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01/12/2007: "AUST SKINDIVERS MAG ...... Our Saumarez Reef report"

January 1965 issue. Caption for cover:"Bob Grounds of NSW could hardly believe his eyes and no wonder, for this giant wrasse could be a world record as well as a new Australian record. (The photos were taken at night by Ron Taylor due to the shark menace during the day on which it was speared).

During 1950's to 1970, the original Australian Skindivers Magazine - (a voice of the national spear fishing association) published the evolution of underwater adventures.

Originally called USFA - it was a grand era. (Underwater Skin divers and Fisherman's Association). Later renamed AUF, (Australian Underwater Federation).

The scuba division was always small. The AUF was largely a spear fishing association apart from swimming pool stunts called underwater hockey.

Fish 'photography competitions' sought to add an alternative to spearing fish.

Blue water pelagic fish hunting was years into the future.

in 1965 the mood at meetings seemed similar to that of a trade union.

The actual spear fishing competitions failed to change their basic theme fast enough to keep up with the conservation movement.

Membership dwindled while retail shop scuba diving instruction became increasingly popular with the intro of PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors (the original overseas title).

The spearing clubs politics proved a stepping stone for at least one diver - Marshall Perron the future Treasurer and later Chief Minister of the Northern Territory.