APRO Bulletin - 1962 01 00 - January

Magazine Overview

The A.P.R.O. BULLETIN - January 1962

This issue of the A.P.R.O. Bulletin, dated January 1962, is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) and is dedicated to the investigation of unidentified aerial objects. The publication addresses administrative matters, including a new procedure for dues reminders due to postal rate increases and an apology for publication delays caused by a backlog of work and personal issues.

Key Articles and Reports

Pilot Ground Crew, Observe Disc

This section details several significant sightings:

• Young Couple Terrified By Pursuing Lights: Mrs. Rhonda Du Bois of Westminster, California, reported an encounter on October 23, 1961, with flying lights between Datil and Pietown, New Mexico. A brilliant ball of light flashed across their car, disappeared, and reappeared, eventually splitting into four smaller lights that followed the car until it stopped.
• Discs Trail White Fibrous Stuff: Edwin Payne, a sheep-shearing contractor from Meeka-thara, Western Australia, reported seeing 12 white metal discs on August 6, 1961, which emitted a fine, snowy white mesh-like substance that crumbled upon touching. John Lee Steere collected samples.
• Pilot Waldo J. Harris Sighting: Civilian pilot Waldo J. Harris of Salt Lake City, Utah, observed a disc-shaped metallic UAO on October 3, 1961, while taking off from Utah Central Airport. He estimated its altitude at 6500-7000 feet. The object was gray with a mottled surface, shaped like two saucers. It moved south and hovered over Utah Lake before ascending rapidly out of sight. Harris maintained contact with air traffic control throughout the observation.
• Falling Objects? Wichita Falls Incident: On November 13, 1961, passersby in Wichita Falls, Texas, found a strange ball-shaped contraption that appeared to be wound with copper wire. It emitted a mysterious beep and had projections. The object was taken by Air Force personnel.
• Perry Photo-Film Flaw: Joe Perry's 'UFO Pictures' were examined by APRO's photo-analyst, John Hopf, who concluded they were a development flaw.

Editorial and Administrative Notes

The editorial section addresses the publication's delays, attributing them to the workload from selling 'The Great Flying Saucer Hoax' and a high volume of sightings. The organization plans to catch up by issuing two bulletins per envelope. They express gratitude for members' patience.

New Procedure

To mitigate the impact of increased first-class postal rates, APRO will use hectographed slips for dues reminders instead of postal cards. Members are urged to pay dues on time or remit promptly upon receiving a notice. The staff acknowledges occasional record-keeping errors and emphasizes their dedication despite difficult conditions.

Flying Furnace—New Zealand

On September 27, 1960, a woman in Invercargill, New Zealand, reported seeing a maneuvering UFO that appeared like a 'big flying furnace' and a saucer with a bowl underneath.

UFO Follows Truck—Argentina

Jose A. Fillipin reported an incident on January 10, 1962, near Catamarca, Argentina, where two bright lights followed his truck. Later, they observed a stationary, strange machine near a hillside. The object moved erratically when illuminated. Fillipin informed the police, and officers accompanied him to the site where a similar object descended and then took off.

Collector's Items Available

APRO offers back issues of its bulletin for sale at 15 cents per page, with the exception of Vol. 1, No. 1, which is out of print. A photo-copier is now available for reproducing these older issues.

Angel's Hair Fall—Nebraska, USA

On November 8, 1961, a pale, fibrous substance fell on Theodore Goff's farm in Chadron, Nebraska. The material draped over machinery. An Air Force investigative team was expected but did not arrive. Similar material was reported near Sandhills and in Georgia. APRO requests samples for analysis.

Boy Reports Disc

On November 2, 1961, an 8-year-old boy, Mark Simpson, and another boy reported seeing two saucers clamped together chased by a plane. The object was described as gray with a visible lid and possibly wheels on the bottom. It left at high speed.

Snail-Shaped Object—California

Melville Phillips of Lakeport, California, reported seeing a snail-shaped object with a long tail descending from the sky on October 9, 1961. It dropped near trees before accelerating and disappearing.

Floating Globes

This section features a letter from Hans Ludwig of New Jersey, detailing his observations of three symmetrical, hovering objects composed of concentric circles. He also reported finding blood-colored material on his car windshield later. Ludwig believes these are manifestations of extraterrestrial life and has hesitated to report to official authorities.

The New Guinea Sightings, Part IV

This extensive report by Rev. N. C. C. Cruttwell details sightings in Boianai, New Guinea, from June 26-28, 1959. Witnesses, including Fr. Gill, reported seeing a large UFO with figures appearing on its deck. They claimed to have exchanged signals with these figures by waving. Fr. Gill described the object as a disc with portholes and a shaft of blue light. The report also includes corroboration from Mr. Ernest Evenett, a trader who saw an elongated object with portholes and heard distinct noises. The Air Force's official explanation suggested planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, along with atmospheric conditions, might account for some observations, but did not address the main object with the men.

Pulsating Fireball

On October 5, 1958, Milford Vickman of Green Bay, Wisconsin, reported seeing a tear-drop shaped glowing object moving across the sky with a pulsating glow at 2 CPS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed witness accounts of UFO sightings, often including physical evidence like falling substances. The organization appears to maintain a neutral stance, presenting reports without subscribing to specific theories about the origin of the objects, as exemplified by Fr. Gill's cautious approach. The editorial staff emphasizes their dedication to investigating these phenomena despite challenging circumstances and limited resources. The publication also highlights the importance of corroborating evidence and detailed analysis, as seen in the examination of photographs and the request for physical samples. The issue reflects a commitment to documenting a wide range of UFO-related events and encouraging member participation and understanding.