Alternate Horizons Newsletter - Vol 4 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Alternate Horizons Newsletter
Volume: Four
Issue: Number Two
Date: August, 1969 (cover date)
Publisher: The Foundation for Philosophic Advancement
Editor: Allen H. Greenfield

This issue of the Alternate Horizons Newsletter, dated August 1969, features a cover illustration by Glen Brock and delves into reports of anomalous phenomena, primarily focusing on alleged light phenomena in North Carolina and mysterious circles in New Zealand.

Information Related to Brown Mountain, North Carolina

Allen H. Greenfield reports on his investigations into the alleged light phenomena associated with Brown Mountain, North Carolina. He references several books that document these occurrences, including "The Books of Charles Fort" and "The Brown Mountain Lights." Greenfield details two field trips he made to the area: one in December 1968 with James W. Moseley and Timothy Green Beckley, and another in August 1969 with Mr. and Mrs. Eugene R. Steinberg. During these trips, he contacted individuals with alleged personal experiences and visited a local newspaper office in Morganton for research.

Greenfield obtained an alleged photograph of the light phenomena and several taped interviews during his August 1969 visit. He also met with local contactee Ralph I. Lael, with whom he conducted a taped interview. Greenfield acknowledges that some indications suggest the lights could be natural phenomena, possibly related to natural gases indigenous to the area, or aggravated by a "growing legend" and man-made lights. However, he notes that this hypothesis is not conclusively confirmed and recommends expert consultation on the natural gases hypothesis. He also suggests an expedition for close-up viewing, cautioning about potential obstacles such as poisonous snakes, rough terrain, property trespassing, and large wild animals, as well as personal reservations about the nonconventional nature of the phenomena.

Greenfield also references a letter he sent to Mr. Dennis Stamey on December 10, 1969, suggesting that Lael's experience might be only tenuously connected with the lights, and vice versa. He concludes that further research is recommended and profitable.

More Information on New Zealand

This section provides additional material related to alleged strange phenomena in New Zealand, following up on a previous article. The content is largely reprinted from "UFO Bulletin," a publication of the Auckland University UFO Research Group.

The Ngatea Circle

This case involves a mysterious circle investigated by group members from Auckland after hearing about it on the radio. The circle, approximately one mile south-west of Ngatea, was found on a run-off owned by Mr. B.G. O'Neil. Mr. O'Neil had noticed whitened tops of nearby tea-tree trees weeks before, but not the circle itself until about a week prior. The circle was about a 56ft diameter, with the tea-tree dead but standing, dry, and white. The burn was described as uniform and not typical of a heat burn or weedkiller. The stems were not twisted, as they would be if sprayed with weedkiller.

The area outside the circle showed only the tops of tea-tree bleached. In the middle of the burnt circle were three equidistant depressions, forming an imaginary triangle. Two of these depressions had furrows radiating out in a V-shape, and the third had one furrow. The depressions were about two feet across and 8 inches deep. The article speculates that if something landed there, it must have had legs.

A crude radiography test for radioactivity in one depression and in the middle of the triangle proved negative. Soil and scrub samples were taken, and a piece of tea-tree was submitted to a gamma spectrum test, which also proved negative. The article notes that news broke of abnormal radiation detected in samples taken by field helpers Messrs. H. Cooke and P. Scantlebury, and horticulturist Mr. J.A.B. Stuart-Menzies, in Tauranga. The soil samples were to be tested, with results to be found on the back page (not included in this scan).

A sighting of a glow in the general area of the circle by a farmer six weeks prior was under investigation.

The "Stop Press" at the bottom of page 6 of UFO Bulletin stated that the soil analysis results were also negative.

Communication from AUUFORG

Brian C. Musker, Secretary of AUUFORG, responded to a letter sent to Tony Brunt, president of the UFO Research Group. Musker's letter stated that the Newsletter would contain information on the mysterious circles, and that the Ngatea mystery was the most publicized, though their findings did not entirely agree with others eager to believe it was caused by an extraterrestrial vehicle.

Musker noted that the Ngatea case, while publicized, was not the most significant, with a report from near Te Kuiti considered more outstanding. He stated that out of about seven reports of 'mysterious' circles, most could be considered as relating to a natural phenomenon.

Note from Claude Elmes

Claude Elmes provided a note dated February 2, 1970, regarding the Ngatea phenomenon. He mentioned that according to the government, New Zealand is unique in having insects that attack plant growth in a circular motion. Elmes noted that while Ngatea and Rotorua were mentioned, many such circles were found in the northern half of the North Island. He suggested that people saw UFOs or mystery aerial objects in the vicinity, but governments would be reluctant to admit extraterrestrial landings.

Elmes also pointed out that the reports coincided with a general election, making it politically sensitive for any party to admit to potential alien visitors.

He mentioned that a circle was discovered at TeKuiti by a farmer, which was less than 24 hours old, but no government department would investigate. The Department of Scientific Industries Research (DSIR), which investigated Ngatea, concluded either weed killer or fungus were responsible for these phenomena, which affected farmland across upper NZ in a short period.

The TeKuiti Circle

The TeKuiti circle was described as having blackened water plants in a 15-foot circle, with the ground below appearing burned and pressed down in a spiral pattern. Animals that used the site as a water hole refused to go near, and insects, ducks, and frogs disappeared. The farmer experienced severe headaches for several days. The circle appeared between Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th. The DSIR, government, and Wellington University research reportedly passed up this opportunity for investigation.

Other New Zealand Circles

Some circles found in other areas were described as simple circles in the grass, but the Ngatea and Te Kuiti circles were considered perfect examples of possible landings.

Mr. O'Neil's Observations

Mr. O'Neil stated that the dead section had not been sprayed, as the plant stems would be twisted if that were the case. He also noted that he had done a lot of pig-hunting and could read signs well, but saw no markings on his property. He recalled a similar find in Sydney where children discovered a flattened circle of reeds in a swamp, and found his spot on the farm to be almost identical. He admitted that he used to not believe in flying saucers but was no longer sure.

Followed Car Incident

Earlier in the year, less than 20 miles from Mr. O'Neil's farm, a young man driving at night was reportedly paralyzed with fear when a bright hovering object, described as intense white and oval-shaped, began following his car. The object followed for several miles before disappearing at high speed over nearby hills. The man was later treated for intense shock.

Hunters' Encounter

Several months later, two hunters returning home at night in the same area were frightened when a huge shining object approached their truck. Their vehicle stalled, and the truck's lighting system failed. The object hovered for several minutes before vanishing. As soon as it disappeared, the truck lights came back on, and they were able to start the motor.

No Explanation

Mr. O'Neil stated there had been no stock in the area for at least a year and he hadn't been there himself for at least six months. He acknowledged a logical explanation might exist but expressed doubt about flying saucers not existing. He confirmed no weed spraying had occurred for miles and there was no sign of scrub blight. Although the scrub was not scorched, it had withered and died completely, with thick branches dry of sap, while the undergrowth of moss and rushes remained unaffected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and ground traces, with a focus on both North American and New Zealand cases. The editorial stance, as represented by Allen H. Greenfield, appears to be one of cautious inquiry, encouraging further research and expert consultation while acknowledging the possibility of natural explanations. There is a clear interest in documenting witness accounts and physical evidence, even when official investigations are perceived as dismissive or incomplete. The newsletter highlights the challenges in obtaining official acknowledgment of potentially extraterrestrial activity, suggesting government reluctance to admit such findings.