NEXT DOOR TO NUDISM?

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22339, 1 March 1938, Page 8

NEXT DOOR TO NUDISM?

bathing suits at NEW BRIGHTON STRONG COMPLAINT BY COUNCILLOR MOTION TO SEEK POLICE-rjV| DECLINED

The degree of brevity of bathing suits worn by sun-bathers in New Brighton’s streets provoked a conncilior to protest at last night s meet* ing of the New Brighton Borough Council. The borough was getting next door to a nudist colony, he claimed. People were parading the streets and going into shops in costumes which transgressed the bylaws, and he suggested that the police take action. The discussion was opened and the complaint made by Cr. H. Ardern, who spoke at some length on bathing costumes in the borough. But, although it was finally decided to refer the matter to the by-laws committee, with power—and discretion —to act, it was obvious from the discussion that Cr. Ardern’s views both on bathing costumes and the advisability of the council seeking police aid were not shared by the council generally. Cr. A. W. Owles characterised the complaint as “tommy-rot,” and other councillors, regretting that the subject had been broached in open meeting, indicated that the newspapers would seize on the discussion with glee, and the borough would get most undesirable publicity. ? “Just a Pair of Shorts” Cr. Ardern began by saying that he thought it was time some notice was taken of the bathing costumes worn in the borough streets. Some people were walking through the borough wearing just a pair Of shorts. , „ , “It ought to be stopped,” he continued. “The place is next door to a nudist colony.” Cr, Owles: They’re getting m training. . Cr. Ardern continued that these costumes cut low, and the trunks, were to be seen worn in the mam street and up and down Hawke street, and everywhere. Surely the council had a by-law on the subject- i . Dr. W. T. Glasgow, who was acting as Mayor at the meeting, said that the by-law amended last year provided that west of the western boundary of the Esplanade bathers should be covered from the shoulders to the thighs. In a general discussion that followed, it was stated that the by-law had really been made because of the costumes, some girls had wOfxi going into shops. There was general agreement that such costumes all right on the beach, but elwKk people had complained of theyOtj’ the streets. Appeal to Police Opposed Dr. Glasgow, who said that the wishes of the elderly people had to be respected, added that the by-law was a little hard on residents who lived near the beach, and just had a little distance to run to the water. When Cr. Ardern suggested that the police take action, several councillors demurred, but Cr. Ardent maintained his attitude. Two girls had been seen parading down the Esplanade in costumes which were objected to, he said. Cr. C. V. Lester dissociated himself from the whole discussion by saying that he thought it unwise for the council to pass any resolution at all, or to give the matter any publicity. He was sorry the discussion had been in open meeting. One of these days, Cr. Lester continued, the police would catch someone who had enough money to defend the case, and then it would be found that the by-law would not hold. The most scathing comment on the debate was introduced by Cr. A- w. Owles, a former Mayor, who is m his ninety-first year. He said he was sick and tired of talk about bathing suits at New Brighton. “We an know what’s inside them anyway, he said. “I think this is all tommyrot.”

Cr. W. P. Nolan said the subject was one best left to the common sense of bathers themselves. It was not a question the council should discuss.

Cr. Lester: And it will reduce the popularity of the beach. Cr. Ardern’s resolution that the police should be asked to help did not find a seconder, and the council hurriedly passed a further motion that the subject be referred to the by-laws committee with power—and discretion—to act.