in every day circumstances. By that I mean that I didn't know where to look!! I usually look people in the eye when I talk with them but my eyes were ungovernable beings within their own right that day.

As in the case with all new nudists, I wasn't pushed into taking my clothes off, but in the end, after my eyes had stopped acting like demented springs I began to feel more conspicuous with my clothes on, so, liberally covered from head to toe in nothing more than a good suntan lotion I started my introduction to the nudist way of life.

Have any of you been skinny dipping, or walked naked with a gentle warm breeze caressing you as you move? Having tried it, I know how much we miss in Adam and Eve's fall from grace in the garden of Eden.

Now to explode some of the myths. Nudists are ordinary people with a strong common denominator - social nudity.

There is a saying that when nudists meet they are no longer doctors, dentists, bank managers, dustmen etc, they are nudists, which means that unlike other groups there is no snobbery or one-up-manship as there are no 9 or 18 carat skins.

The Orchard Sun Club is a family orientated club and even though we accept single members, the ratio is such as to ensure that it stays a family club.

Do we hang our clothes on the gate when entering? In Dunedin you have got to be kidding. No, this is not done. We are just the same as everyone else. If it is hot, we take clothes off. If it is not, we wear warm clothes whether on the club grounds or not. None of us is partial to pneumonia.

What about skin cancer? Nudists would be one of the few groups who are fully aware of the benefits and potential harmful effects of the sun. Every new member is warned to 'cover up' before burning. Even so, it appears that a member's initiation is a red bottom.

As to perverts and weirdos? Every prospective member is interviewed or more correctly, 'vetted' before being allowed to join the club, to ensure people are wanting to join the movement for the right reasons and that our families are protected from the more unsavoury characters that try to stalk many organisations, not just nudist clubs.

After the Abbotsford Slip, the Orchard Sun Club's grounds, which were situated slap bang in the middle, did a nose dive. We lost everything. House, swimming pool, playing courts, camping areas etc. Our land looked like something from a horror movie. Uprooted trees with their tortured limbs seemingly pleading for help. Great chasms had opened up and swallowed our house and swimming pool, leaving behind a seascape of boiling, bubbling ooze, waiting to such any unwary trespasser, even the birds had deserted this hell on earth.

As time went by and memory faded, members again built what mother nature had so ficklely cast aside, only to be struck again by disaster, this time in the guise of vandals. This time we admitted defeat and looked for grounds elsewhere.

Our new home is in Middlemarch, where the Central Otago sun shines maternally down upon us. We are the proud owners of a five bed-roomed farmhouse, sleep-out, garage-workshop, social hail, swimming pool,

9 hole golf course, barbecue, camping area with power points for caravans and natural adventure playground for the children. All you have to bring with you is your bedding and food as the house and social hail are fully equipped with everything from a bottle opener to deep freeze, microwave and colour TV. The Taieri River is only five minutes away allowing good fishing and boating. We have pool and table tennis tables, motorbikes for the kids of all ages to ride and eleven acres of land to allow the kids to let off steam. Lake Mahinerangi is only half an hour away for water skiing. Ice skating and skiing are only a couple of hours away and four wheel mountain treks are as close to the Rock and Pillar Range. The Sutton Salt Lake (one of New Zealand's very few natural inland salt lakes) is only a spit away. All in all I can't wait to get back up there.

At present I am attending a full time computer course, learning some new packages!! Part of the curriculum is communication skills in which we have to compose and give speeches. After wracking my brains as to an interesting topic, I came up with the above article which I duly delivered to fellow students and tutor.

SOUTH

ISLAND

SAFARI

Touring the South Island was a treat I had promised myself for twenty years, and suddenly it seemed the right time to go. I bought a big van for the trip, and found the gypsy lifestyle has much to commend it.

Tourism is a major industry on the Mainland, and the roads were quite busy with tourist traffic. Every possible point of interest is signposted, and the Visitor Information Centres have plenty of maps and brochures.

The main highways often follow the coastline, giving fine views of many glorious, and frequently deserted, beaches. In many places it isn't safe to swim in the sea because of rips and undertows, as well as the occasional shark. It also pays to be careful of deep shingle or soft sand when parking.

There is something special about the South Island, a wild remoteness that lures you with its misty secrets, grips you with its enticing beauty, thrills you with spectacular scenery, and at last, lets you go reluctantly, only after you have promised to return. I left some of myself behind, on the shores of Lake Wanaka, in the eerie mountains of the Crown Range, on the wild coast at Charleston, and in Arthur's Pass among the tumbling waterfalls. But enough of nostalgia, and on with the trip.

Heading south from Picton my first stop was at Rarangi Beach, a shingle beach backed by pine trees where you can camp overnight. A short drive over the hill leads to Whites Bay, a DOC reserve with a sandy surf beach and many tramping tracks in the bush-clad hills behind. Ward Beach, south of Blenheim, is good for swimming and snorkelling, and further on there is a long stretch of sand south of the Waima River, ideal for off-road vehicles.

Closer to Kaikoura, several side roads give access to Hapuku Beach.

North of Christchurch, a great sweep of ocean coastline is broken by wide rivers flowing out from the Canterbury Plains. These white sandy beaches, backed by sand dunes, are nice for a lazy day in the sun. The best places are Waikuku Beach (walk south), Wood- end Beach, and Spencerville Beach (walk north). A traditional nudist beach nearer Christchurch is Taylor's Mistake, over the hill past Sumner. Local members of the Free Beach Group enjoy sunbathing beside the Waimakariri River, and another popular place for a family picnic is the Ashley River Gorge Reserve near Oxford. Walk up the riverbed to some lovely deep pools.

The steep hills of Banks Peninsula hide some deep inlets with safe swimming. At Le Bons Bay there is a stream where the ebbing tide leaves warm pools on a sunny day. Christchurch nudists also go to Tumbledown Bay, but I found the access pretty scary - the road is a real cliff-hanger. Travelling south through Oamaru, a loop road around the coast takes you past All Day Bay, a suitable place for an overnight stop.

Dunedin has many beautiful beaches with pristine white sand, and very few nudists to enjoy them. The one I like is at Purakanui, and can be reached from either Waitati or Port Chalmers. Turn off at the sign to Osborne Township and drive to the end of the road, then walk over a headland to a sheltered cove.

Murdering Beach and Kaikai Beach are also out this way, along Heyward Point Road. On the other side of the harbour beyond Portobello, you'll find Allans Beach, Victory Beach, Pipikaretu Beach, Ryans Beach and Boulder Beach. Dunedin's beaches can be quite crowded with surfers on days when conditions are right.

I missed the coast road south of Dunedin, but stopped at Purakaunui Bay in the Catlins, where there is a DOC camping area. (The Department of Conservation has no bylaw restricting nudity). Of the recommended beaches near Invercargill, Whakaputa Beach, west of Riverton, is preferable to the far end of Oreti Beach which is windy.

The West Coast is considered dangerous for swimming, but offers lots of scope for rock-hounding. Beaches most suitable for sunbathing are Carters Beach near Westport, Razorback Beach just south of Punakaiki, and the southern end of Barrytown Beach. At Lake Kaniere near Hokitika, there is a little beach with good swimming and sunning at Dorothy Falls. Walk along a short track through the bush from the car park.

Tasman Bay and Golden Bay have many safe swimming beaches ideal for family outings. The far end of the peninsula at Tahunanui is closest to Nelson, and Rabbit Island has been used by nudists for many years. Walk to your right past the area now set aside for horses. Trampers skinnydip at many beaches around the Abel Tasman National Park. The best of these are the far end of Sandy Bay, Apple 'Thee Bay, Coquille Bay and the Awaroa Inlet. Wainui Bay, at the far end of the walkway, can be reached by road from Takaka. Other places to try are Kina Beach, Onekaka Beach and Wharariki Beach, a wild west coast beach near Farewell Spit, with caves and sea lions. Otherwise, Nelson folk seem to think that 'nudists should go to Mapua, that's the place for them Mapua Leisure Park, between Nelson and Motueka is New Zealand's only clothing-optional seaside resort, and a wonderful place for a holiday.

Photos: John Lowe   

Rivers in the South Island are often preferred for swimming, with many delightful pools near the road where you can relax in the sun.

Dunedin nudists have a favourite spot on the Taieri River near Sutton, and between Fairlie and Geraldine there is a camping area beside the Opuha River, with some attractive swimming holes upstream. Near Wanaka, where the Hawea River joins the mighty Clutha, there is a large DOC reserve where you can hide away with a little well-placed screening around your campsite. Between Blenheim and Nelson, at Canvastown, there are pools on the Wakamarina River.

Turn off along an unmarked gravel road between the bridge and the school, then walk across private farmland to some willows on the riverbank.

There is no statute in New Zealand law which expressly forbids nudity in a public place, but the Free Beach Group advises nudists to be courteous and considerate. The police are obliged to respond to complaints in case offensive or indecent behaviour is involved.

A small but growing number of Mainlanders belong to FBG, and new members, including families, couples, singles and solo parents, are always welcome. For information, please write to the Free Beach Group, RO. Box 41-171, St. Lukes, Auckland 3.

© Jackie Caldwell

The most common attempts at a Bible based argument against nudity are based on the familiar story of Adam and Eve as found in the book of Genesis. We read a story of a beautiful and peaceful garden setting, a naked man and a naked women. No sin and no shame.

The creator looked upon this scene and declared it not just good but VERY GOOD. If there was anything sinful about nakedness then God could not look upon it and declare it very good, for the prophet Habbakuk tells us that the eyes of God are too pure to look upon evil⁵.

We all know that the scene changed after Eve was deceived and Adam deliberately disobeyed. As a result of their disobedience Adam and Eve were overcome with a sense of guilt and shame. They tried to hide and to cover themselves with aprons made of fig- leaves. But the Creator, in His mercy provided them with a better covering (Genesis 3:21).

Some people try to argue that the word translated covering here refers to a garment which covers the entire body, including arms and legs, and on the basis of this interpretation declare that to be even seen with arms bared in public is sinful. But others say the word refers to something like an apron, so that doesn't hold much water!

No important doctrine of Scripture is ever based on the translation of only one word. If the doctrine is important it will be repeated again and again throughout the entire Bible. But there is an important doctrine which does have its beginning here, and that is the doctrine of the Atonement - a covering for sin. This doctrine follows right through the Old Testament laws regarding sacrifices and sin offerings and has its fulfillment in the life and death of Jesus Christ.

We are talking Old Testament here - where the law and symbolism was very important. Hence the command in Exodus 20:26 regarding one's nakedness not being exposed to the alter of burnt offerings. Clothing was part of the Symbolism of what the alter was all about - dealing with guilt and a covering (atonement) for sin. But this law cannot be taken to prohibit nakedness for relaxation, work, or bathing.

For those who want to get technical, the word translated "garments" in Genesis chapter 3 is the Hebrew word kethon. This word was later used for an undergarment which resembled a close fitting shirt, but for the guilty Adam and Eve it was their only garment. The earliest of these garments were made without sleeves and extended only to the knees.

It has been said that "Clothes maketh the man". But I suggest that clothing is just a cover-up.

The things we wear are just a put-on. They are part of the mask' that forms the image we want to portray - part of the character we are acting out at that particular time.

It has been truly said, "I am not the person I really am. I am not the person you think I am. But I try to be the person I think you think I am." This means we wear a psychological mask - clothes are often part of that mask.

Almost always, when we come across opposition to nakedness, nude swimming, or relaxed attitudes to the physical human body christians generally get blamed for these "prudish" attitudes.

It is unfortunately true that in some christian groups there is a sort of phobia about the naked human body. Some people have more hang-ups in this area than in a clothing store! Is this attitude cultural, or biblical?

But before we examine the biblical attitude to clothing, may I remind you that some other religions are far more tied up about clothing than most christians.

Photo: Freddy Karstensen   

There is also a very wide spread of opinion on the subject within christendom.

I read of a situation in Australia where a handful of people bathing naked in a secluded stream were "discovered" by a party of Moslems who threatened violence (knives were produced!) if the swimmers did not put on their clothing immediately.

"If people today dressed as instructed in the Bible, we would all walk around totally naked!"

That is the comment made by one psychiatrist while studying some New Testament letters. St Paul instructs his readers to, "Clothe yourselves with the Lord"¹, and "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive... and over all these virtues put on love."² (yes, he did say bear with..., not bare with...). And women were instructed to dress modestly, "... not with braided hair... or expensive clothes, but with good deeds"³. St Peter wrote, "young men." clothe yourselves with humility".⁴

Some people get so wrapped up in wearing clothes they don't seem to notice that all the instructions relate to aspects of character, not to material garments.

The story of Noah, after the flood (Genesis ch 9) is another story which has been used in an attempt to argue against nakedness of any sort. But note that it was not the effect of Noah's celebrating which received condemnation, but rather the behaviour of Ham. When Ham observed his naked father, he did not just walk on by, but stopped and gloated over the sight. We are not told all that Ham did on that occasion, but whatever it was Noah was certainly not happy about it.

A letter in the The Naturist issue 135 queries the reference to nakedness in Exodus 32:25. The story records that Moses had been up on Mount Sinai for quite a few days, and in his absence the people had started to "party". Depending on the particular translation used, we read that the people were, unrestrained (NKJV), running wild (NIV), had broken loose (RSV), naked (KJV/AV), and were committing adultery (Kenneth Taylor paraphrase: "Living Bible"). So the people were indulging in a wild, swinging, sex orgy - and Moses was not pleased! This was supposed to be a family oriented, God honouring nation who would set an example to the Gentile heathen peoples around them. Of courses Moses was upset!

Do our modern naturist groups behave this way? The reference here has nothing to do with sunbathing or naked swimming - although some unfortunate misinformed people still believe such behaviour must surely be the norm for people who take off their clothes in the presence of other adults. That the King James Authorised version (KJV/AV), first published in 1611 is the only one to use the word naked in that verse.

This translation is based largely on the work of William Tyndale who had been strangled and burned at the stake on October 6th 1536. He had been executed because he "had the audacity to take these sacred writings and translate them from the holy Latin, Hebrew, and Greek languages into the crude common language of the English workingman"! There was a lot of political ping-pong before James 1 King of England gave his authority for the free publication of these writings. We will refer back to the significance of that period a little later.

In II Samuel 6:14-23 we read an interesting story about a King David. He was so excited about recovering the Ark of the Covenant from the Philistines that he danced in a very uninhibited way - and he was wearing only a linen ephod (apron) at the time! When he arrived home his wife Michal greeted him with contempt. "How the King of Israel has distinguished himself today," she said, "disrobing in the sight of the slave girls!" David defended himself by claiming that he was dancing before the Lord, not putting on a crude display of exhibitionism. The writer adds the comment that Michal had no children to the day of her death, and to a Hebrew wife that meant quite definitely the Lord was not pleased with her. This was a great pity, because when David was just a young man, he and Michal were really in love with each other. At David's death the only criticism recorded of his life was for the way he dealt with Uriah, the former husband of Bathsheba. There is no criticism of his dancing naked in public.

In Isaihia chapter 20 we read of Isaiah's naked preaching tour through the country of Israel.

His purpose was to arrest the attention of the people of that nation. For three years he walked naked and was never arrested! But in Victoria, Australia, in 1988 Nicci Knowles was arrested (and fined $750) for a brief streak lasting a few seconds at the MCG on a grand final day. I never did hear what happened to the delightful Shiela Nicols after she did naked cartwheels across the cricket ground at Lords in England, during an Oz-vs-England cricket match.

And what are we to make of Jesus' appearance to Mary beside the garden tomb on the morning of the resurrection? Remember that at the crucifixion the soldiers had cast lots for his clothing at the foot of the cross. He wasn't wearing any clothes when he hung there, they had been stripped from Him. And remember too that the grave clothes were still in the tomb when Peter and John checked there. So what was Jesus wearing when the tearful Mary thought He was the gardener? In those days the slaves often did not wear clothes, certainly not the long white robes of a rabbi. And when He showed His scars to Thomas (the "doubting" disciple) did He say, "Lets just step into the side room here for a minute and I'll remove my clothes (himation and chiton, for you technical scholars) so you can put your finger in the wound"?

Although nakedness was common in the Greek culture at the time of Christ, nudity is not included in the list of things which Gentile converts must abstain from (Acts 15:19-29). St Paul does not list nudity amongst the symptoms of Godless impurity in his letters to the Romans (Romans 1:24-32) and Corinthians (I Cor 6:9-10).

On the contrary the unknown writer of the letter to the Hebrews uses the illustration of a naked runner, "Let us lay aside every sin which clings so closely, and run with perseverance the race that is set before us".⁶

The nude athletes which these writers used as uplifting examples in the first century would be arrested in our culture today. With the exception of the very few Naturist magazines which try to present a healthy image of the human body, the only place you will normally find nakedness in books of the 20th century is in porn shops. When we try to stifle the normal way God intended things to be, they tend to pop out in perverse and unhealthy ways.

A study of its history indicates there had been no unanimous agreement within the Christian church on the subject of physical nakedness. Recorded teachings of some church leaders up till the 5th century indicate it was not an uncommon practice to baptize men, women, and children together nude.

And I understand that the severe persecution of Huguenots and Lutherans by the Church of Rome (C 16th century) was not just over the issue of salvation through faith in the work of Christ vs salvation by "good works' but the issue of nakedness was also involved. With the almost plaque like spread of VD throughout Europe at the same time, the Church of Rome were by then almost paranoid about anything even suggesting sexual activity. The Lutherans, by contrast, recognised that nakedness was not necessarily "sexy".

Hence even today we have on the one hand graduates from Roman Catholic schools who were taught, "Girls! If you drop your soap in the shower, you must always close your eyes before you bend down to pick it up, so you do not see your naked body" and "When you are taking a bath, do not undress until all the mirrors in the room are steamed-up so that you will run no risk of seeing your naked body in the mirror"; while on the other hand Lutherans in Finland even have church business meetings while sitting naked in the sauna - and my Encyclopaedia tells me that mixed nudity in Finnish saunas is accepted as normal practice. This is confirmed by reports of a recent Scouting Jamboree in South Australia. Visiting Girl-scouts from Scandinavia had never heard of segregated showers, and when they casually undressed in the first ablutions block they came to, which happened to be the "boys" showers, the revelations created a near riot!

No. This hang-up about clothing is purely cultural. Wowsers who plead "christian standards" when they try to ban Free Beaches and nude swimming are building their ideas on quicksand - they have no firm biblical basis.

But remember St Paul's comment to his friends in Corinth, "Whatever you do... give no offence to others⁷."

NOTES:

1.   Romans 13:14 and Galatians 3:27

2.   Colossians 3:12-14

3.   I. Timothy 2:9-10

4.   I. Peter 5:5

5.   Habbakuk 1:13

6.   Hebrews 12:1

7.   I. Corinthians 10:31-32

KIWI NUDISTS

VIEW

AUSTRALIA

Doug Ball Advocates Nudist Travel

The great thing about being a nudist is the fact that you automatically have thousands of friends all over the world. You can visit other countries and be instantly among friends you have never met before. Your INF card opens hearts as well as gates, since there is common bond between nudists of all nationalities.

Peggy and I are planning a nudist (or should I say naturist?) tour of Europe this winter, and we thought it would be a good idea to have a trial run a bit closer to home. Having been twice to Queensland, we decided to try Victoria and New South Wales for three weeks.

Our nudist friends from Brisbane, Les and Jan Hotchkin, were extremely helpful. They produced a detailed itinerary for us, and made lots of suggestions about what to see and do.

The ideal was to explore south-eastern Australia, while at the same time visiting as many nudist clubs and resorts as possible.

Our trip started at Melbourne, looped up to Echuca and back, then followed the coast eastward as far as Merimbula, before heading inland to Mt Koscuisko and Canberra. After that we headed back to the coast at Sydney, north to Rosco (near Newcastle), and south again to Mittagong to spend Easter at River Island Nature Retreat.

We wanted to be free and independent, so we hired a small campervan.

This proved to be an ideal way to see the country. We could go wherever we pleased, and stop and explore along the way. And of course, it allowed us to drop in to nudist resorts or other campgrounds and be self-contained.

Caravan parks in Australia do not have kitchen facilities like they do in NZ. In the three weeks we covered 3300 km.

We have many vivid memories of our trip - too many to mention in one article, so I will just mention a few of the highlights. Echuca, a colourful historic inland port on the Murray River, where the old paddle steamers still take tourists on river trips. River Valley Nudist Holiday Resort, a green oasis, from where we wandered for miles (in the nude) through the warm, dry forest of gum trees with flocks of loud and often brightly coloured parrots wheeling above us. The really impressive Victorian rain forests. The clean, fine sands of the coastal beaches. The vast expanses of dry, rolling grassland around Cooma, reminiscent of the prairies of North America. The rocky crags beside the steel walkway to Mt Kosciusko. The imposing Parliament Building in Canberra with its lawn-covered roof. The interesting and varied array of attractions in Sydney: Chinatown, the Powerhouse Museum, the Harbourside Complex, the Sydney Tower...

What of the nudist resorts? There seem to be two kinds. First, there are the privately owned resorts like River Valley Nudist Holiday Resort at Echuca, and River Island Nature Retreat near Mittagong. These resorts have excellent, well maintained facilities, and each has its own particular character. Both are open to the public, but whereas the management of River Valley insists on full nudity whenever the weather allows, River Island is 'clothes optionaL although most people we saw there were nude anyway.

River Valley Nudist Resort

Murray River near Echuca

Helios Club Grounds

Both resorts organise sporting and social events during long weekends. They don't have club members, but they do have regular patrons, some of whom travel long distances (at least what we NZers call long). These resorts are ideal for people who want to enjoy nudist holidays without the responsibilities of club membership, and who are prepared to pay for the facilities provided. Some folk rent van sites, and others build holiday cabins at these resorts. Visitors are, of course, always welcome and on-site vans are available for hire.

Then there are the member-owned clubs, like Helios in the Dandenongs near Melbourne, and Rosco north of Sydney. With spacious grounds, and large memberships they are organised by their committees along the same lines as our own clubs here in New Zealand. Regular duty-rosters and working bees, but a close family type relationship between members. Plenty of pride in the club, and a sense of really belonging. We received warm welcomes from these clubs, and were made to feel at home. For example, club members invited us to join in a game of petanque - something less likely to happen at a public resort.

So it seems there are advantages and disadvantages in both resorts and clubs. They offer different things to different people, and there is surely a place for both on the nudist scene. Actually, we could do with a few, more public nudist resorts in New Zealand. Mapua Leisure Park is great, but we need more places like it.

Nude beaches are popular in Australia - at least among nudists. Those we saw during our brief mid-week visits were mostly deserted, but really beautiful expanses of fine golden sand. Some beaches have committees who keep the beaches clean and organise sports days from time to time. The practice of nude bathing is not as well accepted in Australia as it is here, and the main aim of beach nudists over there is to obtain legally designated nude beaches, whereas our own free beach campaigners would rather see a general acceptance of beach nudity, than to have ourselves confined to designated areas.

They say travel broadens the mind. This is true, but if you are a nudist traveller you can also improve your suntan and make lots of new friends at the same time. If you have an INF card, you have a key which opens many doors. So save up your pennies and go to it!

River Island Nature Retreat

Middle Beach Merimbula

Amsterdam is the city in The Netherlands which is most visited by tourists from all over the world.

It has 702,000 inhabitants, and mary historic buildings like the Rijksmuseum, and the famous Royal Concertgebouw.

As most of you know, Amsterdam is a very tolerable city and many things are possible. At the south end of Amsterdam the historic tram society has its station with street cars from Austria, Holland, Germany and Czechoslovakia. This line is about 8 kilometres

in length and runs from Amsterdam to the suburb of Amstelveen. In earlier days it was used by the Dutch Railway Company to places like Aalsmeer, Uithoorn and Alphen and Rijn from 1915 to 1950. After that a bus company took over and now for some years has been the home of the electric museum tramway.

What would you think of a nude streetcar trip with a real old Amsterdam streetcar?

It was no problem to rent the streetcar with bywagon. As well the photo club of The Friends of Nature who celebrate five years this year.

During the morning of the 25th May it was cloudy and a light drizzle fell over Amsterdam and the ride was planned for 12.15 pm. At about 11.30 the sun came through and the temperature rose as well.

About twenty naturists were all excited and ready to board the old number five, built in 1929. At exactly 12.15 it left the station and many stops were behind houses, a cloister and public crossings in the town of Amstelveen. Can you imagine people waiting for the streetcar and all of a sudden seeing a nude girl waving a red flag to indicate the streetcar is coming? Besides that, at each crossing about eight photographers would leave the streetcar, run across the crossing to set up their cameras to take photos of the model waving the flag while the streetcar would proceed on its way.

During one of the stops two elderly couples were having their lunch.

All of a sudden they turned around and saw twenty nude people coming out of the streetcar, and they thought it was all very amusing. Finally they decided to get their camera only to learn that the streetcar was going on again. The two elderly couples were a bit disappointed. Two boys in a car thought it was great and they went from crossing to crossing to avoid missing anything of the nude streetcar passing.

When we came to the end of the line at the Amstelveen Station, the streetcar had to be uncoupled from the second wagon. This took some time and at the crossing some distance away people gathered to watch the happening.

Photos: Robbert Broekstra   

All in all the three men of the tram society enjoyed themselves very much, however one of them was a bit worried when the streetcar stopped on a bridge over a busy highway that drivers would look up and create an accident.

The first nude streetcar ride in The Netherlands was a huge success and might be repeated as the tram society would like to welcome us back.

And for those who would like to make a trip in an old historic streetcar just visit the Haarlemmermeerstation (summer months only).

After the historic nude streetcar ride in Amsterdam and area we finished our photosession at the Amsterdam park.

CANTERBURY SUN CLUB

No doubt most clubs have to get their thinking caps on to introduce something new and novel for their socials. Queens Birthday Weekend rolled around and what better way to celebrate than with a birthday party!

Queen Jeanette presided over the occasion and yes, there were a few Knighthoods in the offing, not to mention the appearance of the "Royal Tart" who had travelled all the way from Orchard Club just to be with us. Birthday cake, heart shaped scones and even Royal Jelly were included in the sumptuous fare that followed.

Mid-winter arrived and with it a rip- snorter of a frost over the weekend. Seven (fool)-hardy swimmers braved our Solar? - heated pool and then would you believe it, over 80 turned up for our Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner. No mean feat when you think of the amount of food consumed and from such a tiny kitchen. Special praise for the Christmas Puds, the Wassailers (Carolers to you) and my goodness I don't know whether to tell you first about the magnificent table centre- pieces or the turkey stuffing!

However when it came to seeing TWO Father Christmas's, it was more than young Scott Gordon could handle. I mean it's a bit much this Time Warp business with Christmas coming around again in six months, but to see two of them!

On a more restful note now, as with most of the clubs I have visited over the years I can't help but give more than just a little gratitude to all those people who have been input into plan- fling and planting trees around their club grounds. Pineglades is having its own "Arbor Day" shortly to plant a bush walk where for years it has just been a dumping ground. Ten or twenty years down the track will no doubt see the splendid result of this foresight while at the same time helping the environment.

We can all do our bit too - "Plant trees and save the world."

FREE BEACH GROUP

Good news, it's official, the days now get longer. To celebrate this, the Free Beach Group held a mid winter barbecue at the Secretary's home and more than 30 people attended, some from AOHC and Hibiscus Club. The mulled wine and hot soup went down well as the night was quite cold, but a fire outside and another inside kept everyone warm. Somehow it seemed a bit warmer in the corner marked BOOZE. No-one seemed to notice that remarkable sign.

We look turns cooking our meat and sharing the salads and other goodies that had been brought. The roast potatoes disappeared quickly. Afterwards we went inside to view "Naked Down Under" and also some private videotape of Uretiti where several of our members shared a shower tent which collapsed. All good clean fun and made us wish summer would hurry back. Then some more Heritage Films videos which certainly whetted our appetites for travel. Naturists in Florida and California have access to some wonderful complexes.

This was a most enjoyable way to spend a winter's evening. We hope to make greater use of this all-weather facility and hold more barbecues during the spring and autumn.

HAWKES BAY SUN CLUB

Yes, we are still alive and kicking - we have to be this time of the year to keep warm. Having had a successful warm summer with many visitors, the main object for the club now is working towards the Rally in 1992/93. Them hills that were there are no longer and we have now so much flat ground we feel we have ended up with 20 acres out of 10. With thousands of tyres forming retaining walls, we could almost start a tyre farm, and with the use of a bulldozer we feel we are at least well on the way.

Of course, with the best made plans there is always a hitch, the bulldozer got stuck so we had to obtain the aid of a bigger bulldozer to pull it out. Three more toilets are now in the process of being fitted, plans being drawn up for more showers and our old clubhouse looking like a new one and a new enthusiastic committee all is going well.

We are all waiting for the birth of their new members within the next three months and wonder if the club is starting a competition in which all clubs could compete!

A successful potluck dinner by candlelight was held in June and a good time was had by all that attended. The social organisers have great plans for the coming months including sport and tramping outings.

PALMERSTON NORTH SUN CLUB

The mid-winter swim in June went well this year, although the weather left something to be desired. We appreciate the support that other clubs have given us by attending our Polar Bare Swim and Christmas dinner. Hot vege soup after the swim and a sumptuous evening meal and social were enjoyed by all.

Over the winter months our progress on the new clubhouse has slowed somewhat, but a few hearty souls continued making improvements inside the building. We are especially grateful for the old pot belly stove which was moved from the old clubhouse. Electricity is in, and most of the walls have been gibbed. The youth are also grateful to have their own indoor space after many years without.

In June we felt the loss of a dear member, Sylvan Chapman. Her courage and immense love continued with the uncertainty of the cancer over the last months of her life. She will be remembered for her nature-loving empathy and for the smile behind the bar of our social functions. May you rest in Peace, Sylves.

AUCKLAND OUTDOOR HEALTH CLUB

The Mid-Winter Xmas function was a tremendous success with some ninety-two people attending. Laurel and her team of workers spent two days decorating the clubhouse and preparing the three course meal.

Father and Mother Christmas; Brian and Doreen; gave out the presents to all those in attendance amid the usual frivolity and this was followed by dancing to the music of Rod McKinnon with guitar and synthesiser.

Planning is well under way for the forthcoming 40th NZNF rally to be held on our grounds at New Year 1992. The outside work has been temporarily halted by the present wet weather conditions but everything will be in readiness for the event. Application has been made for a Club liquor licence and although the paperwork for this was somewhat onerous we are confident that it will be approved soon.

Our Caretakers have been warmer this winter since the installation of a Kent fireplace in the cottage. This completes the interior decoration started just prior to last Xmas. The outside is soon to be painted as is the interior of the youth clubroom.

A nine hole golf putting course - The St James - is ready for those persons who may be interested in some quiet relaxation and the course will provide a good challenge for those who use it. It is dedicated to the memory of Peter James who passed away recently.

Could I suggest that all those coming to the Rally be early with your registrations as we have been advised of large contingents coming from Waikato and Canterbury. All those coming can be assured of a warm welcome and a wonderful six days of activity and socialising. We look forward to meeting you then.

THE AUCKLAND SUN CLUB

May we, of the Auckland Sun Club, be the first to congratulate you, "The Alpine Lakes Nudist Centre", on your formation. You have a long row to hoe with many a set back but some rewards. Why not pop up to the National Rally, hosted this year by the A.O.H.C. You are assured of a good time. While you are there, make yourselves known to any member of the Auckland Sun that you see around. Or, in a quieter moment, drop in on our modest grounds and facilities.

It would be a most difficult task to award first prize to any of the delicious dishes served up at our club functions, and, by personal experience, the same can be said for any club in the movement. We have just had a working "B' When lunch was called two homemade soups were served. They had to be tasted to be believed! Any class restaurant would be proud to serve such perfection. In spite of, or because of this, quite a lot work was done.

Cleaning, gardening, painting and tree felling. The previous weekend we had our midwinter mulled wine and BBQ lunch. Here again was a good variation on some delicious summer dishes. The warm spiced wine made a pleasant change from the usual chilled variety. This party was supposed to include a midwinter's dip. Luckily enough, the committee had decided that the pool needed emptying for maintenance purposes. So the only one who got his foot wet was a toddler, splashing in a puddle that went over the top of his wellies.

For some years now we have a had a pair of rosellas in and around the club grounds. This last spring they must have consummated their bond. Now we often have as many as seven or more screeching through the trees. Because of all the wild life around here we could do with a budding David Attenborough to do an article "Natural Life Among The Naturists".

Except for the initial clear felling necessary for the clubhouse and recreational areas a policy of controlled felling of ti-tree has been continued. Even as late as last year it was possible to look right down on the valley from the sunning area. Now the view is rapidly being cut off by the new growth on the slope running down from the sunning lawn.

Some years ago this part of the grounds was covered with tall spindly ti-tree that had long served its purpose. That is sheltering younger and different species from the burning wind and sun and also to self seed to produce more ti-tree in later years. It is better to fell an unwanted or dangerous tree into a specific place than to let it blow down in some gale and there doing damage to new growth and being more difficult to retrieve later on for fuel for the BBQ boiler and log fire.

We at the A.S.C. are pleased and proud of our little bit of native bush and hope to enjoy its beauty for many more years to come. It is a source of admiration for all who visit us.

ROTOTA SUN CLUB

The hot pool weekend in Tauranga was another good one; over 130 people there, from Auckland to Wellington. A great day, made possible by our friends who support it, and club secretaries who advertise it. Thanks, everyone!

The AGM needed elections for a number of positions - a healthy-sign for the club. Welcome to new president, Lyn.

The shortest day of the year gave us the heaviest frosts ever at Rotota - how are you mainlanders surviving, by hibernation? A few members passing through, enjoying the peace and quiet, and the warmth of the sun when it shows itself.

Dear Sir,

Hawaii is the tropical vacation capital of the world but doesn't have a single resort dedicated to the nudist! We would like to hear from fellow nudists from around the world who would be interested in a Hawaiian nudist club/resort as a visitor or resident.

Aloha.

Gene & Nancy Holloway 1649 Vladic Lane
Escondido, CA 92027
USA

Dear Sir,

Among the many difficult tasks associated with nudism, not in the least must be that of Editor of "The New Zealand Naturist' The very meagre submissions of articles for publication must indeed be quite frustrating.

Although the exact number submitted is not known to me, I observe, for instance, that in issue no.137, June 1991, only four "Club News" letters were printed from a total of 20 clubs listed on page 24. Also there were also only four "Letters to the Editor" and two of these were from the same person.

Although the story by Marcelle Felicif was lively and made interesting reading, this was still a reprint from "Bare In Mind"

The article, "In Tune With Nature" showed the ingenuity of James and Jan Bishop in having all modern comforts while still being conservation minded. This was about Australia. One can only hope that the author, Charles MacFarland is a Kiwi!

Only "Nude Adventure In The Far North" was written by New Zealanders about New Zealand. So come on fellow nudists! Submit articles! Write letters! We, the nudists of New Zealand, must, at least in part, be responsible for the quality of our own magazine.

Yours faithfully
Tony Davis

For kind, child loving, English speaking non-smoker nudists we provide - free of charge - a place to pitch a tent or park a caravan on a former farm- stead in the woods 30km south west of Szeged. Please send a detailed introductory letter to Dipl.-Math. Utz Friedrich

Alkony utca 4A
Szeged in Hungary
H-6725

Singles, families, and small groups are as welcome as children with a parent or a grandparent.

Dear Sir,

I find it interesting, at times, how we keep trying to reinvent the wheel.

I was reading an article recently about Naturism vs Nudism (H&E Vol. 92 No.4) and the meanings of these words and their uses I agree with the editor who says that the use of the words is interchangeable yet too, I see the writers point out that Naturism is just that; at one with nature, natural products, conservation, alternative medicines etc and that nudism is without clothing.

Nudist Clubs have a large cross-section of membership representing society in general yet why have people joined our clubs? I believe for just one reason - to be nude: without clothes.

Now I may be wrong - but I strongly believe that I am a nudist and not necessarily a naturist.

Could our National Executive perhaps make some clarification on this point? Whilst upon this topic of names, meanings and slogans I was interested to read in the Free Beach news letter that the idea of changing the Free Beach club's name to something else has arisen. In these days of change in our Nation, it may be more appropriate to keep the same old familiar names. At least when we have this constancy in our vocabulary we can find some solace in this ever changing world. So perhaps we should think before setting forth to reinvent the wheel - what, really, would happen if things are left as they are?

Another topic altogether. Rotary clubs, movaners, Free Beach and nearly any other organisation has a logo. Free Beaches "Fred Bear" is clever in its design and slogan and the F.B. club has a great window sticker. Which I proudly have on the back window of my van. This has drawn much comment from several people and we have had some great discussions as to Nudist Clubs and Free Beaches and why does one become thread bare. Now to date I don't think that anyone has actually joined a club because of this form of advertising but I am sure that the seeds of thought have been sown and the invitation was always made that should anyone be interested I would gladly take them.

This year, I believe, is the year for publicity. Cannot our National Executive have a look at making a logo, motto, advertising material, press releases, bumper stickers, buttons, lapel badges, pens, teaspoons, postage stamps, brochures, flyers, sailing boat spinnakers, jackets, hats, etc. made for sale to members, clubs, commercial outlets.

We are all looking for new members and although word of mouth is often the best recommendation - it may not be the best advertising. What do readers think?

Guy C

Dear Sir,

I am sure I speak for many of your readers when I say that I enjoyed reading Mr Grant's article "Should A Christian Join a Sun Club?" In writing and presenting this article he had allowed himself to be put in a very vulnerable situation - that takes courage.

But I was disappointed to read Mr Maloney's letter in issue No.135 in which he verbally kicked a man who had been prepared to be vulnerable. In issue No. 136 I appreciated the three letters (from Alan, John Maddams, and Ray Grant). However I consider Mr Maloney's two letters in issue No. 137 to be unduly critical, and unnecessary.

He seems to express the same attitudes for which he condemns the christian church - legalism and intolerance.

He is very legalistic - note his criticism of the editorial staff of the The Naturist in the second paragraph of his second letter (issue 137). He is very quick to condemn anyone who expresses a view different to his own. We once met a person with a similar dogmatic attitude at an Australian nudist resort, and this is precisely the reason why my wife and I decided not to join the club nearest to where we live.

I recall reading somewhere that in the USA there are basically two national naturist/nudist organisations and, whilst I may stand to be corrected, I understand that the basic split is over the very issue of christianity (or is it one of sexual "morality"?)

New Zealand is too small a country to support two such organisations who are constantly at loggerheads with each other. But the attitudes expressed by Mr Maloney can only create such a division, and do nothing to help the Naturist image.

The nudist fraternity and the ultraconservative (prudish) elements of the christian church will achieve nothing by verbally abusing each other.

I read recently where moral-crusaders and nudists (in Townsville, Australia, I think it was) held a public debate to air their differences and misunderstandings. The result was a far better understanding for both parties involved.

More and more christians, instead of just condemning nudists, are making the effort to understand what you people are really on about. Many have been favourably impressed, and many have stayed around to enjoy the sun, the sea, the sauna, and the sensation of freedom - but still with caution. We are not unaware of "dangerous elements' but these people have infiltrated the church in an effort to destroy it. Those who still oppose "sun clubs" mainly need re-educating. So why don't you make an effort to improve mutual understanding by "moving half-way", by visiting different churches and making friends with some of the christians?

Many of us enjoy a good debate - we learn a lot from them. But remember, if you start throwing mud, you are only losing ground!

Yours faithfully,
R. Young

NEW ZEALAND CLUB DIRECTORY

The secretaries of these clubs will be pleased to hear from genuine inquirers. Please enclose return postage.

new zealand

naturist

No. 138 September 1991

The New Zealand Naturist is the Official Journal published quarterly by the New Zealand Nudist Federation Inc. Registered at the Chief Post Office Wellington as a magazine.

Editor:

Graeme Brown

Typesetting and Artwork by:

Ad Service, P.O. Box 22271, Otahuhu

Plates by:

Ellar Litho Graphics Ltd, East Tamaki

Printed by:

Aarkon Printing Ltd.
P.O. Box 38065, Howick

Distributed by:

Gordon and Gotch (NZ) Ltd

(Top)

AUSTRALIAN NUDIST CLUB DIRECTORY

This magazine is protected by copyright, no part of it may be reproduced. stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photographic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the editor.

In our desire to present different points of view we publish articles and letters which do not necessarily represent the opinion of the editor.

All correspondence should be addressed to:

P.O. Box 2925,
AUCKLAND.
NEW ZEALAND

General inquiries concerning nudism in New Zealand, or overseas, should be addressed to the:-

New Zealand
Nudist Federation Incorporated
P.O. Box 1359. Wellington.
NEW ZEALAND

President: June Campbell-Tong
Wellington 356-918

Applications for membership of clubs should be made direct to the club secretary (See Club Directory)
 

PHOTO CREDITS

G.E. Martin - F.C.

Doug Ball - I.F.C. P12, P13, P14

Jackie Caldwell - P4, P5

Graham Macgregor - P6, P11, P15, P23

Freddy Karstensen - P7, B.C.

Robbert Broekstra - P16, P17

Leif Heilberg - P18

STATE ASSOCIATIONS:

Nudist Association of Victoria,*

P.O. Box 313,
Reservoir, Vic. 3073

Nudist Association
of Queensland,*

P.O. Box 442,
Woodridge, Qld 4114.

NOTE: The clubs marked with an asterisk (*) above are affiliated with the Australian Nudist Federation.

DEADLINES FOR COPY

139 December 1991 - 1 October 1991

140 March 1992 - 30 January 1992

141 June 1992 - 20 April 1992

142 September 1992 - 15 July 1992