Australian UFO Bulletin - 1969 12 - December

Magazine Overview

Title: U.F.O. Bulletin
Issue Date: December, 1969
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the U.F.O. Bulletin, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, serves as a holiday greeting to its members and readers, wishing them a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. The publication reflects on the nature of UFO research, the historical context of sightings, and the ongoing challenge of distinguishing fact from speculation.

Content Highlights

Editorial and Reflections on UFO Research

The editorial begins by acknowledging the long history of unidentified flying objects, recorded across countries and millennia, described in various forms from birds to fiery chariots. It touches upon the 'Star of Bethlehem' as a potential UFO, questioning its stationary nature from an astronomical perspective. The Society reiterates its policy of focusing on 'solid facts' and thorough investigation, while acknowledging that much of UFO research currently remains in the realm of supposition until 'space travellers' land and share their knowledge. The importance of dreamers in scientific advancement is also noted.

Book and Media Recommendations

The bulletin reviews "The Chariots of the Gods" by Erich Von Daniken, suggesting it provides 'good food for thought' and, coupled with the moon landing, encourages deeper thinking about the subject. It also lists several books available for purchase through the Society, including "Unidentified Flying Objects" by Robert Chapman, "The Humanoids" by Charles Bowen, "What we Really Know about Flying Saucers" by Otto Binder, the "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects (Condon Report)" by Dr. Edward U. Condon, and "UFOs? YES! (Where the Condon Committee Went wrong)" by David R. Saunders & Roger Harkins. The latter two paperbacks are recommended for sequential reading, with the Condon Report being described as having its conclusion at the front, potentially to deter readers from finding flaws that support further investigation.

Additionally, the Society offers 'Official Maps' of the Moon and a chart detailing the Earth, satellites, and space probe orbits.

Society Information and Operations

Details are provided regarding the sale of Society badges, with tie bars sold out but brooch and screw types still available. The upcoming year will see the first publication of a magazine duplicated by the Society, with Miss June Harrison as Publications Officer. This move is necessitated by the high cost of professional printing. The magazine will feature a new cover design by committee member Bill Stapleton, with consistent cover colours for each year to aid in ordering back copies. The Society highlights that duplicating is significantly cheaper than printing, potentially reducing the publication's price.

Members are requested to forward any local press clippings pertaining to UFO sightings to aid the Press Cutting Service. The Society also offers its duplicating service for members' business or organisational needs, hoping to generate income to fund further research equipment.

Items of Interest

Several short articles are included:

• Are UFOs Terrestrial in Origin?: This piece discusses the belief among some researchers that UFOs might be terrestrial, exploring ideas like the 'Hollow Earth' and 'Shaver's caves', while suggesting remote locations like the Matto Grosso or Gobi Desert as potential bases.
• The Adamski Photographs: A letter from the U.S. Department of Air Force indicates that photo analysts at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base determined the Adamski prints contained stimuli from a tobacco humidor and ping pong balls, a conclusion the author finds surprising.
• The Interrupted Journey: A report, unconfirmed at the time of writing, states that Barney Hill, who with his wife Betty claimed to have been taken aboard a flying saucer, has died. This is noted as potentially sparking speculation and is linked to John Keel's remark that UFO research is not for hobbyists.
• Nothing Like Precision: A humorous anecdote about a Venezuelan contactee being told by a spaceman that exactly 2,417,805 aliens live among us.
• What Makes a UFO Tick?: This section questions elaborate schemes for UFO propulsion, suggesting that the concept of 'Teleportation' (as per Charles Fort) is as valid as any other explanation when nothing can be proved.

General Meetings and Sightings

Information is provided about the first general meeting for 1970, scheduled for Friday, February 6th, featuring a tape of Orson Wells' "The War of the Worlds" broadcast and a talk on R.A.A.F. secrecy. The new meeting venue is announced as Princes Gate, 3rd Floor East Tower. Members are encouraged to suggest topics for discussion and to share their own sighting experiences.

A significant sighting from Kambalda, Western Australia, on November 12, 1969, is detailed. The object, described by witness Mrs. D.G. Dixon, was seen as a bright red-silver fluorescent flame, coming down fast, and moving easterly. It was observed by several other people and was bright enough to be seen even behind clouds.

Financial Statement

An audited balance sheet as at June 30, 1969, shows the Society's proprietorship at $2718.99. A statement of income and expenditure for the year ending June 30, 1969, reports a total income of $1568.47 and total expenses of $647.17, resulting in a surplus of income over expenditure of $921.30.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing nature of UFO research, the importance of empirical evidence versus speculation, the promotion of available literature and resources for enthusiasts, and the internal operations and community building of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. The editorial stance is one of cautious investigation, favouring factual reporting and analysis, while acknowledging the speculative elements inherent in the field. There is a clear effort to engage members, encourage contributions, and provide accessible information and materials related to UFO phenomena.