A STRANGE CULT

Evening Star, Issue 23352, 23 August 1939, Page 13

A STRANGE CULT

GYNNOSOPHY WANES IN DUNEDIN KjUT LEADER ROLLS IN SNOW Despite tie rigours of the season there still exists a small clique in Dunedin who remain true to their beliefs of the virtue of gymnosophy. In olden times, and perhaps, more recently, in warmer climates, they would be termed sun-worshippers, but those who frolic about in the nude this weather could hardly be termed that, for old Sol has not been doing his job for quite a while now. Two or three seasons ago a small nudist club was formed in Dunedin. Its driving force is a man whose ideals are of the highest. Hailing from a colder climate than ours, he scorns the rain and snow, and white there was a falling off of devotees during the past few months, this disciple of gymnosophy has strictly adhered to a routine laid down many years ago. Talking to a ‘ Star ' reporter this morning, he stated the snow of last month melted the ideals of quite a few. They were not prepared to face the rigours of the cold, nor to trek out to their usual haunt, to exercise their bodies in the only clothing the good Lord gave them—their bare skins. It did not trouble him, however, he said. He went out and rolled briskly in the snow,. and he was firmly of the belief it was good for tie body. He had been doing it ever since he was 10 years of age. and he never felt better in his life. There was nothing wrong with sun bathing in the nude, he said. It was simply a question of mental outlook, but from a health point of view there was nothing better. There were many things militating against the advancement of his club, the originator of the movement said, the'chief of which was lack of funds. They had grounds, but they were not as suitable as might be desired, and lacked water for bathing purposes. Dressing sheds and other conveniences were also necessary, he added, but he hoped the movement would spread.

In Christchurch there was a club operating, he added. He did not know its numerical strength, but it was fairly well established, as it had become affiliated, or registered, with some * sun association ’ in England, apparently the parent body for all nude sun bathers.

This Dunedin devotee pointed out it was not essential to have the sun to exercise in the nude. The tendency nowadays was to wear too many clothes, but it was quite an easy matter to get used to wearing less. Without the sun, though, it was essential to exercise vigorously.