Australian Saucer Record - Vol 02 No 01 - 1956

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, Volume 2, Number 1, published in the First Quarter of 1956, is the official organ of The Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (A.F.S.R.S.). The cover features a stylized map of Australia with the magazine's title, a depiction of a flying saucer over mountains and a pyramid, and the price of 2/-

Editorial: Fantasy and Fact

The editorial, titled "FANTASY AND FACT," addresses the nature of UFO literature and research. It acknowledges that initial reactions to strange reports of spacecraft and their occupants might be to dismiss them as "rubbish." However, the editorial argues that the weight of evidence sometimes compels researchers to study even improbable cases. It highlights the human tendency to measure the unknown against our own conceptions, rather than considering that we might be dealing with phenomena "out of this world." The piece encourages an open mind, citing examples like reports of small beings (three or four feet high), drawing parallels to human pygmy tribes and Masai people, and reports of hairy, animal-like creatures performing manual labor, suggesting they could be trained beings. It also mentions the more "weird and fantastic" reports that require further investigation as evidence emerges. The editorial references Professor Oberth, a scientist who believed in extraterrestrial life forms dissimilar to humans, and notes his declaration as a UFO believer. The society's stance is to generally take an opposite view but not to ignore any case, awaiting future revelations. It concludes by reminding readers that the "Great Architect" may have designs beyond human imagination.

A.F.S.R.S. Affairs

Conditions on Other Planets

This section reports on an address given by the Hon. Secretary at the December meeting on "Living Conditions on Other Planets." The speaker assumed, based on suggestions from various sources, that some planets are inhabited and proceeded to examine scientific evidence. Mercury was described as airless with extreme temperatures, though a twilight zone might be tolerable. Venus was considered possibly habitable beneath its cloud layer. Mars was noted to have a thin atmosphere, and its lower gravity might make a thinner atmosphere habitable for evolved humanoids. The four giant planets appeared to have ammonia and methane atmospheres, with potential habitability despite distance from the sun due to their size, though their high gravity was a drawback. Evidence suggested possible bases on the Moon, where life could exist in sealed cities, and on other satellites in the solar system, which could be the origin of claims from beings from Saturn or Jupiter.

January Recess

The Society observed a recess during January and the Christmas holidays, with no General Meeting held in January. However, behind-the-scenes activity continued, notably the arrival of George Adamski's new book, "Inside the Space Ships."

Address by C.S.I. President

Harold Fulton, President of Civilian Saucer Investigation (New Zealand), provided a tape recording of an address given to personnel at Whenuapai Air Force Station. This recording, with additional material for the A.F.S.R.S., was played at the February General Meeting. Mr. Fulton commented on a press statement by Mr. Quarles about flying saucers being real, suggesting that if it were true, there would be no seats left for the audience. He emphasized that subjects without factual basis should not be presented as truth. Fulton, who had been studying the subject for nine years and was in liaison with international investigators, believed they had comprehensive coverage. He noted that while experts were accepted, single voices without authority struggled. He observed a continuous conversion of people to the belief that "something in flying saucers" existed, with few disbelievers.

Referring to Donald Keyhoe's books and official denials, Fulton alleged a high-level, international conspiracy. He stated that while radar reports were once scarce, there were now numerous spectacular radar reports confirming the existence of these phenomena. He discussed Keyhoe's book "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy," asserting it substantiated suspicions that UFOs are interplanetary. The book reportedly contained findings from Mount Palomar Observatory about a "moon bridge" being artificial steel, and Dr. Slipher's conviction that Martian canals were artificial waterways with vegetation.

Address to Young Men's Society

Committee members attended a meeting of the Col. Light Gardens branch of the Catholic Young Men's Society on February 9th. The Hon. President, Hon. Secretary, and Mr. J. Eushell spoke about the A.F.S.R.S. and the general saucer situation.

Membership of the A.F.S.R.S.

Membership is open to all interested in flying saucers. Interstate membership is available, except for New South Wales, which has its own branch in Sydney. Overseas membership is also offered. Membership fees effective from January 1, 1956, were: £1/1/- Australian for Australia (all States), 16/- Sterling for the Sterling Area, and S/2.00 for the U.S.A. and Canada. The membership fee includes a free subscription to the "Record," posted free to Interstate members. The "Record" is also available to non-members via postal subscription at rates provided. Postal notes should be made payable at Adelaide Post Office. The "Record" is published quarterly.

Do Saucers Have Bases on Earth?

This article by Andrew Tomas presents the author's conviction, based on twenty-five years of living in the Far East, that interplanetary craft have bases in Asia. This conclusion is drawn from studying Chinese and Tibetan lore, including Desmond Leslie's mention of "Venusian Kumaras" and the myth of Shambhala, the City of Cosmic Men. Tomas recounts meeting master-painter Nicholas Roerich in Shanghai in 1935, who had previously seen a saucer in the Kok-nor desert. Donald Keyhoe is cited as calling this the last sighting before World War 2, with its factual character described in Roerich's 1921 book. Harold Wilkins' "Flying Saucers on the Moon" also refers to this sighting. Roerich's writings mention "white frontier posts" of Shambhala, leading Tomas to question if the Shambhala legend points to an interplanetary base in unexplored Asia. Roerich's inquiry to a lama about new energies for humanity and the lama's reply about "innumerable great things" and "flying steel beds" and "iron serpents" are quoted.

According to Taoist writings, the "Perfect Man" (Chen Jen) can fly and travel between planets. Shen Ye (Divine Archer) is depicted riding a celestial bird, seemingly unaffected by the sun's rotation. The Shoo-King, a historical record of China, contains a passage about the Miao-Tse people and a command to "CUT AWAY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH," implying a cessation of travel between realms. Tomas suggests contemporary "brigands" working on space projects should heed this as a warning.

Mongolian and Tibetan lamas believe in a secret city of preserved virtue and wisdom, where people achieved scientific feats including space travel. The article questions if this is another myth, noting that F.S. Smythe of the 1933 Mount Everest Expedition reported a sighting of a saucer in the Himalayas, identical to Roerich's description. Smythe's book "Camp Six" describes a "tiny silvery object in the sky apparently very high, moving from West to East." The article also ponders if the "fiery dragon of China" is a traditional image of cigar-shaped ships. It touches upon the mysterious Himalayan snowman ("Yeti"), questioning why its appearance or anatomy has not been released and speculating if it was a biological experiment from another planet.

Saucers on the Air in New Zealand

This section features a transcript of an interview broadcast on radio station 1ZB, Auckland, N.Z., on May 25th, 1954, from a recording by Mr. H. Fulton, President of C.S.I. (New Zealand). The interview was with Mr. D. Falwasser, an aerial top-dressing pilot who, along with two other pilots, reported seeing unidentified objects over Taranaki on May 24th, 1954. Falwasser described flying in an easterly direction towards Ruapehu mountain when they first saw one object, and later observed twelve to fifteen more. The objects were oval in shape, reddish-orange in color, and had a red flame coming from around them. They appeared suddenly, and the pilots later saw about twelve to fifteen of them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the exploration of scientific possibilities alongside ancient myths and legends. The editorial stance is one of cautious open-mindedness, encouraging thorough research and the consideration of all evidence, even if it seems fantastic, while acknowledging the society's general inclination towards more conventional explanations. There's a strong emphasis on the scientific study of planetary conditions and the potential for life beyond Earth, as well as an intriguing exploration of how ancient cultures might have perceived or recorded phenomena related to advanced technology and space travel.

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, identified as issue number 10, focuses on various UFO sightings and related topics from the mid-1950s. The content includes detailed witness accounts, discussions on potential explanations, and the introduction of a homemade UFO detection device. The publication date is inferred to be around January 1956, based on the dates of the news items referenced.

FANTASY AND FACT

The issue opens with a transcript of an interview, likely with a Mr. Falwasser, who recounts an experience of seeing fast-moving objects. He describes objects that climbed steeply and vanished into the sky, hovering at about 7,000 feet while his aircraft was at 3,000 feet and traveling at 135 m.p.h. He states that the objects were 'out of this world' and not aircraft. The interview concludes with a philosophical statement: "The supernatural is the natural not fully understood."

STORIES FROM THE SOCIETY'S CASE BOOK: THE MILLICENT INCIDENT

This section details a sighting reported by Mr. Rex Banks, overseer of the Millicent District Council, which was initially reported in the Adelaide "Advertiser" on January 12, 1956. Mr. Banks described seeing a 'flying saucer' in a paddock, which was a red disc about 5 ft. in diameter and seemed to be mounted on a tripod. A member of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (A.F.S.R.S.) contacted Mr. Banks for a detailed report. Mr. Banks stated that on Sunday evening, January 8th, while returning home, he noticed an object shaped like a ball with legs, which appeared to be going up. He observed it through his rear and side windows, and it moved towards Mount Graham, about nine miles away. It was visible for five minutes before disappearing. He estimated its size as that of a windmill wheel, initially 3 to 5 ft. in diameter, diminishing as it moved away. There was a south-west wind and no lightning.

Corroboration came from two people at Hatherleigh, about 5 miles north of Millicent, who saw an object moving towards Mount Graham at the same time. The Harbours Board confirmed that their survey ship was in the area but released no flares or aerial objects. Mr. Banks also reported a sighting by a Beachport resident on Monday at 5:30 p.m., describing an object like an umbrella, red-lead coloured, floating zig-zag, flashing brilliant yellow and gilt, which disappeared behind a tree.

However, the "South Eastern Times" (Millicent) introduced conflicting details, suggesting two figures ran towards the object and that it went off through the air. It also mentioned Miss Nancy Gray and Mr. Victor Bowman seeing a red balloon, about three feet in diameter, and a surveyor's tripod near Hart's. Later, Mrs. L.T. Eime reported seeing a meteorological balloon with a government departmental mark on it.

Further investigation revealed that CSIRO officers had been releasing balloons at half-hourly intervals from the Rendelsham area. These balloons were about 3 ft. in diameter, painted red with lanterns for night observations, and white for day work, used for experiments on cool changes and sea breezes. The article criticizes authorities for not providing this explanation sooner, only admitting it after public spirited citizens and the newspaper staff had investigated.

N.S.W. BRANCH: FEBRUARY MEETING

A meeting of the N.S.W. Branch was held in Sydney on February 3rd, with 65 to 70 attendees. A tape recording of an address by George Adamski was played, impressing most of the audience, though some were disappointed not to hear Adamski's actual voice.

RECENT SIGHTINGS

This section reports on a news item from the "Sunday Mail" (Adelaide), November 19th, 1955, titled "Odd Objects in the Sky". A party motoring from Adelaide to Cadell, including Mr. R.L. Warner and his family, reported seeing strange objects in the sky over Gawler. They observed a larger object from which two smaller objects detached and maneuvered around it, leaving smoke trails that later disappeared. These objects moved at great speed on a horizontal plane and had the shape of cigars. Mr. Warner stated they made circles, and when moving vertically, took on a saucer shape and appeared to spin. His son John described them as 'like pencils'. They moved in formation and appeared to come very close to the earth before suddenly stopping, moving slightly right, and dissolving into cloud. The weather was fine and sunny with a few clouds.

SIGHTINGS AT PORT LINCOLN

A letter to the Editor, published in the "Advertiser" (Adelaide) on January 9, 1956, by Jim Blackwood of Port Lincoln, details two sightings. The first was in 1952 on November 20th, around 7:30 p.m., described as a dark, cigar-shaped object moving North at high speed, which took on an oval shape before disappearing rapidly. The second sighting was on a Saturday morning around 9:45 a.m., where he saw what he thought was a 'flying saucer' above Winter's Hill. This object was round, flat, and revolving, lighter in colour (grey), and left a trail, unlike the first sighting.

THE CARTWRIGHT SAUCER DETECTOR

This article describes a simple device invented by Mr. Keith Cartwright, a committee man on the A.F.S.R.S., to detect the magnetic fields of saucers. The "Australasian Post" published an item about it on January 12th, 1956. The device connects a compass needle to an electrical circuit with an electric bell. When the needle is deflected from magnetic north, it completes the circuit, ringing the bell. The article suggests that distributing this idea could lead to many detectors being made, potentially yielding valuable information. It provides details on constructing the device, including the use of silver or tinned copper for the contact loop and a radio condenser to prevent arcing. The detector is described as sensitive enough to be triggered by iron or steel objects.

Mr. A.J. Millikan of Robertstown made a Mark 2 version of this detector. He reported an experience on the night of December 27th, 1955, around 10:15 p.m., when the bell rang. He went outside and saw a bright blue-white object shoot across the sky, low to the ground, seeming to flutter like a zig-zag line, and resembling a medium-sized skyrocket with a glowing tail. It traveled at a speed comparable to a toy rocket and burned out after 2-3 seconds, turning greenish. There was no sound, and the sky was clear.

QUOTED WITHOUT COMMENT

This section includes a report from "The London News Chronicle" (January 3rd) about Professor Richard Woolley taking up his position as Astronomer Royal. He is quoted as stating that flights to the Moon and flying saucers are "utter bilge". The article then criticizes such "arrogant quasi-scientists" and references H.H. Fulton, President of Civilian Saucer Investigation (New Zealand), who is quoted in "C.R.I.F.O. ORBIT" (February 1956).

"PRACTICAL MECHANICS" ENTERS THE RING

This section discusses a letter published in the October 1955 issue of "Practical Mechanics" by Mr. R.W.G. Anstee. The letter refers to a tape recording from George Adamski and questions the proof of Adamski's photographs. The Editor of the Australian Flying Saucer Society is mentioned as having stated that Adamski's visitor came from outer space. The Editor of "Practical Mechanics", Mr. F.J. Camm, commented that it is impossible to prove such a claim. A subsequent editorial by Mr. Camm in November criticized Lord Dowding's statements on UFO evidence, calling the idea of craft from other planets landing on Earth "utter poppycock" and challenging Lord Dowding to produce evidence. Mr. Camm also referenced Adamski's work and a reported landing at Lossiemouth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the attempt to find rational or scientific explanations for these phenomena. The magazine appears to support the investigation of UFOs, as evidenced by the A.F.S.R.S. and the detailed reporting of incidents. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations that dismiss sightings as balloons or misidentifications, and a critique of scientists who dismiss the topic outright. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for credible evidence and rigorous investigation, as exemplified by the discussion of the Cartwright Saucer Detector and the critique of unsubstantiated claims.

Title: AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD
Issue: 20
Date: Various dates in late 1955 and early 1956, with the latest being February 23rd, 1956.
Publisher: Australian Flying Saucer Research Society
Country: Australia

This issue of the Australian Saucer Record delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, featuring reports of sightings, debates on the nature of evidence, and information about the society's activities.

Key Articles and Reports

Adamski Case and the Debate on Evidence

The issue opens with a discussion of a 300ft. flying saucer piloted by a woman named Ora Rimnes, whose story is linked to an American's divorce case. It references Lord Dowding's perspective that while stories might seem like figments of imagination, there is a truth to be found by analyzing all evidence. The Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (A.F.S.R.S.) is highlighted for its serious, scientific approach to investigating UFOs. A letter to "Practical Mechanics" addresses the publication's skepticism about proof of extraterrestrial craft. The A.F.S.R.S. clarifies that while many members believe Adamski's story, they cannot offer scientific proof. They emphasize the distinction between 'evidence' and 'proof', noting that evidence, including sworn affidavits, should not be dismissed. The society also corrects the notion that Adamski is a spiritualist, stating he has denied this.

UFO Sightings Across Australia

Several recent sightings are reported:

• December 1955 (Adelaide): A report of a satellite circling the Earth, potentially the first artificial satellite, detected 400 miles above the equator. Authorities viewed this with caution, noting its proximity to Earth, and Sir Kerr Grant, a physics professor, commented on the significant fuel required for such a launch.
• December 24th, 1955 (Burra, Australia): Mr. and Mrs. J. Player reported seeing a dense red ball of fire, the size of a house, travelling north-west before suddenly disappearing.
• December 28th, 1955 (Northern sky over Adelaide): A cigar-shaped object with a reddish glow was observed, with a smaller object detaching from its main body. This was also reported by a witness from Port Road, Kilkenny.
• January 19th, 1956 (Hornsby, Australia): John Brown, an office worker, described seeing a dark blue, saucer-shaped object, 40 feet long with eight windows, emitting a green vapour trail. It hovered for five minutes before moving towards Sydney. Brown, who previously thought UFO witnesses were 'balmy', stated, "But this MUST have been one."

"Flying Saucer Tea Rooms" and Cultural Impact

An article from "Australasian Post" (Melbourne, February 23rd, 1956) humorously describes the rise of themed establishments, highlighting the "Flying Saucer Tea Rooms" in Bradbury, Adelaide Hills. The proprietor, Mr. Fred Jones, is noted as a member of the A.F.S.R.S. The article suggests that such themes are a strong draw for motorists, regardless of the actual phenomenon.

A.F.S.R.S. Library and Membership

Information is provided about the A.F.S.R.S. library, which is available to South Australian and Interstate Members. Books can be borrowed for 14 days with a small charge, and postage is available for remote members. Fines are levied for overdue books. The library's current catalogue is listed, featuring titles by authors such as Adamski, Allingham, Heard, and Fry.

Publication Details and Editorial Stance

The "Australian Saucer Record" is published by the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society, located at 22 Northcote Street, Kilburn, South Australia. The society invites letters on any aspect of saucers and related topics, with opinions expressed in published letters not necessarily reflecting those of the Editor or the Society. Reproduction of content is permitted for similar non-profit organizations with acknowledgment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the A.F.S.R.S.'s commitment to a scientific and evidence-based approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the subject. There's a clear distinction drawn between anecdotal evidence and scientific proof, reflecting a mature and analytical stance. The publication also serves as a platform for sharing recent sightings and engaging in public discourse on the topic, as evidenced by the letter to "Practical Mechanics". The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and analysis of data, while remaining cautious about definitive conclusions without sufficient substantiation.