Australian UFO Bulletin - 1968 04 - April-May

Magazine Overview

Title: Australian UFO Bulletin
Issue: April/May 1968
Publisher: The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

VUFORS P.R.O. Tours The North

This section details the recent visit of Paul Norman, VUFORS Public Relations Officer, to Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory (A.C.T.). Norman reports on his meetings with officers of local UFO groups and highlights the significant increase in UFO sightings in the vicinity of the Parkes Radio Telescope over the past few months. He mentions receiving a three-page report from Grenfell, N.S.W., describing numerous sightings near Parkes, Forbes, and other nearby towns.

Norman visited local newspapers in Forbes and Parkes, finding considerable interest among newsmen regarding recent sightings. He recounts an incident from just one week prior where two respected individuals in Parkes observed an object moving at high speed horizontally before stopping abruptly in mid-air. After a few seconds, the UFO descended to the ground. The frightened observers did not approach the paddock where the object landed. The object was described as disc-shaped with a dark centre emitting a greenish glow. Similar sightings were reported from the same general vicinity of Parkes.

On January 13th and 14th, Norman met with Stan Seers, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Russell of the Queensland UFO Research Bureau, and John Maskell of the local C.I.B. office in Coolangatta. An exchange of information on global UFO reports took place. The Queensland Society is noted for being a dependable and objective group. Senior Detective John Meskell of Coolangatta has personally observed at least two UFOs and investigated related incidents.

On January 22nd, Norman met with members of the Canberra Unidentified Flying Objects Research Society for an informal discussion. This group, recently formed, is described as well-organized, dependable, and objective.

The Condon Study and Officialdom

This section discusses the ongoing investigation into flying saucers led by Dr. Edward Uhler Condon, a theoretical physicist, commissioned by the U.S. Air Force. The investigation, which began about 16 months prior, was given $500,000 and a deadline for its report. However, the study is reportedly facing internal turmoil, with some members leaving under mysterious circumstances. There are rumors of private documents being leaked to outsiders hostile to the Condon cause. Dr. Condon himself has reportedly succumbed to a recurrent heart ailment. At least four key people have vanished from the team without explanation.

Dr. James McDonald, a senior physicist at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Arizona, expressed distress over the situation. The Condon report is expected to dismiss the idea of UFOs as interplanetary vehicles and conclude that they do not warrant further urgent scientific study. McDonald, however, rejects the notion that UFOs are mere atmospheric phenomena or figments of imagination. He strongly believes they are extra-terrestrial in origin, guided by intelligent hands, and represent an overwhelmingly important scientific problem.

The text also touches upon the official stance on UFOs, noting a discrepancy between public relations departments, which debunk sightings, and internal intelligence, which reportedly receives factual reports from investigators. The R.A.A.F.'s explanation of the Rev. Browning encounter in Tasmania as being due to the moon and clouds is cited as an example of this dual approach.

UFO Societies and Contact Information

• Addresses for two UFO research societies are provided:
• Canberra UFO Research Society: P.O. Box, Canberra City A.C.T. 2601.
• Queensland Flying Saucer Research Bureau: F.O. Box 111, North Quay, Brisbane QLD.

They Saw a Saucer: Wellington Sighting

Six people in Wellington, New Zealand, reported seeing an unidentified object in the sky for over an hour. Four of them observed it using field glasses and a telescope from 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on a Saturday. The object was described as egg-shaped, moving continuously in a circle, upwards and downwards, and emitting sparks of varied colours. The witnesses included Mr. E. Kitch (ambulance officer), Mrs. Kitch, Mr. J. Davidson (insurance representative), Mr. Trevor Parker (Soil Conservation employee), Mr. T. Bartley (printer), and Mrs. A. McCormack.

Film Night, Meetings, and Publications

Film Night: A film night is scheduled for May 24th at the Plaza Theatre to screen the science-fiction film "2001 A Space Odyssey." The film is presented in Cinerama and directed by Stanley Kubrick, with collaboration from Arthur C. Clarke. Tickets are $1.50.

General Meetings: Henceforth, general meetings will be held in Jerram Hall, cnr. Spring Street and Flinders Lane, on the first Friday of each month at 8 p.m. The new hall seats over 100 people.

Australian Flying Saucer Review: Preparation for the next issue of the Society magazine is underway, with distribution anticipated within eight weeks.

CAFIO Convention and Library

CAFIO Convention: The Federal UFO organisation, CAPIO, will hold its annual convention in Canberra over the Queen's Birthday weekend, June 8-10. The convention offers an opportunity for UFO researchers to meet, discuss their subject, and hear presentations.

Library: Several new titles have been added to the library and are available for loan by post or at meetings. Members can request an up-to-date book list from the Librarian.

New Members Wanted and Canadian UFO Societies

New Members Wanted: The Society's work is financed by membership subscriptions. Members are encouraged to interest friends in joining and to renew their subscriptions promptly.

Canadian UFO Societies: CAPRO and CAPIC have amalgamated under the name CAPRO and can be contacted at Box 1316, Winnipeg 1, Manitoba, Canada.

Teachers See Sky Mysteries

Forty-one science teachers from local schools attended an illustrated lecture on UFOs at Peninsula School, Mt Eliza. Speakers were Mrs. J. Magee (secretary) and Mr. Paul Norman (public relations officer) of the Victorian Unidentified Flying Objects Research Society. The lecture included photos and details of recent UFO sightings, including some in Victoria. The speakers emphasized that their society thoroughly investigates all reports of particularly interesting phenomena, not just brief sightings of bright objects. The science teachers left with a determination to report any findings to Box 43, Moorabbin 3189. Displays of science teaching aids were also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the societal and official responses to the phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of thorough, objective investigation by UFO research societies, as exemplified by the work of VUFORS and the Queensland UFO Research Bureau. The issue highlights a perceived disconnect between public pronouncements by official bodies (like the Air Force) and the reality of UFO investigations, suggesting a pattern of debunking and distraction. The Condon Committee's troubles underscore the challenges and potential political sensitivities surrounding serious scientific inquiry into UFOs. The publication also serves as a platform for connecting UFO enthusiasts, sharing information, and promoting the activities of various UFO research organizations both domestically and internationally.