Bikini Patrol If Girls Willing

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31236, 7 December 1966, Page 22

Bikini Patrol If Girls Willing

<s’2. Press Assoctaftoh)

AUCKLAND, Dec. 6. The executive of the Takapuna Businessmen’s Association resolved tonight to employ bikini-clad meter maids for two weeks before Christmas.

The executive has not changed its mind in spite of criticism. If the maids did not appear in Takapuna on Monday morning it would probably be because •‘the premature and immature outcry against the proposal has spoilt our chances of engaging girls to meet the high

standards the committee has set,” the executive said. “This association has come in for considerable criticism and even personal abuse regarding the meter maids proposal,” the executive said.

“The reason for this venture was primarily to save busy shoppers at this particularly trying time, the embarrassment and expense of parking tickets, and to publicise Takapuna's beautiful beach as well as our pleasant and informal shopping area. “This criticism is hardly surprising when it is realised that our loudest critics are not in possession of the full facts and have not bothered to find out the age of girls who will be employed, the

type of outfit they will wear, and rules they will have to observe.

“In point of fact the girls will be far more adequately clothed than our critics obviously expect “They will work together and will be expected to maintain a very high standard of dignity and behaviour. “They will wear a cape covering shoulders and back and falling loosely at the sides.

“The outcry is even more surprising when we remember the red carpet welcome extended to the girl from Surfers’ Paradise when she visited New Zealand.

“Takapuna at Christmas time has a holiday atmosphere

and bathing dress is commonplace on the street.

“The bikini is universally accepted as beach wear and with the accessories the meter girls will wear should be no more ‘immoral and obscene’ than many summer frocks.

“The rather strong language used by some people in condemning this project could be considered more out of place than the anticipated spectacle.

“This association is still not satisfied that the objections are representative of a cross-section of the community as evidenced by television interviews. “The executive has not changed its mind regarding the employment of these meter maids but will proceed with the proposal.”