Australian Saucer Record - Vol 03 No 01 - 1957

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, Volume 2, Number 1, from the First Quarter of 1957, serves as the official organ of The Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. Published in South Australia, it is priced at 2 shillings and features a cover with the magazine's title, an outline of Australia, and stylized atomic symbols containing flying saucers. The issue is dated '3(1):1957' at the top.

Editorial: Radioactivity, The Weather, And Humanity

The editorial, titled "RADIOACTIVITY, THE WEATHER, AND HUMANITY," addresses the alarming messages received from individuals claiming contact with 'space visitors.' These messages reportedly warn of dire consequences stemming from the misuse of nuclear fission, particularly by egotistical individuals who ignore the warnings of scientists. The editorial notes that these concerns are not isolated, as authorities from diverse nations also predict terrible effects, including the potential sudden destruction of all humanity. It quotes figures like H.G. Wells, who foresaw the end of life being close at hand, and Sir Winston Churchill, who spoke of humanity standing before a supreme catastrophe. Professor Einstein is quoted on the 'ghost like character' of annihilation's compulsory trend. Professor Alexander Haddow is cited for his address on the long-term radiation effects of nuclear explosions, highlighting the 65 atomic explosions conducted by the U.S. and Britain, and advocating for international prohibition. The editorial implicitly includes Russia's nuclear tests in these figures.

It contrasts past dismissals of 'end of the world' prophecies based on scientific grounds with the current reality, where science itself has made such possibilities practical. The article points to radioactive dust reaching the stratosphere and scientists' alarms following the March 1, 1954, H-bomb test, which reached 20 miles high and was expected to disturb weather conditions. A quote from the 'Pilot' of North Carolina (Oct 27, 1955) by G.B. Riley suggests that the disruption of the atmospheric shield could lead to irradiation by cosmic, gauza, and ultraviolet rays, causing severe earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The editorial laments that such warnings often go unheeded, suggesting that unless an intervening power from 'out of it' or 'another sphere' intervenes, these warnings could manifest within years, especially given the current international political climate.

The editorial concludes by stating that any intervention would need to 'preserve' or 'save' humanity, interpreting the 'end of the world' as the end of an age, preceding the establishment of a 'New Earth and Age' with a purified race. It questions the role of 'brethren from space' in this drama, suggesting their involvement might be hinted at in sacred writings. The piece urges readers to 'LOOK UP' and await with confidence the results of humanity's 'mad race' towards destruction, signed by 'THE EDITOR.'

Flying Saucers Over South Africa

This section, authored by David Caldbeck, details several flying saucer sightings in South Africa, primarily in the Natal province.

Natal Incident (September 1952)

The article recounts an incident on September 27, 1952. Two young horsemen, Mr. D. Bingham and Mr. A. Courier, riding near Richmond, observed a speck in the sky that they initially mistook for an eagle. As it approached, its outline resembled a pickaxe head, and it silently swerved towards the coast. Simultaneously, about forty miles away near Umgababa, Mr. George Sfaelos saw an object in the sky, not a bird or aircraft, which climbed at great speed and disappeared. He described it as having a broad black 'brim' and a luminous, transparent center. Both Mr. Bingham and Mr. Sfaelos independently reported their sightings to the 'Natal Mercury,' which published the details the following day. The article notes that this incident, despite its significance, seems to have escaped the attention of 'U.F.C.' students.

Object Characteristics and Analysis

The object was described as elliptical or circular, translucent or highly reflective, and capable of abrupt course changes and rapid movement, covering forty miles in about three minutes, suggesting an average speed of 800 m.p.h. The slight discrepancy in color between reports was deemed understandable due to the object's speed and viewing angles. The article highlights this case as one where a reasonable speed estimate is available, unlike single sightings.

Other South African Sightings

The Union of South Africa, and particularly Natal, has experienced numerous UFO sightings. The 'Natal Mercury' published a four-column article on November 28, 1956, titled "Natal a Happy Hunting Ground For Flying Saucer Visitors." The article praises the 'Mercury' for its accurate reporting.

• May 5, 1950: Two Pietermaritzburg housewives, Mrs. M.B. Alexander and Mrs. S.H. de Beer, saw a round, shiny, disc-shaped object travelling eastwards at a great height.
• January 9, 1951: Mr. W.H. Harrison, near the Durban beachfront, witnessed several orange globes, described as 'about the size of tennis balls,' hurtling across the sky.
• September 1954: The 'Mercury' article suggests an intensive study of Natal by UFOs, with scores of people, including government officials, reporting mysterious flashing objects.
• Weather Bureau Tracking: Miss Helena Schoeman, an official of the Durban Weather Bureau, tracked an unidentified object through a theodolite. A bright, triangular object, much larger and higher than a weather balloon, came into view and was also observed by Mr. Norman Swale.
• Durban Beachfront Sighting: Scores of people witnessed a long, shiny, elliptical object hovering over the Durban North radio mast. Described as glinting brightly, it was seen as circular but flattened, like a cigar, and moved out to sea before returning and vanishing rapidly.
• Port Shepstone: Thirty Red Cross nurses, a doctor, and the Chief Magistrate saw a strange light with oscillating movement that faded and grew several times.
• Amanzimtoti: Mrs. Daphne le Home saw a zig-zagging light in the sky through binoculars.
• Near Mooi River: Mr. and Mrs. Flower observed a round red light on a mountain that glowed steadily for nearly eight hours.

The article notes that the South African Air Force, like defense authorities elsewhere, investigates UFO sightings despite an official stance that they 'just don't exist.'

Space Ships? Their Possible Purpose...

Contributed by Mrs. B. Perkins, this section explores theories about the purpose of space ships, drawing from Adamski's book "Inside the Space Ships" and ancient mysteries.

Ancient Connections

The author draws parallels between the interior workmanship of space ships and the Great Pyramid of Egypt. The entrance passage of the pyramid, pointing towards the Pole Star, and its base pointing to the center, are analyzed. The layers of the King's Chamber are seen as a point of resistance to stone pressure, leading to questions about understanding anti-gravitational force. The article speculates if air channels were used for sound vibration to achieve levitation for large granite blocks.

Space Ship Technology

Inside space ships, horizontal passages, central power shafts, and air channels are noted. The author questions if 'space beings' use cosmic ray power, sound vibration, or air locks for propulsion. The book of Genesis (Chapter 6, verse 2) is referenced, mentioning 'sons of God' mingling with 'daughters of men' and producing 'GIANTS,' leading to speculation if this race built the pyramids 25,000 years ago and kept a 'stone record' of their ships.

Prophecy and the New Age

The text references the Atlantean race and the Land of Mu, suggesting a race of wise beings existed before them. It poses questions about whether the Flood eliminated these beings or if some escaped in 'planetary ships.' The book of Acts (Chapter 1, verses 9-12) is quoted regarding Jesus' ascension and return, leading to a question of coincidence between the workmanship of ancient peoples and beings in our atmosphere. The article suggests that life's secret might be hidden within a 'Central shaft' of our being. It declares the passing of the 'Old Adamic age' and the 'Age of Abrahamic fire,' and the fading of the 'Age of Pisces,' heralding the dawn of the 'New Age of Aquaries' (The Atomic Age) and the days of Revelation, suggesting that space ships are returning to herald this new era.

Personal Account: Mrs. Elizabeth Klarer

The narrative returns to Mrs. Elizabeth Klarer, who provides a personal account of an encounter. Prompted by an impulse, she traveled to a hill near Rosetta in April 1956. There, she saw a silver-grey 'Venusian Scout Ship' resting on the ground. A tall blonde man emerged, invited her into the ship, and introduced her to the crew, speaking English with a slight accent. They invited her to return with them to the 'mother ship.' Mrs. Klarer has also taken photographs of an object matching descriptions from earlier sightings by Mr. Bingham and Mr. Sfaelos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential dangers of nuclear technology and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial strongly emphasizes the threat posed by nuclear weapons and the urgent need for humanity to heed warnings, possibly from advanced alien civilizations. The sightings reported from South Africa, particularly Natal, are presented as evidence of UFO activity. The article also delves into speculative theories connecting UFOs to ancient mysteries, religious prophecies, and the concept of a coming 'New Age.' The overall stance appears to be one of concern for humanity's self-destructive tendencies and an open, albeit cautious, acceptance of the reality of UFOs and their potential significance for the future.

Title: AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD
Issue: PAGE. 10, Volume 22
Date: February 1957
Publisher: AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of the Australian Saucer Record delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, blending reports of sightings with speculative articles on Earth's geophysical changes and potential connections to extraterrestrial activity.

Television and Public Awareness

The lead story highlights the first factual UFO program aired on Australian television, broadcast on Channel 7 ATN in Sydney on January 29th, 1957. The program, initiated by a TV engineer and supported by the station's Director, included a discussion with an Atomic Scientist who maintained an open mind on the subject. The announcer, Howard Craven, interviewed committee members Mr. Tomas and Dr. Lindtner. The program featured a screening of various UFO photos, including those of Kentucky Tracer bullets, Brazilian discs, and Adamski's mother ship, with the assertion that some photos were government-paid for, indicating their authenticity.

Following the broadcast, the station received numerous congratulatory phone calls. Another show was scheduled for February 23rd, handled by Mr. Jack Kunst. The issue also notes a new US organization, established in Washington, requesting the public to report flying saucers to a new National organization, headed by Rear Admiral Delmer Fahrney, to investigate aerial phenomena.

Geophysical Studies and UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine explores the connection between geophysical studies and UFOs. The article "FLYING SAUCERS AND THE GEOPHYSICAL YEAR" suggests that the international effort to probe Antarctica's mysteries might be driven by a common fear of an event that could affect the entire world, beyond the publicized Geophysical Year. It speculates that Earth's wobble and tilt, along with the increasing polar ice cap, could be factors leading to a potential flip of the Earth. Research is cited that links UFO sightings to fault lines, particularly in areas like South America, the US, Siberia, Japan, India, Burma, Australia, and New Zealand, all spreading from the South Pole.

The concern is raised that space visitors might be deeply concerned about the effect of Earth's nuclear weapons use. It is questioned whether they know that weak parts of Earth's crust are going to be affected by such warfare or by other serious causes, possibly related to the Earth's tilt.

The article also notes the announcement of a "CONTINUOUS UNDERSEA CRACK 45,000 Miles long" in the Mid-Atlantic, discovered by Dr. M. Ewing, which extends through the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This is presented as a point of thought for those who predict the rise of the sunken Atlantis continent.

Sightings and Evidence

Several specific sightings are reported:

• Toowoomba Sighting (Queensland, Sept 28, 1956): Mr. Allan J. Mossop and a friend observed a bright, round, red object with a bulge on top, estimated to be the quarter size of the moon. It hovered for five minutes before moving rapidly towards the horizon at an estimated speed of 2000 m/p/h. The object was estimated to be three miles up and 20 miles away.
• Vancouver "PROVINCE" (Canada, Nov 1956): Mrs. Madge Marlatt reported two sightings: one of two "vividly coral colored objects about the size of tennis balls streaking across the sky" off Ripple Rock, and another from a bus on the Cambie River Bridge. She believes these are vehicles from other planets with a message.
• Irene Sirianni (1545 Dubar): Claims to have seen two slow-moving, disc-shaped objects of a luminous rose color over the 900 block Broughton, experiencing a "ray" and a feeling of a beam.
• Wigurd Gaaskand (Nord-Rana, Norway): Photographed several flying saucers that appeared suddenly, showing round objects with dark rims.
• Marine Pilots Encounter (Sth. California): Four F-4-6 Gruman Panther Jets reported seeing a "shiny, definitely circular object" at 24,000 ft. passing in the opposite direction of their flight. The object was described as silver, circular like a disc, and not a plane.
• Early Evidence (Australia):
• Nov 1953: Mr. D.W. Mehlert sighted two cigar-shaped objects moving in unison at approximately 10,000 ft. and 1,000 M.P.H.
• Feb 1944: T.R.H. Royal, a bomber pilot, observed an "ark shadow" alongside his aircraft over Bass Strait, which had a flickering light and belched flame. This object moved at approximately three times the speed of his Beaufort aircraft. Notably, all radio and direction finding equipment failed during this incident.

Unusual Phenomena

• Angel Hair Falls: Reports from Melbourne and Adelaide describe "Angel Hair" falling in large quantities. It was observed floating inland and over water, and also falling onto telegraph wires.
• Earth Tremors: An earth tremor occurred in Victoria on January 9th, 1957, shaking buildings and accompanied by a noise described as a loud explosion. Another tremor in Adelaide on February 9th, 1957, was the most severe since March 1st, 1954, affecting a wide area and causing houses to shake.
• Electrical Storm: Sydney was hit by a violent electrical storm on February 8th, with lightning and gale-force winds, causing significant damage.
• Meteors and Rain: Dr. F.G.W. White suggests that high rainfall might occur worldwide approximately 30 days after a meteor shower hits Earth's atmosphere, potentially facilitating rainfall forecasting.

Speculative Articles and Personal Reflections

An article titled "ARCHITECTURE OF DREAMS" reproduces a piece by A.E. from "The Candle of Vision" (1918), describing visions of airships and aerial phenomena. The author reflects on the nature of these visions, questioning whether they are memories of past civilizations, glimpses of the future, or projections from the subconscious mind. The piece suggests that contemplating these phenomena marks the beginning of an awakening from the "dream of life."

Book Reviews and Society News

The issue includes information on obtaining the book "NYSTERY OF THE FLYING SAUCERS" by Gordon Lindsay. It also features news from "THE QUEENSLAND FLYING SAUCER RESEARCH BUREAU," a newly formed society that is growing rapidly and has seen an increase in membership following a lecture by Mr. Fred Stone of the A.F.S.R.S. The society plans to produce a periodical newsletter using a tape recorder and duplicating machine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence interacting with Earth, and the exploration of unusual atmospheric and geophysical phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on connecting these events, suggesting a broader, possibly coordinated, activity or concern related to Earth's state. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the reporting of sightings and the investigation of unexplained events, while also engaging in speculative thought about the implications of these phenomena for humanity and its place in the universe. The magazine encourages its readers to "keep their eyes on Antartica" and to "number our days," implying a sense of urgency and the need for wisdom in understanding these unfolding events.

The "AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD" is the official organ of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society, published at 22 Northcote Street, Kilburn, South Australia. This issue, identified as number 20, focuses on extraterrestrial possibilities related to Mars and Antarctica, alongside astronomical news.

Antarctica and UFOs

The issue begins with an excerpt from an address by Frank Edwards to the C.S.I. of New York, addressing the question of whether Antarctica could be a base for UFOs. Edwards suggests this is quite possible, referencing a 1950 incident where Commander Orrego of the Chilean Navy reportedly filmed thousands of feet of movies of UFOs circling at low altitudes in Antarctica, similar to the 'Tremontan' films. He also mentions Commander Byrd's expedition where he allegedly found a warm lake in Antarctica, with nearby straight black lines resembling blast marks. The editor, 'Ted', expresses a desire to see these films released.

Jim Hoesley's Report and Cautionary Advice

Following this, 'Jim Hoesley' (presumably the publisher of the magazine) is mentioned as having promised to reveal "irrefutable Documents" in a previous issue. However, instead of anticipated data, the issue reportedly contained "sinister words" stating that the documents were no longer in his possession and he could not make further reference to them. The author of this section advises flying saucer researchers to be extremely cautious when dealing with certain aspects of the mystery, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's 'enemy' to be forearmed, and warning of the dangers of working in the dark.

Mars: Canals and Theories

Under the headline "MARS AGAIN ??", the issue presents contrasting views on the canals of Mars. Patrick Smith, reporting from Cape Town, mentions the 70-year-old Dr. Slipher, who has been observing Mars from Bloemfontein. Slipher reportedly confirmed the theory that the canals on Mars were built by intelligent beings and were constructed by a civilization that is now extinct. In contrast, ABC News reports Dr. Gerald Kuipo from San Francisco stating that the canals on Mars were a myth. The report then details findings by Dr. R. S. Richardson, a California astronomer, who observed a previously unknown network of irregular blue lines running through the bright red desert areas of Mars using the Mt. Wilson 60-inch telescope. His report, published by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, noted that these blue lines differed from the long straight lines previously seen by astronomers, though those might also be canals. A further difference noted by Dr. Richardson was that the desert canals were distinctly blue and looked similar to veins running through a mineral. The author of this section expresses skepticism towards scientific consensus, suggesting that scientists "just don't know" and that evidence should be accepted based on logical consistency. The article questions how canals could be altered if the race that built them is extinct, speculating if "RED fellow humans" (possibly referring to Martians) have taken charge of the planet.

Antarctic News and Concerns

Another section titled "THE ANTARTIC AGAIN IN THE NEWS" highlights concerns from Australian Government Officials regarding heavy installations by the Russians in Antarctica, which was lent to them for the Geophysical Year. There is fear that the Russians may not leave when the time comes, posing a threat to Australia and other Pacific nations with their large submarine fleet, as reported by "ADVERTISER" on 11/2/57.

Earth Tremors and Atomic Waste

Further news items include reports of a severe earth tremor in England (NEWS 13/2/57) and a similar tremor in Adelaide a few days prior, comparable to the March 1st, 1954 earthquake. Additionally, a NEWS report from 12/2/57 mentions German scientists suggesting the dumping of atomic waste in Antarctica, questioning the eventual results.

Upcoming Astronomical Event

The issue concludes by highlighting the "NEXT BIG ASTRONOMICAL EVENT THIS YEAR": the arrival of Comet 1956H in the Southern Hemisphere in April. Astronomers are reportedly showing great interest, as the comet is expected to be much brighter than Halley's Comet, predicting it to be of unusual interest to everybody.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the potential for extraterrestrial activity in remote locations like Antarctica and Mars, the interpretation of astronomical observations, and the cautious approach required by researchers in the field. There is a clear skepticism towards established scientific explanations when they conflict with anecdotal or observational evidence, and a tendency to explore speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging open-minded inquiry while also warning against unfounded speculation and the potential for misinformation within the UFO community.