Australian UFO Bulletin - 1982 06 - June

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue Date: June 1982
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the 25-year objective stance of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (VUFORS) regarding ufology. It acknowledges the common belief that UFOs are spacecraft from outside our solar system but emphasizes that other theories, such as those involving parallel universes, time travel, the psychic, hollow earth, lost civilizations, and interstellar communication, should not be dismissed. The editorial also discusses the early theory that UFOs might be secret aircraft developed by 20th-century man, specifically mentioning the AVRO Corporation's circular aircraft project. It notes that the speed and maneuverability of UFOs made this theory unlikely, especially as sightings became global. A variation of this theory, proposed by Renato Vesco in his book "Intercept – but don't Shoot," suggests that some 1940s 'saucers' were constructed by the British in Canada using components from various countries, including Australia. The editorial concludes by stating that as long as the UFO enigma remains unsolved, even the most borderline possibilities should be considered.

Articles and Reports

"NOIDS OF THE HUME" by J.M. Magee

This section reviews an article from "Aust. Flying Saucer Review" No. 8, 1967, detailing an alleged landing near Wodonga, Australia. The report focuses on the interrogation of Ron Hydes, who claimed that on August 24, 1967, while riding his motorcycle near Wodonga, he was engulfed in a brilliant bluish-white light. He stopped and observed a disc-shaped object, about 100 feet away, hovering three to four feet above the ground. The object was silver on top and dark grey or black underneath, resembling two inverted saucers. Hydes saw two figures, about five feet tall, dressed in metallic overalls and helmets, beckon him. He became frightened and fled on his motorcycle. The UFO then followed him at a distance of about 100 feet altitude and 150 feet away. Hydes described the object as changing from a pinkish color to a bright red before shooting upwards at a 45-degree angle and disappearing.

"EVALUATION OF THE WODONGA CASE"

This evaluation of the Hydes account notes that it is detailed and consistent, having been corroborated by two taped interrogations by Society investigators. Enquiries to local press and police yielded no corroborative reports. Meteorological records, however, confirmed the weather conditions described by Hydes. The evaluation suggests reasons why other motorists might not have reported the event, including limited field of vision and distraction by Hydes' actions. It also mentions that Hydes learned of VUFORS' existence only after reading a UFO book by Coral Lorenzen. The report coincided with a minor UFO flap in Southern Australia. The material relating to the UFO's appearance and behavior was recognized as familiar and essential UFO characteristics, leading investigators to believe it was unlikely to have been invented by someone not steeped in UFO literature. A psychiatrist and a lawyer reviewed the transcript and found the account consistent and authentic. The evaluation concludes that while no definitive conclusion can be made, the report is a fascinating statistic that, with similar accounts, might yield proof of events.

"ON THE U.F.O. TRAIL..." by Paul Norman

This article recounts the author's 1982 visit along the North American UFO Trail, frequently mentioning Professor James McDonald, an energetic scientist known for his thorough research into unidentified flying objects. McDonald's interest in UFOs began with a sighting he couldn't explain. He contacted VUFORS in early 1966 to inquire about Rev. William Gill's encounter. McDonald learned that UFO information was scarce in the academic world but available among ufologists. In May 1967, McDonald visited the author in Tucson, Arizona, to discuss Australian UFO cases. The author helped arrange appointments for McDonald with key witnesses during his July 1967 visit to Australia, resulting in 80 witness interviews and 13,000 feet of recorded tape. The article alleges that UFO debunker Phillip Klass attempted to hinder McDonald's progress, contributing to his "untimely death." The author notes that the atmosphere seems fresher in the US since Klass has apparently withdrawn from the field.

"Amazing Reports of UFO Activity in Russia"

This is the second part of an exclusive ENQUIRER series, detailing a terrifying encounter reported by two Russian forest rangers, Ari Sarvi and Mauno Erkko, in northwestern Russia near Kestenga. The rangers, who had no prior knowledge of UFOs, witnessed a bright red pulsating cloud descending. The cloud dissipated to reveal a round, metallic object with no visible seams, emitting a loud hum. A cylindrical landing gear lowered, and a creature described as about three feet tall, with spindly limbs, a waxen face, a dark green body stocking, boots, long white gloves, a sharp nose, pointy ears, and childlike hands emerged. The alien aimed a black object, like a stubby tube, at the rangers, firing a blinding, pulsating beam. After the beam, the object was enveloped in a red mist and vanished. Sarvi experienced paralysis, fever, and vomiting, while Erkko suffered arm and chest pains and swollen eyes. A local physician, Dr. Olle Kossola, suggested the symptoms could be due to shock or radiation poisoning. Dr. Vladimir Azhazha, who headed the special Soviet commission investigating UFOs, concluded that the encounter did take place.

"UF-OS IN ANALYSIS" by Mrs. E.S. Nixon

This analysis attempts to connect biblical accounts with unexplained events and UFO phenomena. The author draws parallels between biblical materializations and UFO sightings, citing "The Devil's Meridian" by Kevin Killey and Gary Lester. The article suggests that invisible beings, akin to God's 'sons' mentioned in Genesis, could materialize in Earth's atmosphere. It proposes that UFOs might be manifestations of life from another dimension or telepathic communications. The author compares biblical accounts, such as Ezekiel's vision of a whirlwind and fire, with a 1964 sighting reported in "The Devil's Meridian" of a dark object emitting light and smoke. The article also discusses the disappearance of Fred Valentich in October 1978, suggesting it was linked to alien manipulation of the atmosphere, possibly involving an unidentified structure observed in photographs.

"LIBRARIAN'S REPORT."

This report provides an update on the VUFORS library, noting that 217 books are in the collection, but there is a need for books from the late 1970s. The librarian appeals for donations. The report also mentions a lost phone number for a lady member and asks her to call again.

"BOOK REVIEW NO. 5 ....Library No. E.71. BY PHILIP J. KLASS "UFOS EXPLAINED""

This review discusses Philip J. Klass's 1974 book, "UFOs Explained," describing it as a long, interesting, and well-written objective examination of UFOs. The reviewer recommends it for those keeping an open mind, though acknowledging some parts are personal. The review highlights two rules from Klass's assessment of UFO encounters: 1) Honest and intelligent persons may be inaccurate when describing brief, unexpected events involving unfamiliar objects. 2) Despite perceptual limitations, some details recalled may be accurate, but distinguishing them from inaccuracies is a problem for investigators, potentially insoluble until the UFO's identity is known.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the objective investigation of UFO phenomena, the exploration of various theories regarding UFO origins (including extraterrestrial, secret aircraft, and interdimensional hypotheses), detailed case studies of alleged sightings (Wodonga, Russia, Fred Valentich), and the historical context of UFO research, particularly mentioning the work of Professor James McDonald. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the consideration of all possibilities while maintaining a commitment to factual investigation and avoiding premature endorsement of any single theory. The VUFORS emphasizes its non-profit status and reliance on membership for its operations.

This issue of "UFO" (Volume 1, Issue 14, dated December 17, 1981) is published by V.U.F.O.R.S. and focuses on a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, scientific theories on the origin of life, and recent sightings. The cover headline highlights a witness testifying in a defense test case regarding life brought to Earth from space.

Life Brought to Earth From Space, Witness For Defense Testifies

This lengthy article by George Wells details the testimony of Dr. N. C. Wickramasinghe, an astronomer from the University College of Wales, in a federal court creationism trial. Dr. Wickramasinghe presented the theory, developed with Sir Fred Hoyle, that life on Earth originated from organic molecules brought by comets from space. He argued that the probability of life arising spontaneously on Earth is "essentially zero" and that the chances of complex molecules forming life are infinitesimally small within the Earth's age. He suggested that "genetic information" from organic molecules has been brought to Earth by meteors, leading to major changes and the creation of new species. This theory disputes Darwinian evolution, particularly regarding the origin of life and new species, which Dr. Wickramasinghe believes the scientific community has rejected due to being "brainwashed" by Darwinian concepts. He also mentioned evidence of microbial life on a meteorite and spectrographic studies of space, though he admitted to lacking "unequivocal evidence" of DNA in space. He also posited that viruses rained from space, causing epidemics and contributing genetic characteristics.

Dr. Wickramasinghe agreed with the spirit of Act 590, which requires balanced treatment for creation-science in schools, and stated that theories of origins fall into two categories: created or not created, which he sees as mutually exclusive. He also suggested that denying a "creator" implies blindness to facts.

UFO Studies Gain Favour in China

This section reports on the increasing interest in UFOs in China, with detailed reports dating back over 900 years. The "China UFO Research Organisation," established in May, has received over 500 reports, and nearly as many professional believers have joined UFO chapters at universities. Two UFO magazines are published, and public investigations are being appealed for. A recent sighting in Tibet described a "bright object surrounded by a ring of blue-white light of variable brightness" that rotated. A similar UFO was witnessed by an American construction worker at the same time.

Bookmaker Drops Odds Against Aliens Landing on Earth to 100-1

A British bookmaking company, Ladbroke & Co Ltd., has significantly reduced odds against an alien landing on Earth within the next year, from 500-1 to 100-1. This change is attributed to heavy betting, reportedly from followers of a San Diego mystic. Approximately $10,000 has been wagered, with the bookmaker agreeing to pay off if "aliens from outer space land or crash on earth, alive or dead" within 12 months.

Sightings Reported by Phone

This section details a sighting by Mr. C.S. near the Cranbourne Area on March 28, 1982. He observed a diamond-shaped light hovering in the sky that approached his vehicle, lit up the area with a pale white glow, and then raced ahead, following the road at speeds up to 130 K.P.H. The object eventually changed direction and was lost.

Another report from the same area on the same night involves Farmer A.W. who saw a bright, star-shaped light that paced his car and disappeared at his farm gates. No noise was heard. Mrs. M.C. also reported an extremely bright, star-shaped light with a noise like screaming tires.

It is noted that two of these reports were initially made to the R.A.A.F. at Laverton, who advised the witnesses to contact V.U.F.O.R.S.

Search Opens for Country 'UFO Nest'

This article from "Weekend News" (Perth, W.A., April 10, 1982) reports on increased UFO sightings in Esperance, Western Australia, attracting a team of investigators. The president of the Perth UFO Research Group, Mike Borley, and secretary Keith Johnston, believe Esperance is a UFO activity center. Investigations are underway to check reports of a "UFO nest," defined as an area with flattened or burned ground. Police Constable Bob Cordon reported two women who claimed a UFO shadowed them for over 100 km, swerved across the road, and left a vapour trail. The object was described as red, orange, and yellow, casting a blue light on the ground.

'UFORUM' - P.G. from Geelong writes

This section features a letter from P.G. of Geelong, who questions the first disappearance of a ship in Bass Strait, comparing it to the disappearance of the aircraft 'Miss Hobart' in 1934. He notes that Bass Strait has been a significant graveyard for ships, listing several disappearances including 'The Governor Sorrell' (1819), 'Governor Macquarie' (1829), 'Yarra Yarra', and 'Britomart' (1839). He poses the question of whether these mysterious losses could be attributed to close encounters with UFOs.

Discussion Night

An announcement for a discussion night hosted by V.U.F.O.R.S. on July 15th at the Supper Room of the Royal Society, 9 Victoria Street, Melbourne, for members and friends.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific and investigative aspects of UFO phenomena, contrasting them with more speculative or anecdotal accounts. There's a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, as seen in the critique of how UFO reports are handled by the media and the importance of physical evidence. The issue also touches upon the philosophical debate between creationism and evolution, presenting a scientific perspective that challenges conventional evolutionary theory. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical, evidence-based approach to UFO investigation while acknowledging the persistent public fascination and the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of book reviews and librarian recommendations suggests an effort to provide resources and context for readers interested in the subject.