Unclothed "Cult."

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 10 August 1932, Page 8

Unclothed "Cult."

Spread op new Creed

"True modesty begins when the last rag of clothing has left the human body." That is the creed of the middle-aged men and rather fat, matronly women, who have combined in an extreme back-to-nature movement, according to the magazine "Nudist," which they have just issued.

The magazine states that the growth of the unclothed cult in New York has been rapid since it crossed the Russian Riviera, the coast of the Crimea, swept through Germany, and was pioneered in the United States. Professional "nudists" boast that they will make a test Gourt case of the recent raid on a "nude" studio, and in the event of victory will begin a great membership drive. According to the magazine, nothing very startling goes on at "cult" meetings.

Men and women troop forth in gymnasium suits, and for half an hour engage energetically in throwing hand-balls about or playing leap-frog. This removes any remnants of selfconsciousness. A whistle blows : doors are locked; the class disappears, to return a moment later unhampered by any vestige of clothing. A group where some are partly dressed is regarded as demoralising and embarrassing.

There is an "outlaw" or left-wing branch of the nudists who practice nudism without the benefit of sunlight or fresh air.