Australian Saucer Record - Vol 05 No 02 - 1959

Magazine Overview

Title: AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD
Issue: Vol. 5, No.2
Date: 1959
Publisher: A.F.S.R.S. (Australian Flying Saucer Research Society)
Country: Australia
Price: 2/-

This issue of the Australian Saucer Record is the official organ of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. It features articles on UFO sightings, investigations, and philosophical discussions related to the phenomenon. The cover art depicts a flying saucer over a mountainous landscape with a pyramid, set against a map of Australia.

Editorial and Society Matters

The issue begins with a note from the Editor, F.P. Stone, who apologizes for his absence due to hospitalization and expresses gratitude to Alex Millikan and others for their assistance in producing the magazine. He assures readers he is recovering.

Following this is a "GUEST EDITORIAL" by Alex Millikan titled "WHAT'S WRONG?". Millikan posits that the fundamental problem with individuals, groups, and nations is "EGOTISM? expressing itself as FEAR and GREED." He elaborates on how this egotism manifests in individuals seeking personal gain and power, and in groups and nations striving for dominance and superiority.

An "IMPORTANT CORRECTION" is issued regarding the Purnong sighting. It strongly refutes rumors that official men from the Woomera Rocket Range investigated the sighting, stating this was a "HOAX. AND A GROSS MISUNDERSTANDING" perpetrated by certain investigators who posed as official personnel. The article stresses the necessity of checking with official societies before publishing.

Feature Articles

"PURNONG LANDING" by L.G. Young (Pages 3, 5)

This article details a significant UFO sighting that occurred near Purnong Landing, Australia. At 2-10 am, two men traveling by truck witnessed a brightly lit object with colored lights. The object, described as dome-shaped and approximately 100 yards long and 35 feet high, displayed regular patterns of light changes. It was silent and took off at a 45-degree angle. The men observed it for 20 minutes as it disappeared into the distance. The article also mentions a separate incident hours earlier where a child reported seeing a "man in red pants." Investigators found no physical trace at the site, which was hard from drought. The evaluation concludes the object could not have been an ordinary aircraft, balloon, or marsh gas, classifying it as "UNKNOWN."

"SCIENCE AND FICTION DONT MIX." by L.G. Young (Pages 6, 7, 8)

L.G. Young argues for a rigorous, scientific approach to UFO research, separating it from "fanciful conjecture" and "flights of imagination." He traces the history of UFO sightings, noting how the term "Flying Saucers" gained prominence after Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. Young criticizes the sensationalism of the press and the public's gullibility, which led to a "ranting torrent of half-truths and make belief." He calls for UFO researchers to "vet the literature," reject science-fiction, cease personal contacts with those in "fanciful realms," and invest in standardized equipment. He suggests establishing regular night watches, trained investigation squads, and a central body for adjudication to bring respectability to the field.

"WHOM" (Page 9)

This article questions the reliability of astronomical authorities, highlighting contradictions in theories about the sun and the nature of celestial bodies. It suggests that electromagnetic waves from space can be affected by various fields, potentially making spectro-analyses unreliable. The author points out that astronomers cannot agree on basic conditions on the moon and questions their dogmatic assertions about distant planets, especially in light of scientists who believe cosmic ships may have visited Earth.

S.A. UFO. ROUND-UP (Page 8)

This section provides a chronological list of UFO sightings reported in South Australia during March and April 1959, following George Adamski's visit. Sightings include:

• March 9th: Four bright lights with tails over Adelaide.
• March 13th: A brightly lit object on or near the ground near Purnong Landing.
• March 31st: A reddish-orange object near Goolwa that rose and sped off.
• March 31st: A circular craft with lights traveling back and forth over Woodville Gardens.
• March 31st: A similar circular object seen from Brighton.
• April 8th: A circular object with red, green, and blue lights in a north-western suburb.
• April 9th: A golden object that turned red with a green halo near Snowtown.
• April 13th: A silent, circular craft with flashing lights traveling towards Adelaide from the NE, making sharp turns without sound.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the need for scientific rigor in UFO investigation, the distinction between fact and fiction in reporting, and a critical examination of societal and individual flaws like egotism. The editorial stance, particularly from Millikan and Young, emphasizes a move towards a more serious, evidence-based, and less sensationalist approach to understanding UFO phenomena, while also touching upon broader philosophical concerns about human nature and the limitations of current scientific understanding.

This issue of the Australian Saucer Record, specifically pages nine through sixteen, delves into various aspects of the flying saucer phenomenon, presenting a mix of critical commentary, personal accounts, and reported sightings. The publication seems to operate with a stance that is skeptical of official explanations and supportive of independent investigation into aerial anomalies.

Antagonism to the Flying Saucer by D. W. G. Saunders

This article expresses a strong critique of a magazine referred to as 'Uranus', accusing it of having a singular purpose: to discredit the UFO phenomenon and its sincere investigators, labeling them as cranks and fakes. The author argues that 'Uranus' dismisses the idea of flying saucers being spaceships from other worlds and instead promotes explanations that suggest interplanetary travel is physically impossible. However, the article notes that 'Uranus' also devotes space to proving that humans will eventually build spaceships to visit other worlds. Saunders questions the absolute authority of scientists, stating that they are fallible and that many universal secrets cannot be unlocked by mathematics or laboratory tests. He posits that gifted individuals who perceive and understand things beyond the scope of 'great minds' are often labeled negatively for suggesting solutions that science dismisses. The author also criticizes Alonzo Dove, suggesting he is overly self-important and harbors resentment towards flying saucers and their proponents, reacting antagonistically rather than with open-mindedness. Saunders concludes that quoting Dove's opinions is not beneficial and may only serve his 'slavish idolators'.

Air Overseas Letter of Interest

This section details a family's or group's shift in perspective towards the 'New Age' in September 1957. Initially, they observed unexplained objects in the sky, which they associated with 'flying saucers'. Upon learning more about flying saucers, they became interested in understanding their origin. Their exploration led them through various fields including creation, science, religion, E.S.P., physics, philosophy, music, poetry, and astronomy. Over about a year and a half, they gained a new outlook on life. They report numerous sightings of craft and have gained knowledge through telepathic communication with 'brothers and sisters from other worlds'. They initially believed their learnings were new but discovered historical parallels in the Bible. The authors believe many people on Earth have been contacted by these beings from 'other levels of life'. They suggest that disbelief stems from the perceived variation in stories, overlooking the fact that these beings are spiritually evolved. Their presence is said to increase one's vibratory rate and radiate love, peace, and harmony, leading to an automatic 'raising' of consciousness. The article emphasizes the need for humanity to move beyond its current limitations and embrace new horizons, drawing parallels between ancient scriptures and modern phenomena. It references Jesus' ascension and Paul's experience of the 'THIRD HEAVEN' as examples of travel beyond Earth. The authors affirm that God remains constant and that current events are further proof of this. They believe people on Earth are speaking with greater wisdom, attributing this to allowing 'Inner Consciousness to rule over the Outer Consciousness'. The piece concludes with an account of a visitation by a 'Great and Marvellous Being' on December 18th and 23rd, 1958, who entered and left their home through the wall, demonstrating a reality beyond human comprehension.

This section is co-authored by V., J. & D. Hendrix from St. Joseph, Missouri, and includes a reiteration of the Golden Rule: "DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU, BECAUSE AS YOU DO UNTO OTHERS SO IT IS DONE UNTO YOU!" They explain that thoughts, when imbued with feeling, create reality, and individuals receive back what they project.

Claim & Counter-Claim

This multi-part section investigates a claim made by George Adamski. A correspondent from the U.S. reports that on December 1, 1958, Adamski boarded a train in Kansas City for Davenport. Despite having his luggage placed on the train, Adamski found his bags still in the vestibule. Approximately 20 minutes into the journey, the train stopped, and Adamski was picked up by a car. He claims he and the driver were then teleported into a saucer hovering over a wooded area, which subsequently landed him in Davenport eight hours later. During this interval, Adamski was reportedly told many things to be revealed later. Upon arrival in Davenport, he was met by locals and his secretary. He later produced unused train tickets, suggesting a refund, and recounted his teleportation story. Adamski reportedly told the same story when he visited South Australia.

This claim was investigated by Mr. Arthur Campbell of the 'Kansas City UFO Study Club'. Campbell's investigation revealed several points contradicting Adamski's account:

1. Railroad agent records showed no unscheduled stops or delays on the schedule between Kansas City and Minneapolis.
2. The train's first stop after leaving Kansas City was Excelsior Springs, with a running time of 38 minutes on that trip.
3. The train's running time on December 1st was 13 minutes, making Adamski's claim of a significant delay impossible.

Interviews with train crew members, including Albert Reed, Roy James (chair car attendants), Glen McClintic (conductor), and L.E.Duke (fireman), confirmed that no delay occurred on that run. The chair car attendants stated the vestibules remained closed until the first scheduled stop, and the conductor confirmed no announcement of a delay was made. Neither attendant recognized Adamski's photograph.

The train did pause briefly at Air Lines Junction, within Kansas City limits, but this was not considered sufficient for Adamski to disembark and be teleported. The investigation report, compiled by Mr. Campbell, included signed affidavits from the crew.

A newspaper report from Manchester, England, details an interview with Adamski by David Wightman, a reporter, and a photographer. Wightman presented Adamski with information from the Kansas City claim, reportedly obtained from Mr. Wheeler. During the interview, when points from Campbell's investigation report were read, Adamski became angry and dismayed. An extract from an affidavit was read, and Adamski attempted to take the papers, suggesting they could be picked up later. The photographer captured Adamski's reaction.

The following day, a newspaper reporter interviewed Adamski again. He alleged that the Central Intelligence Agency had tried to discredit his stories and suggested Wightman might be a CIA agent. Adamski did not deny his original story to Mr. Wheeler or change any details, seemingly oblivious to the damning evidence against him.

Airline Pilots Blow Their Jets

This section reports that over 50 commercial airline pilots, with at least 15 years of experience, criticized the Air Force's policy on UFOs as 'ridiculous'. One pilot described the policy as "a lesson in lying, intrigue and the 'Big Brother' attitude carried to the ultimate extreme." The pilots expressed disgust and frustration with Air Force methods after being interrogated following their UFO sightings. One pilot stated that while they are ordered to report sightings, they are usually treated as incompetent and told the object was a mirage or lightning. The pilot suggested many pilots might 'forget' to report sightings to avoid Air Force scrutiny. This report is attributed to 'THE VISITOR', Michigan, via the Newark Star Ledger.

Overseas News

This section compiles various UFO sighting reports from different locations:

• Detroit, USA (February 25th): Thirty-five passengers on an American Airlines DC-6 witnessed three illuminated "flying saucers" escorting the plane for 145 minutes. The pilot, Capt. Peter Killian, confirmed the sighting and ruled out a high-altitude jet refueling operation due to the objects' varying intensity and changing positions. Lt.Col. Ice B. James of the army ordinance missile command stated the objects were not from Earth or Russia, suggesting they originated from a civilization far more advanced.
• Kalamazoo, Michigan (January 9th): At 6:15 p.m., a golden yellow ball followed by a streaming ribbon of fire streaked across the western sky, observed from multiple points.
• Cleveland, Ohio (January 20th): Excited callers reported strange objects overhead, described as an orange ball with a tail of flame. A similar object was reported on February 6th, which looped around a plane, changed direction, and disappeared.
• Poland: A Polish weekly, "Dookoła Świata", reports significant interest in the flying saucer field, with several reports of bullet-shaped objects and large, brilliant, blood-red objects.
• Miami Beach (March 12th): A diver, Bob Wall, reported seeing a hairy, point-headed monster, approximately 5.5 feet long and 3 feet high, with a cylindrical body, three legs, and large eyes, lurking in an undersea cave.

Sputnik Cone?

This article discusses a luminous object sighted in the sky south of Adelaide on April 29th, trailing sparks and traveling in a flat trajectory. Witnesses described it as the size of a full moon, brilliant white, with a long tail and rows of flashing lights. A moon-watch member initially thought it was a plane or multiple planes, not a comet or meteorite. Many witnesses agreed the object had flashing lights and disintegrated in a shower of sparks.

Initial reports indicated the object was not a satellite. However, later reports suggested it was believed to be the nose-cone of Sputnik III re-entering the atmosphere. Further newspaper articles requested more reports, especially from South Australia's south-east, as the object appeared to be about 40 degrees off course.

Coincidentally, three days prior, a Mr. Lightfoot from an Adelaide suburb photographed a strange circular craft with flashing lights that hovered for about 2.5 minutes before ascending vertically at high speed. The craft appeared to be spinning, with stationary lights.

Adding to the coincidences, the day before the 'nose-cone' sighting, a young man from Hawker sighted a huge circular orange object trailing lights, which descended from the hills and disappeared into them. On the same day, 50 miles north of Hawker, a stockman reported a circular craft, 100 feet in diameter and 30 feet high, with rectangular portholes and a dome-shaped superstructure, flying low over his cattle, circling them, and then flying away almost silently.

These sightings within a few days suggest the April 29th object may not have been a Sputnik nose-cone, and the 'authorities' are uncertain.

Salisbury Sighting

Mr. Miller, a milkman from Salisbury North, reported sighting an unusual sky object on the morning of April 29th. The object was also seen from Bordertown, Keith, and Melrose. Mr. Miller's wife witnessed the object, described as a yellowish light surrounded by flashing, sparkling lights, rapidly crossing the sky at 5:35 a.m. Using a camera with a 12-second delayed-action shutter, Mr. Miller estimated the sighting duration at 11-15 seconds. The object followed a flat trajectory about 30 degrees above the horizon, traversing about 120 degrees of the sky. Mrs. Miller watched for about 6 seconds. After 5-6 seconds, the flashes disappeared, and the object appeared as a dull, red shape with a short yellow-orange tail. Mr. Miller noted there were no conical projections, contrary to other reports. The tail faded, and the red glowing object disappeared. The investigator described Mr. Miller as precise and unbiased. Mr. Miller distinguished the object from meteors, noting its different path, lack of height loss, and the unusual tail, and its large size.

Overseas Notes

This section compiles brief reports from various international sources:

• Brazilian Society for the Serious Study of Flying Saucers: Bulletin No. 8 summarizes Brazilian sightings from November 1957 to December 1958. Reports included orange objects throwing sparks, luminous discs with flashing lights, and photographic evidence in seven cases. Material from saucers was collected on three occasions, electrical instruments experienced interference twice, animals were affected twice, and 'human' beings were seen near saucers twice. A total of 149 sightings were recorded, with a peak of 44 in November 1957.
• Niagara Falls Evening Review (February 6, 1959): A man in Port Colborne, Canada, named Johann Purchalski, claims to be a descendant of extraterrestrials, to have met spacemen, and to be building a flying machine to travel to space. He claims to have spent time on Mars and possesses a Martian police officer badge and photos. His machine is described as a helicopter of high-quality construction, but his story is deemed not credible.
• Montreal (April 12th): Air Force authorities were reportedly baffled by a mysterious UFO, a red light observed over Canada's key air defense establishment. It disappeared north at supersonic speed and was not registered on radar. Observers at St. Hubert Air Base and hundreds of residents witnessed the event. An air force spokesman called it "a genuine UFO."
• Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe (NICAP): Speaking to over 1,000 people, Keyhoe urged them to write to their congressmen and senators for a public hearing on UFO reports, claiming the air force is withholding information on these 'mystery aircraft'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the skepticism surrounding official explanations for UFO sightings, the perceived bias of certain publications (like 'Uranus') against UFO research, and the exploration of alternative explanations rooted in spiritual or 'New Age' beliefs. There is a strong emphasis on personal testimony and eyewitness accounts, often presented as more reliable than scientific or governmental pronouncements. The magazine appears to champion the idea that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious, open-minded investigation, often highlighting perceived cover-ups or dismissive attitudes from authorities. The 'New Age' perspective, focusing on spiritual evolution and extraterrestrial contact through telepathy, is presented as a significant, albeit unconventional, framework for understanding these events. The issue also highlights the challenges in verifying extraordinary claims, as seen in the detailed examination of the George Adamski incident, where investigative journalism attempts to debunk or corroborate a sensational story.

The "AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD" is the official organ of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. This issue, page nineteen, features an article about the "Avro Saucer". The publication is based at 22 Northcote Street, Kilourn, South Australia.

Avro Saucer Development

A top United States government air expert, John B. Macauley, assistant secretary in the Defence Department, testified in Washington on April 13th. He stated that the public would be amazed by a Canadian flying saucer being developed in Toronto. Macauley, with extensive experience in aviation, expressed unprecedented admiration for the project, saying, "I've never seen anything like it in all the years I've spent in aviation and that's most of my life."

Approximately $10,000,000 has been invested in the project to date. The craft is designed as an observation vehicle capable of moving sideways, hovering, or skimming close to the ground. Its design allows it to dart between trees and dip into small valleys, making it difficult for enemy radar to detect. This capability would enable rapid deployment of troops and supplies across various terrains, including mud, ice, water, or mountains.

The Avro Saucer is not intended as a space vehicle; it relies on air for lift and operates at altitudes comparable to most aircraft. Sources indicate that the craft utilizes propellers housed within pipes, providing significantly more thrust than conventional propellers. Propulsion is managed by movable jets that control its speed and direction. Several Army and Air Force experts were scheduled to provide detailed testimony to the committee, but their statements were classified as secret.

Lt. Gen. Donald L. Puti informed the Toronto Telegram that the initial plans for the saucer included a speed of 300 m.p.h., a range of 1000 miles, and a ceiling of 40,000 feet. There is congressional concern that the USAF is not progressing quickly enough with the project.

An editor's note references the 1945 German test-flown saucer and questions whether current UFO sightings are being attributed to further developments of this Avro project, suggesting a potential deflection of responsibility.

German Claims and Avro's Response

The issue also addresses claims by a German designer, Andreas Epp, who asserts that the Avro flying saucer is a copy of his own design. Epp claims his saucer can achieve speeds of 1,900 mph and travel from New York to Geneva in 24 hours. He states he patented his model in April of the previous year. Epp described his Halton project as having a 65 ft diameter, a payload capacity of 28 tons, and a ceiling of approximately 7 miles. Officials at Avro reportedly ridiculed Epp's claim. The Avro project itself is based on a design by Jack C. Frost, who is currently an engineer at Avro.

Tape Recording Service

Page twenty details a Tape Recording Service available to UFO associates and private investigators in Australia. Tapes can be ordered in 5-inch or 7-inch sizes, with options for long play. Prices are listed as 35/- for a 5" L.P. tape and £3 for a 7" L.P. tape, excluding return postage. All tapes are recorded at the "32 Level". Customers are instructed to provide the serial number of the desired tape when ordering. Master tapes will not be loaned out, but copies can be supplied under the stated conditions. A selection of available tapes is provided, including lectures by George VanTassell, Frank Edwards, Truman Be thurum, Waveney Girvane, and George Adamski, as well as documentaries on sightings and specific cases like the Bolvar and Nairne Telepathic Sightings. Talks by Calvin Girvane, Gray Barker, Buck Nelson, and Fred Stone are also listed, covering topics such as personal experiences, findings, and the Bible's relation to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, technological developments in flying saucers, and official testimonies regarding these phenomena. There's an underlying theme of skepticism towards official explanations and a suggestion of hidden information or suppressed technology, particularly in the editor's note regarding the German saucer. The publication serves as a platform for reporting on both domestic and international UFO-related news and research, including the availability of recorded lectures and discussions on the subject.