STARK NUDE.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1923, Page 10

STARK NUDE.

A BATHER ENJOYS HIMSELF. SUNBATH WHICH COST £5. Semi-nudity on Milford beach led to William Stark appearing in the Auckland Police Court (relates the Star). On the beach only the lower portion ot his costume had covered him from the hips down. The borough inspector did his duty, and requested that Stark should make himself less nude. The semi-stark one did not oblige, but intimated that his name was Stark, mentioned his address, and went on with the business of luxuriating.

“If they had lady pugilists stripped to the waist that would be indecent,’’ observed Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M. The magistrate then delivered himself of the following story: A man went to a dinner and his wife afterwards asked him if he had noted what Airs. So-and-So had been wearing. No, lie had not noticed. Oh, that was just like a man, declared the wife. Men never see anything. “Well, I couldn't see what she was wearing, and I wasn’t going to look under the table to find out!” returned the husband. (Loud laughter.)

His Worship followed this up with the observation that what might be considered aeemely in some places might not be considered so elsewhere. It was common knowledge that certain leaders of the fashionable world of society had incurred the displeasure of ecclesiastical authorities by almost going over the borderline with low-cut frocks. Now, if Milford Beach were to be known as a place where young women could dress and undress in public there would, His Worship thought, be a great rush for that beach. It would be the most popular beach in Auckland. (Laughter.) One could not say what would happen if sun baths were allowed to be indulged in, as well as other baths. Bathers must be sufficiently clothed. Defendant would be convicted and ordered to pay costs and expenses, totalling £5 14s.