Australian UFO Bulletin - 1978 08 - August

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN, dated AUGUST, 1978, is published by THE VICTORIAN U.F.O. RESEARCH SOCIETY and is registered for posting as a publication Category B. The cover prominently features the society's logo and the title.

Reports from Northern Victoria

Paul Norman reports on several sightings:

• March 17, 1978: George Snowling and his family, along with Peter O'Driscoll, witnessed an object near Wangaratta that changed from a red ball to a cone shape, then a cup shape, increasing in redness and intensity before disappearing. The family dog was unusually restless during the sighting. J. D. Roberts, on whose property the object appeared, described similar colors and movement along a ridge, initially mistaking it for a car.
• April 1, 1978: A businessman and his wife, wishing to remain anonymous, reported a cigar-shaped object hovering about 100 yards away near Albury. Their guard dogs became extremely agitated. The object had lighted square windows and remained stationary for about 20 minutes before the lights went out. A smell similar to burnt gunpowder remained, and the witness experienced severe headaches for two months.

Victorian Press Items

• Newstead Ground Circles: Following up on a previous report, the location of ground marks at Newstead could not be published to deter sightseers. The ground within the circles was darker, including the grass. Radioactive content tests were negative. One of the four circles was not perfectly circular, having indentations.

• Lights Over The Grampians: Several UFO sightings were reported in the Dunkeld area. Les Becker reported his boarder saw two lights above Mount Sturgeon that moved across the sky. Becker himself saw a stationary light above Mount Abrupt move straight up and disappear. His daughter reported a circular object with red lights flying horizontally between Mounts Sturgeon and Abrupt, illuminating the mountainside before disappearing. Becker later observed a bright light on the mountain disappear at a faster rate than stars.

Interstate Reports

• Flying Cigar Over Yarra Valley (June 7, 1978): Mrs. Judy Ver Hagen and Mr. Les Lord reported seeing an unidentified flying object over Lilydale and Yarra Glen. Described as cigar-shaped and colored blue in the center with white ends, it moved at an "incredible speed," appearing to be over Melbourne city before zig-zagging towards Healesville and hovering over Yarra Glen.
• Lights at Eddington (June 23, 1978): A driver and passenger reported an object with white and red lights hovering over trees near Eddington.

Resignation of the President

Mr. Peter Norris has resigned as President of the Victorian UFO Research Society after 21 years. He was a co-founder and instrumental in establishing the society. His resignation is due to business and personal reasons. The society was formed on February 17, 1957, and has published various papers and magazines. It also sponsored a radio program and maintained a large UFO library. Under Norris, the society assisted in arranging tours for figures like George Adamski and Professor James McDonald, and hosted Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The committee expressed pride in his leadership.

• Committee Election Results (August 11):
• President: Judith Magee
• Vice President: Paul Norman
• Secretary: Agnes Briggs
• Treasurer: Clive Yates
• Committee members: Les Bristol, Rodney Marrow, Ian Scott, Jock Bell, Douglas Mummery.

Interstate Reports (Continued)

• Buckland, Tasmania (July 18, 1977): A farmer's son reported a semicircle of 6 or 8 pink/red flashing lights, with two steady lights at the base, estimated to cover 200 meters. The witness observed that stars were blocked out by the object. Individual lights were estimated to be 3 to 5 meters wide.
• Niemur River, New South Wales (September 30, 1977): Ron Dunn, John Wilson, and John's 11-year-old son reported a peculiar object under the water, casting a shadow. Later, an object on the opposite bank was described as cylindrical with a red light in the center, two yellow lights, and a white beam. After attempts to communicate failed, the object was shot at, resulting in sparks and a flash of light, after which the other lights went out. The lights then returned.
• Athelstone, South Australia (December 24, 1977): A witness reported an object shaped like a cake tin with pulsating air traveling in a NE direction. The object was described as having air beating around it like fan blades. The witness went outside and saw it disappear into the clouds.
• Lismore, New South Wales (January 19, 1978): A witness observed a large circular object hovering with "square windows" and emitting a "beeping" sound. The object, estimated to be 10 to 13 meters in diameter, shot straight up and disappeared into the clouds.
• Granton, Tasmania (February 18, 1978): Two witnesses reported two spherical metallic objects that later became more disc-shaped and brown. The objects moved erratically, reappearing and disappearing.
• Bowna, New South Wales (March 30, 1978): Following up on a previous report, it was confirmed that sheep stood motionless while observing a large UFO estimated to be about a mile away. Sheep dogs also remained still.

• Erratum: The date for the Tasmanian Seven Mile Beach sighting in the May Bulletin was corrected to February 3, 1977.

Overseas News

• Find a Martian and Win a Million: A British company offered a $1.6 million reward for proof of extraterrestrial life, specifically a spaceship. Smaller prizes were offered for scientific papers on UFOs and research into historical sightings.
• Knock, Knock: The area around Frome, Somerset, was designated a UFO traffic hub, hosting the first British UFO conference. Sightings included blurs, white blobs, and red balls, particularly at Cradle Hill.
• UFO Was No Train! (Buenos Aires): A railroad station manager was hospitalized after signaling the arrival of a UFO instead of a freight train. The object illuminated the station and caused domestic animals to take refuge.
• Rivals Join as UFO Watchers (New York): The Centre for UFO Studies, led by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, is collaborating with Soviet researchers to investigate UFO cases, exchanging evidence and testing theories about UFO "flaps."
• UFOs Spotted at Nuclear Bases and Missile Sites: The Enquirer reported UFOs flying near SAC bases and missile sites in 1975. The Air Force scrambled jets and helicopters, but failed to intercept the craft. One helicopter came within 1000 feet of a UFO but the crew could not see it.

Intense Activity Continues in New Zealand

New Zealand publications indicate heavy UFO activity continued into early 1978, with the Gisborne area experiencing its most intense period.

• Rodney & Waitemata Times (February 1, 1978): A couple in Warkworth saw colored lights that descended and landed as a round, silver, saucer-shaped object with blinking lights. A tall person (2 to 2.3 meters) emerged before the craft took off.
• Gisborne Herald (March 16, 1978): A mill worker described a "terrifying experience" with a large oval object, described as the size of a three-story building, floating alongside his car. The object was orange with thousands of small lights and rose to 300-400 feet.
• Waimata Valley (March 11, 1978): Four witnesses chased a red, green, and white object, described as a "top hat-shaped" object about 30 feet in diameter. The object's lights went out when approached.
• Rodney & Waimata Times (April 12, 1978): Two women in Dairy Flat reported being followed by a UFO. The object was described as a round, misty yellow light, about a third the size of the moon, hovering and moving erratically.

Official UFO File Released by Spanish Government

A presentation by Antonio Ribera detailed a Spanish Government document comprising 12 UFO cases. These cases, collected by the Ministry of Aeronautics, include reports from military pilots and technicians. Notable cases include a UFO landing in Navarra (January 2, 1975), a near-collision with an Ibèrian Airways flight (November 24, 1974), and an encounter involving military training jets (June 3, 1967). Another case involved a UFO responding to IFF codes on radar. Mr. Adrian Sanchez reported a spindle-shaped craft and a discoidal flying object. An instructor and pupil in a Mirage jet observed a strange light. A report from Villafria military airport concluded negatively on a "flying object with a flattened cone form," but a military brief affirmed its authenticity.

On the Strange Case of Dr. "X"

Dr. G. Stevens analyzes an account involving two disc-shaped flying objects, approximately 65 meters in diameter, with vertical and horizontal antennae. They emitted a cylindrical white light beam. The objects merged into one and then dematerialized with a loud bang. Stevens proposes an alternative explanation involving a single scout ship moving backwards in time, suggesting that matter traveling at different rates of time does not interact normally.

Another Menace in the Sky

• April 2: A streak of bright light descended upon Lance Cove, Newfoundland.
• April 4: A radio began to glow, followed by an aerial explosion in Victoria, BC.
• April 6: Ms A reported an experience involving a "straight beam of light" that caused horror and menace to six horses on her property near Prince George, BC. Three horses were unharmed. Later, Ms A and her mother saw a round, misty yellow light in the sky, described as about a third the size of the moon, which hovered and moved erratically.
• Prince George: Mr. C saw a UFO, described as a bluish-white light that disappeared and then reappeared as a flashing colored light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across Australia and New Zealand, the variety of reported object characteristics (shapes, colors, behaviors), and the detailed witness accounts. The publication maintains an objective stance, presenting these reports for consideration. The editorial stance emphasizes the scientific nature of the UFO subject and the need for closer attention, as echoed by previous statements. The issue also highlights the importance of official documentation and research, as seen in the Spanish government's declassified files and the analysis of complex cases like Dr. "X."

Title: AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN
Issue Date: August, 1978
Volume: 10
Publisher: Victorian UFO Research Society
Country: Australia

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin focuses on UFO sightings, research, and society activities. It includes a detailed report of a sighting, information on upcoming and past meetings, and offers various publications for sale.

UFO Sighting Report

The issue begins with a report of a UFO sighting that occurred outside a town. Mr. C observed a "red on the ends and orange on the bottom" object that was stationary and emitted no noise. Using a telescope, he identified it as a "disc shaped object." The sighting lasted for an hour, during which five people observed the UFO either through a telescope or a telescopic rifle scope. Mr. C contacted the military, who eventually confirmed seeing the object on radar. The UFO then moved behind a hill and disappeared. The report also mentions that some horses were struck by a beam of light from the UFO, causing them to drive off in search of the object.

Annual General Meeting and Society Activities

The committee expressed disappointment with the low attendance at recent public meetings, despite increased media coverage of the UFO subject. The Society has hosted quality speakers in the past, including Dr. Clifford Wilson, author of "Crash Go The Chariots," and Dr. P. J. Bicknell, who lectured on UFO research in ancient literature.

The Annual General Meeting on August 11 featured an agenda with two guest speakers who were UFO witnesses. Mr. Gary Price described his experience near Armidale, NSW, on January 10, 1978. Mr. Jock Bell recounted his 1935 experience of observing a huge unidentified object floating in the sea off the West African coast while serving as a merchant navyman. The meeting also included the playing of portions of the new record, "UFOs - The Credibility Factor," which features interviews with American UFO experts and astronauts.

In addition to large meetings, the Society is considering holding smaller, more informal meetings in private homes. Several members have offered to host such gatherings, which would allow members more frequent access to the library. Members willing to accommodate a meeting (requiring a room for up to 20 people and hot water for coffee) are asked to contact Mrs. Magee.

Publications for Sale

The "FOR SALE" section offers several publications:

• Two Special VUFORS Publications:
• "The Gill Sightings, June 1959": A verbatim transcript of Father Gill's experiences in New Guinea. Price: $1 plus 25¢ postage.
• "The Victorian UFO Report, 1954": A compilation of reports and articles about Victoria's "flying saucer" year, by Ray Fischer and Les Bristol. A high-ranking RAAF officer is quoted as saying, "...I personally am convinced they have an interplanetary source..." Price: $2, postage free.
• Both publications together: $3, postage free.

• Back Issues of "Australian Flying Saucer Review" (VUFORS magazine):
• Available issues: No. 6 (Dec 66), No. 7 (67), No. 8 (68), Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5 (covering 1970-1972).
• Postage: 35¢ for one copy, 45¢ for 2-4 copies, 80¢ for 5-8 copies. Overseas rates are US45¢, 70¢, $1.20 respectively.

• Back Issues of the "Bulletin" (members only):
• Available issues: Feb 75, Feb 76, Aug 76, Nov 76, Feb 77, May 77.
• Prices: 40¢ each for 1975-1976 issues, 60¢ each for 1977 issues.
• Postage: 35¢ for one copy, 45¢ for 2-4 copies, 70¢ for 5-8 copies.

• Car Stickers: Available for 20¢ each, with 25¢ postage for up to a dozen.

Subscription Information

The "Australian UFO Bulletin" is produced quarterly (February, May, August, November) by the Victorian UFO Research Society. The Society welcomes eye-witness accounts and information concerning unidentified flying objects and unusual aerial phenomena.

• Annual Subscription Fees (4 issues):
• Australia: Adults - $5.00, Pensioners & Juniors - $3.00 (Juniors under 18).
• Overseas: US$5.00.

An indicator (an 'X' in a box) signifies that the subscription expires with this issue.

Advertisement for Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center

Page 2 features an advertisement for the "Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center" (A.P.C.I.C.), which offers "TOTAL PRESS COVERAGE MONTHLY." The service provides clippings from approximately 4000 magazines and the top 700 daily newspapers in the U.S. & Canada, ensuring systematic checking and fast handling of information by the 15th of each month.

• Subscription Rates for A.P.C.I.C.:
• U.S. & Canada: $5.00 a month.
• All other countries: $6.00 a month (including Air Mailing).

Payment is due by the 15th of each month prior to the next month's issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of UFO sightings, the activities and growth of UFO research societies, and the dissemination of information through publications and meetings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, objective investigation into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging witness accounts and providing a platform for discussion and information sharing. The Society aims to keep its members informed through its bulletin and various publications.