Story: Athletics

Indecent exposure

Indecent exposure

In 1892 the new enthusiasm for athletics led to a small scandal in Auckland. Male athletes were in the habit of changing under the trees before and after training in the Auckland Domain. Two were observed and arrested after a woman complained at their nakedness. They were charged with indecent exposure. The judge found Henry Goldwater and Stephen Murphy not guilty, but told them they should not be running on the sabbath (Sunday) as it was a day of rest.

Using this item

National Library of New Zealand, Papers Past
Reference: Observer, 12 March 1892, p. 13

Permission of the National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

David Colquhoun, 'Athletics - Beginnings', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/cartoon/39925/indecent-exposure (accessed 29 April 2024)

Story by David Colquhoun, published 5 Sep 2013, updated 20 Sep 2016