Australian Saucer Record - Vol 03 No 02 - 1957

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, Volume 3, Number 2, dated 1957, is the official organ of The Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. It was published by the society and priced at Two Shillings or 25 Cents U.S.A.

Unity

The editorial, titled "UNITY," emphasizes the crucial role of unity in any form of society, stating that "UNITY IS STRENGTH." It acknowledges that UFO researchers face challenges not only from "Official Secrecy, Adverse Public opinion or apathy, Hostile criticism and Scientific Ridicule" but also from internal elements that attempt to "upset our work and even in certain cases try to damage it." The editor warns that the "undermining from within" is the greatest enemy, as it weakens the group and makes it vulnerable to outside forces. The editorial calls for an end to "WRANGLING AND GET THE JOB DONE," suggesting that persistent disruptors might need to be disassociated from to protect the whole. The future policy will be to treat any attempt to bring the UFO workers into disrepute as an act of an enemy, placing "NO CONFIDENCE" in them or their work. The editor concludes by stating, "BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM."

Another Contact Story: Howard Menger's Experience

This section presents a story of a contact with space visitors made by Mr. Howard Menger, adapted from Moseley's Saucer News. The narrative describes Menger's encounter at 1:30 a.m. after receiving telepathic messages to go to a spot near his house. He saw a glowing shape and approached it, observing three people emerge from a bright ship with pulsating lights. One of the beings, with blonde wavy hair, spoke to him in a "deep, beautiful voice," conveying messages of "peace and love for humanity." The beings then returned to their craft and departed. Menger has allegedly taken photographs with a Polaroid camera, though these leave no negatives. The article also mentions that 16 people in the High Bridge area have seen saucers near the Menger home. Mrs. Tharp, a neighbor, recounts an experience where she and her daughter saw three saucers land, and one of the occupants spoke to Mr. Menger, leading her to believe in flying saucers. Menger has been invited to appear on radio and TV and is giving public lectures, aiming not to commercialize his experiences.

The magazine expresses a desire to keep an open mind, neither scoffing nor wholly accepting the evidence, and hopes for more details and tangible evidence in the future.

The Miracle Train

This article, taken from a newspaper estimated to be over thirty years old, describes an invention by Emile Bachelet. It details a "flying train" that operates without rails, using principles of electric magnetism and repulsion. The train is shown to be lifted and suspended in the air. Sir David Salomons, a famous electrician, is quoted as saying Bachelet might be to electricity what Stephenson was to steam. The article describes a demonstration involving a switchboard, an electric coil, and an aluminum disc that is repelled by the coil. A steel disc is then magnetized and becomes immovable. The demonstration also shows how a steel disc, when covered with copper, can be made to rise in the air. Bachelet himself admits he doesn't know what makes the steel float, comparing it to the mystery of life. The article notes that the principles of repulsion were known, but Bachelet's application was novel. It also mentions a demonstration where aluminum objects were made to dance and float. The author suggests that Bachelet was working on principles similar to those demonstrated by flying saucers today, and that his work was on the "fringe of the knowledge" of propulsion.

Nothing New Under The Sun

This section explores the historical use of electrical current, suggesting that electrical generators and batteries existed in ancient civilizations. It references articles about electrical batteries unearthed in Baghdad, which were clay jars containing a copper cylinder and an iron rod, dating back to the Parthian Kingdom (250 B.C. to A.D. 224). Recently, William F.M. Gray replicated these devices and obtained electrical current from them. The article is adapted from "Radio Television Hobbies."

Scientists Scents Idea of Planetary Travel

Dr. Lee de Forest of U.S.A. is quoted as saying that scientists planning to travel to the moon were on the wrong track, and that humans would never reach the moon or travel to distant galaxies via rockets. The editor humorously notes the disagreement among experts.

"Orbit Bows Out" Len H. Stringfield Closes His Magazine

This article announces the closure of Len H. Stringfield's magazine "ORBIT," a significant source of information for UFO researchers worldwide. Stringfield is stepping down due to administrative and production complexities, as well as pressures on his private life. He intends to write a book that will reimburse subscribers and cover a multitude of UFO topics not previously published in "Orbit." The book is estimated to cost 2 dollars. The authors express understanding of the challenges of publishing a magazine on a voluntary basis and the "digs and unsympathetic jibes" faced from critics. They wish Stringfield the best for his future efforts.

A Wise Man Speaks. From The Past

This section includes a quote attributed to Sir Isaac Newton: "I do not know what I may appear to be to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself i now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."

Strange Behaviour of Meteors in Adelaide

This report details several sightings of unusual aerial phenomena in Adelaide. On February 15th, a large bright meteor streaked across the sky, leaving a smoke trail and a feathery trail visible for several minutes. Residents reported a "terrific roar." A University student physicist described it as having a "greenish blue glow" and noted it did not appear to break up. Another report described an object shooting in from the coast like a rocket, leaving a "fiery corkscrew shaped vapor trail" for about 20 minutes. The Rocket Research Department and R.A.A.F. denied any missiles were used. The reports indicated the sightings lasted longer than typical meteors and the trails were spiraled, not straight. One sighting was described as bursting into three or four smaller objects. The observers were "NOT SATISFIED IT WAS A METEOR."

Two nights later, another event occurred. This time, the object was described as a "greenish ball of fire" moving slowly, and it had "NO TRAIL." The professor suggested its slowness was due to its great height, and the lack of a visible tail was because "THERE WAS NOTHING TO IT" to illuminate it, unlike the previous event which was lit by the sun.

Further Signs of Life on Mars

This section reports on astronomer Dr. E.C. Slipher's observations, which suggest that intelligent beings built canals on Mars, but they are now extinct. The article mentions that other scientists have made similar statements. Soviet astronomy reports indicate striking changes on Mars, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, such as bright spots and a red line that split in two. Other reports cite the ice cap melting earlier than usual, strange dust clouds, and saucer-like objects seen flying near the planet. The article concludes that this evidence might lead Dr. Slipher to revise his opinions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the importance of unity and cooperation in UFO research, the presentation of contactee experiences, historical accounts of scientific discoveries and inventions that predate modern understanding, and reports of anomalous aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Fred P. Stone, is one of cautious open-mindedness, urging readers to evaluate evidence critically but without prejudice. The magazine aims to provide information and foster discussion within the UFO community, while also highlighting broader scientific and historical curiosities. The emphasis on unity suggests a concern for the internal cohesion and credibility of the UFO research movement.

This issue of the Australian Saucer Record, dated March 1957, focuses on UFO sightings, alien contact, and related phenomena, with contributions from Australia, New Zealand, and England. The magazine aims to document and analyze these events, encouraging readers to consider the evidence and the implications.

Sighting Reports

New Zealand Sighting Mr. Lawrence V. Thomas from Wellington, New Zealand, reports a sighting in Dunedin during a summer evening. While watching the sunset over the Cor-so-phine hills, he and his companion observed a circular object moving slowly in a southerly direction. They estimated its speed at about five miles per hour, but its distance made it appear faster. The object was described as not being a planet and was viewed by other witnesses. It disappeared over the hills. The observation lasted about five minutes, and a sketch indicated the sun was on the right of the object.

Adelaide Sighting An official on government duty in Adelaide, Australia, reported seeing a large, round object in the sky on March 1st. The object was stationary, bright white, and glowing. The official, who was previously a scoffer of UFOs, stopped his car to watch it. The object then moved off to the west and vanished. The report notes the official's excited account, emphasizing that 'Once seen, never forgotten.'

Anna Creek Sighting On February 28, 1957, at 7:22 p.m. near Anna Creek in the Northern Territory, Australia, a large UFO was sighted travelling from West to East. It was described as blue, emitting an orange and red trail, and making no sound. It disappeared into a cloud. Six witnesses observed the object, and the reporter noted that aboriginals had spoken of 'flying ships' landing in the area. This is highlighted as the first report of actual landings in Australia, with speculation that such remote areas might be used for such purposes.

Lancashire Sighting A report from England, courtesy of A. Rimmer, describes a 'thing' that 'floats low over the moor' in Lancashire. It was seen by many people as a large, glowing, noiseless object. Mr. Tony Leavey, MP, questioned the Secretary of State for Air about whether any warning was given on radar. Witnesses described the object as a large round 'ocet' (object), glowing white, with another object underneath changing from white to red. One witness, Miss Pitcon (19 years old), described it as gliding just higher than a house.

Manchester Sighting Three sightings were reported over Manchester. One was by a man working on the roof of Manchester University, and two others by men at Woourora Aerodrome in Cheshire. They saw a 'creamy round object flashing through the sky' with a tail of brilliant stars. Rocket engineers were baffled, stating it had nothing to do with actual tests. The object was estimated to be less than two feet in diameter with a tail about 10 feet long. Scientists were hesitant to consider it a flying saucer or heavenly body.

Robe Sighting On March 26th, a 'monster tropical turtle' was sighted off Robe, South Australia, by two fishermen. It was described as long and weighing about one and a half tons, with a neck as thick as a man's waist. Other fishermen had sighted about a dozen tropical turtles in nearby ports. The report questions what caused these creatures to leave their warm homes and suggests that animal kingdoms might hold clues.

Contact with Spacemen (England) An account by Mr. Jessup, reported by 'The U.F.O. Reporter' No. 2, details an encounter on January 9, 1956. While fishing at night, Jessup was knocked to the ground by a gust of air from a large egg-shaped object. The object then circled and landed. Jessup, initially frightened, decided to investigate. He described the object as about 160 ft. long and 90 ft. across, with a nose pointing upwards. After landing, a glass tube emerged, and two beings, about 7 ft. tall, wearing 'tight fitting clothes' and a 'plastic like covering', descended. They communicated with Jessup, stating they were 'not of your land' but welcomed him. They allowed him to inspect their ship.

Aboriginal Rock Carving and Legend

Aboriginal Rock Carving Near Woomera A rock carving found near Woomera Rocket Range is presented with a legend. The central figure is interpreted as a 'Teacher' who came to instruct the tribes, depicted by arced figures. The letter 'A' represents the 'Old Men or Chiefs'. The letter 'C' depicts a circular, spiral object. The area is described as a gathering place for tribes and a waterhole. The report suggests that other carvings might convey further meanings from the past.

Old Aboriginal Legend (LIFE Magazine, March 1954) A legend from the Australian 'LIFE' Magazine describes an area, possibly Lake Eyre, that was once a 'green sky' supported by three great trees, with abundant fresh water and game. This paradise was disrupted by 'Sons of God' who came from the sky and 'took liberties with the daughters of men'. The natives cut down the trees, leading to a disaster that caused the visitors to lose their supernatural powers. This brought about a 'steel grey canopy' and a burning sun, leading to drought and the decline of vegetation and water. The legend is compared to biblical accounts and cosmic events, suggesting a change in the Earth's atmosphere and conditions.

Discussion on Proving Contact

'How Can You Prove It?' This section, by Don Alfredo Calef, discusses the difficulty of providing undeniable proof of alien contact. Using examples like Adamski, the author questions how one could prove contact beyond doubt, even with sworn affidavits, photos, or sound recordings. The challenge lies in convincing skeptics, as any evidence could be dismissed as a hoax or fabrication. The author suggests that a visitor might provide a piece of metal or material from their planet, but even then, proving its origin as 'undeniably' extraterrestrial would be difficult.

The Challenge of Belief The text emphasizes that science often argues and quibbles, leading to a conservative stance. It suggests that even tangible evidence might be dismissed if not handed over by a 'man from the heavens'. The author posits that ultimately, belief in contact cases rests on the willingness to accept the witness's veracity. It encourages readers to consider the difficulty of proving such claims before dismissing them.

Scientific and Philosophical Musings

Excerpt from 'Little Listening Post' This excerpt from 'Little Listening Post' journal notes the rapid advancements in science, with the 'known' space enlarging significantly. It mentions theories about 'anti-matter' and the possibility of life on millions of planets. Plans for space vehicles capable of achieving the speed of light are discussed. The excerpt also touches upon metaphysics as an indispensable complement to science and the concept of a 'magic dimension' or 'vanishing point of time and space'. It concludes with a statement about the potential for a breakthrough and the delay of humanity's emergence from suffering.

Other Reports and News

Weekly Radio Session in Victoria A weekly radio session titled 'The Truth Behind The Flying Saucers' is announced, to be broadcast on Station 3KZ every Wednesday night. The first show featured news about UFO matters, sightings, and a description of a UFO detector. The broadcast aims to publicize the work of UFO investigation societies in Australia.

Queensland Group Magazine The Australian Saucer Record congratulates a young Queensland group for producing a magazine. However, it expresses disappointment that the group was drawn into disputes with the Sydney society, accusing the Queensland group of misrepresenting their society and being 'too religious'. The editorial appeals for unity and focus on the 'job at hand'.

UFO Film Still Not in Australia Despite inquiries, a UFO film is reportedly not yet available in Australia. It was expected to be released in February or March but has not been mentioned. The reason for the delay is unknown.

Jim Moseley's Reply to Critics This section presents an excerpt from a letter by Jim Moseley, responding to criticisms about his claims in the 'Saucerian Bulletin'. Moseley clarifies that his 'radiation theory' of saucers is not connected to 'International Bankers' and that his income from 'Saucer News' barely covers expenses. He states he is simply sharing information about the origin of saucers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, the challenges of proving alien contact, and the exploration of ancient legends and their potential connections to extraterrestrial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging the collection and dissemination of evidence while acknowledging the skepticism that often surrounds the topic. There is a strong emphasis on unity within the UFO research community and a call to focus on the primary objective of understanding the phenomenon. The magazine also highlights the rapid pace of scientific discovery and its potential implications for our understanding of the universe and life beyond Earth.

This document contains page 20 of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, featuring book reviews and reader correspondence. The magazine is the official organ of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society and is published in South Australia.

Book Reviews

"OTHER TONGUES OTHER FLESH" by George Hunt Williamson

This book is recommended for earnest students of UFOs, offering significant insights into the mysteries surrounding the study. While it may address phases that some prefer to ignore, it provides substantial material for thought and investigation. The reviewer notes that the book will likely draw criticism from the scientific community but commends Williamson for his contribution to research. A specific chapter on "Intruders" is highlighted, and while the reviewer doesn't agree with all points, they believe the book warrants thorough investigation by U.F.O. readers. The price is listed as 5.00 U.S. Dollars.

"FLYING SAUCERS" by Max Miller

This booklet is described as an excellent and well-produced contribution to saucer literature and the world of UFO research. It offers a comprehensive study of the subject, covering many phases with a realistic approach. The publication is profusely illustrated and includes coverage of well-known identities in UFO research. The reviewer highly recommends it for earnest inquirers and predicts it will be a good seller, suitable for any saucer library. The price is listed as 75 Cents.

"THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FLYING SAUCERS" by Aima Michel (Robert Hale, 15/- Sterling)

This book is noted for containing many well-known sightings, along with a fresh supply of continental and African cases. It provides an excellent analysis, particularly challenging the explanations offered by Dr. Menzel. The reviewer states that the book is a very good account of the subject of saucers, avoiding personal contact stories except for a slight reference. It is recommended as an excellent book for those approaching the subject with an open mind, presenting a logical and pleasing case for UFOs.

Reader Correspondence and Editorial Notes

Several readers express their appreciation for the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD. One reader describes the magazine as "Magnificent" and "so full of interest from cover to cover." Another notes that the magazine has improved significantly over the last three editions, with the subject matter being of a very high standard. Readers appreciate the thought-provoking articles and the wide scope of subjects covered, emphasizing that the publication's strength lies in its solid and substantial content rather than showy compilation.

The Interplanetary Foundation and The C.D.P.V. of Brazil express thanks for the magazine's publications, noting that these groups are doing a terrific job in the Saucer Field.

The editorial section addresses the readers, acknowledging that it has been 12 months since the magazine's production was changed. The editors promise to continue providing good material, regretting their inability to produce a "showy" magazine but highlighting that reader feedback and increased circulation have justified their decision. They acknowledge weaknesses, particularly the need for good typists for stencils, and express determination to overcome challenges. The editorial concludes with a thank you to the readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis and documentation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging the study of all evidence, even if it challenges conventional scientific views. There is a strong emphasis on providing substantial, well-researched content over superficial presentation. The magazine positions itself as a platform for serious UFO research and discussion, valuing the contributions of authors like Williamson, Miller, and Michel.