Australian Saucer Record - Vol 01 No 03 - 1955

Magazine Overview

Title: AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 3
Date: Third Quarter, 1955
Publisher: The Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (A.F.S.R.S.)
Country: Australia
Price: 2/-

This issue of the "Australian Saucer Record" delves into various aspects of the flying saucer phenomenon, with a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and the potential for astral projection as an explanation for some reported experiences. The publication serves as the official organ of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society, providing news, analysis, and discussions for its members and the wider public.

Editorial: Out of This World - Or Is It?

The editorial, titled "OUT OF THIS WORLD - OR IS IT?", questions the literal interpretation of claims of space travel to other planets. It posits that there is no material evidence to support any Earthling having left the stratosphere in their physical body. While acknowledging that stories of Venusian husbands and invitations to the Moon might be dismissed as sensationalism, the editorial suggests that a scientific investigation is required. It uses the case of Mrs. Howard as an example, suggesting that her experience, if explained as a dream or vision, becomes comprehensible. The editorial proposes that these experiences might bridge the gap between everyday reality and the fantastic, hinting at the concept of astral travel.

Astral Projection vs. Physical Space Travel

The magazine explores the idea that many reported space travel experiences are not physical journeys but rather involve the astral body. Stories like that of Orfeo Angelucci, who claimed to be carried up in a ball of light, are discussed. The A.F.S.R.S. has investigated similar cases, including one in South Australia involving a "ball of light" that was interpreted as a trip to Venus. The core argument is that the physical body never leaves Earth; instead, it enters a trance-like state, possibly induced by hypnosis, allowing the astral body to wander. This state is compared to dreaming, but with the added element of physical sensations being present, making the experience feel real to the subject. The difficulty in convincing a subject that their body has not moved is highlighted as a reason why individuals might sincerely believe they have visited other planets. The article notes that these experiences often lead the student of UFOs into contact with aspects of the occult, ranging from mysterious figures to theories about an "Etherian world."

Publication Problems and Editorial Policy

This section addresses the challenges of publishing the "Record" in printed form. Due to circulation limitations, the society has returned to a duplicated format to keep costs down while maintaining a comparable size and quality to printed magazines. The editors express hope that readers approve of this decision and welcome comments and criticisms. Their aim is to keep readers informed about the latest developments in the saucer story, both in Australia and internationally.

A.F.S.R.S. Affairs

Meeting Place Change: The June General Meeting announced a change in the regular meeting place to the Rechabite Chambers in Victoria Square, Adelaide. Meetings are now held on the first Friday of each month.

Address on Space Travel: Mr. K. Cartwright gave an address on the limitations of space travel, detailing the mechanical, physical, and financial challenges that must be overcome for projected space travel.

Apex Club Dinners: Two members of the Committee addressed dinner meetings of Apex Clubs in Gawler and Adelaide, discussing flying saucers and answering pertinent questions from the members. The addresses were well-received.

Social Club Meeting: The Hon. President and Hon. Secretary, with assistance from Mr. Ross Bartholomew, conducted a discussion on flying saucers at a meeting of the Adermina Social Club.

Saucer Detector Demonstration: Mr. A. Cartwright demonstrated a practical device for detecting magnetic fields caused by saucers. The device uses a magnet suspended above another, which falls when an external magnetic field is present.

"War of the Worlds" Screening

The Committee was invited to a screening of the film "War of the Worlds" at the Majestic Theatre, Adelaide. While finding the film entertaining and well-produced, the article critiques its premise of a hostile Martian invasion. It argues that modern understanding suggests that any inhabitants of neighboring planets would likely be of a higher spiritual development and would not engage in such destructive behavior.

Discussion Groups

Discussion group meetings have become a regular activity. Meetings for members in the Southern suburbs were held at Mrs. Neill's home on the fourth Friday of each month, while Northern suburbs meetings took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. K. Cartwright on the third Friday of each month.

Bogus Saucer Investigators

The Hon. Secretary reported on individuals claiming to represent the Society in investigations. Members are urged to ask for official Membership Cards before providing information. The A.F.S.R.S. cannot be responsible for investigators whose credentials have not been verified.

Inside Information and Overseas Magazines

A regular item at monthly meetings is the "Inside Information Session," where recent saucer news from overseas is shared. The Society also facilitates the ordering of overseas saucer magazines such as "Flying Saucer News," "Uranus," "Flying Saucers" (New Zealand), "C.R.I.F.O Newsletter" (U.S.A.), and "The Virena" (U.S.A.), priced at approximately 2/- to 2/6d. per copy.

Hon. President's Address: Satellites, Spaceships, and Saucers

The Hon. President commented on recent reports of artificial satellites and rocket projects. He contrasted the speeds of projected rocket ships (around 2,000 m.p.h.) with the proved speeds of UFOs (10-20,000 m.p.h.). He questioned the sudden global urgency for space research, pondering if it was a strategy of war or if governments were concerned about visitors from space. The President argued that the performance of proposed spacecraft fell far short of UFO capabilities, suggesting that "Saucerians" had mastered a superior propulsion secret. He raised the possibility that governments might be anxious to understand potential alien visitors.

Letters and Appeals

Mr. H.T. Wilkins Writes to A.F.S.R.S. Member: A letter from Ms. S. Andersen includes a reply from Harold T. Wilkins, author of "Flying Saucers on the Moon." Wilkins suggests that sightings like Ms. Andersen's involve a "radiating an outer force ring" possibly derived from Earth's magnetic field. He believes these phenomena are being watched globally and mentions that his forthcoming book will feature Australian saucer incidents. He speculates that these craft might come from "more than one world in space" and could be manned by varied entities, not all necessarily human.

Appeal for Cuttings: The Society appeals to members and friends to send newspaper and magazine cuttings of saucer sightings. These are valuable for exchange with other organizations worldwide. Cuttings should be marked with the newspaper name and date.

Scientific Sighting: Accurate Observation Techniques

This article stresses the importance of accurate observation for UFO investigations. It highlights that a large number of sightings (over 10,000 since 1947) have lost value due to untrained observers. Key details for scientific observation include compass bearing, height, time, weather conditions, and a precise description of the object. The article explains that estimating the size and distance of an unknown object is difficult. It advises against vague descriptions like "size of an orange" and suggests using apparent size estimation, comparing it to known objects or using degrees. It also details methods for accurate range estimation using cross-bearings from multiple observers and a technique involving lining up the object with a permanent marker.

Book Reviews

"Aboard a Flying Saucer" by Truman Bethurum: This book is described as puzzling, with Bethurum's sincerity evident but his details about "saucer people," their ideas, and their home planet (Clarion) being scientifically unacceptable. The review critiques the idea of Clarion hiding behind the Moon and questions the astronomical principles presented. It suggests that Bethurum's experiences might be better explained as contact with spirit people rather than extraterrestrial beings.

"Flying Saucers and Commonsense" by Haveney Girvan: This book is praised for its balanced approach, avoiding sensationalism while effectively critiquing "professional sceptics." It is noted for tying up loose ends and presenting a logical argument. The review highlights that the book is subjective, drawing on Girvan's personal saucer history, but is valuable for its insights into the publication of other saucer books.

• A Beginner's Guide to Saucer Books: This section provides a brief guide for newcomers to the subject, recommending books available through the A.F.S.R.S. library. Books mentioned include:
• "BEHIND THE F.S." by Frank Scully: Described as a racy and readable early saucer book, focusing on magnetic propulsion.
• "THE RIDDLE OF THE F.S." by Gerald Heard: Speculative, proposing a theory of intelligent insects controlling saucers.
• "F.S. HAVE LANDED" by Desmond Leslie and George Adamski: Covers UFO research from prehistory and Adamski's encounter with a Venusian.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the need for scientific investigation into UFO phenomena. There is a recurring theme that many reported encounters might be explained through non-physical means, such as astral projection, rather than literal space travel. The A.F.S.R.S. positions itself as a source of credible information, distinguishing itself from sensationalism and "bogus investigators." The editorial stance leans towards a rational, albeit open-minded, approach to the subject, encouraging critical thinking and evidence-based analysis while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the potential for unknown phenomena. The magazine also highlights the society's activities and its role in disseminating information within Australia and internationally.

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, Volume 2, Issue 21, dated July 1955, is published by the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. The magazine focuses on UFO sightings, book reviews related to the phenomenon, and updates on the society's activities.

Book Reviews

The issue begins with reviews of several books on flying saucers:

• "T.S. FROM OUTER SPACE" is described as factual, drawing material from the U.S. Air Force, and suggesting something is flying at high speeds.
• "F.S. FROM MARS" by Cedric Allingham recounts a meeting with a man from Mars who landed in a saucer, presented in a matter-of-fact manner.
• "SPACE, GRAVITY, AND THE F.S." by Leonard Cramp discusses theories of propulsion and gravity, appealing to technically-minded readers.
• "F.S. ON THE MOON" by H.T. Wilkins is a comprehensive work detailing numerous case histories of sightings.
• "FLIING SAUCERS" by Dr. D. Menzel offers a scientific explanation for many sightings, though it cannot account for about ten to twenty percent of them.
• "THE MYSTERY OF THE F.S. IN THE LIGHT OF THE BIILE" by Gordon Lindsay explores the subject from a religious perspective.
• "ABOARD A F.S." is Truman Bethurum's account of his encounter with a saucer and its woman captain from the planet Clarion.
• "F.S. AND COMMONSENSE" by Waveney Girvan argues for the acceptance of saucers, challenging skeptics.

The magazine also lists several other books on saucers that have been ordered for the Library, including works by Kenneth Arnold, Orfeo Angelucci, George Adamski, M.K. Jessup, Jimmy Guieu, J. Plantier, Daniel W. Fry, Frank Scully, Dr. Franklin Thomas, Williamson & Bailey, G.W. Van Tassel, and Donald Keyhoe.

South Australian Sightings

The magazine reports on several sightings in South Australia:

• Moving Light North of Adelaide: On January 11, 1955, Mr. I. Whell reported a reddish, star-sized moving light in the North-Eastern sky that moved downwards and hovered.
• Schoolgirls See Rectangular Object: On May 11, 1955, near Adelaide, a bright, silvery blue object, described as rectangular, was seen moving South.
• Blue Globe at Rosewater: On June 14, 1955, an object described as a 'light globe' with a sharp, light blue outline moved linearly downwards.
• Object Seen Twice: On June 17, 1955, Mr. J. McIntyre saw a shiny object, like a large star, which later appeared oblong with two points of brightness.
• Boys Sightings at Edwardstown: On June 30, 1955, several boys reported seeing a round object with a dome, described as grey and possibly circling.
• Similar Object Seen Again: On July 1, 1955, the same boys reported seeing a similar object, described as slightly fuzzy or blurred, moving from North-East to South-West.
• Brilliant Stationary Object: Between 6:35 and 6:40 p.m. on July 24, 1955, an observer at Semaphore saw a 'tremendous star, silvery bright' that appeared stationary.
• "Identified Flying Object" Case: On July 24, 1955, near Glenelg, Constable Bird and Mr. F.W. Rooney witnessed an object initially shaped like a banana, which split into two lights. This sighting was later attributed to two passenger aircraft landing at West Beach Airport.
• Another "Identified" Case: On July 27, 1955, Mrs. I.S. Stewart reported a flat object with lights on either side, described as different from a plane. This was also suggested to be landing lights of an aircraft reflected on clouds.

International Reports and Press Digest

The issue includes reports from "The Times" (London) regarding:

• A Portuguese Air Lines aircraft crew sighting a long cigar-like object without wings on May 20, 1955.
• A discussion on May 28, 1955, about a possible balloon explanation for a cigar-shaped object sighted by an airliner crew.

A press digest includes a report from "Evening News" (London) dated May 24, 1955, questioning the Air Ministry's inquiry into flying saucers and whether its findings would be published. It notes that while 95% of sightings are attributed to natural origins, the remaining 5% remain unexplained.

Society Activities and Publications

• The Australian Flying Saucer Bureau (A.F.S.B.) has ceased to operate due to the Director's personal reasons. A New South Wales branch of the A.F.S.R.S. is being formed.
• The A.F.S.R.S. Library is available to members, offering book borrowing services. Members are also invited to loan suitable books.
• Publications Received by the society are listed, including newsletters and journals from various UFO research organizations in the U.S.A., New Zealand, and England.

Editorial Stance

The Australian Flying Saucer Research Society aims to investigate and encourage research into flying saucers and interplanetary phenomena, evaluating reports intelligently and disseminating information. Membership is open to all interested individuals. The Editor invites letters on any aspect of the subject. Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Society. The "Australian Saucer Record" is published by the Society, and its contents may be reproduced by similar non-profit organizations with acknowledgment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, the critical review of literature on the subject, and the organizational efforts of UFO research societies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, encouraging the reporting of sightings while also critically examining explanations, including those provided by official bodies like the Air Ministry. There is a clear effort to present both detailed accounts of alleged sightings and to contextualize them with existing theories and debunking efforts, while maintaining a commitment to further research.