Panorama - Vol 05 No 01 - 1966

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol 5. No. 1
Date: January-February 1966
Publisher: UFOPIA (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation. Australia.)
Country: Australia
Price: 2/-

This issue of Panorama magazine serves as the official organ for UFOPIA, dedicated to the investigation of unidentified flying objects. The cover features a stylized title, an outline map of Australia with a flying saucer illustration, and the magazine's purpose.

Editorial

The editorial section, written by Editor Fred P. Stone, reflects on the start of 1966, anticipating a busy year for UFOPIA. It highlights recent sightings in Adelaide and mentions an encouraging interview given by the editor to National Station 5AN, which led to increased public interest and lecture requests. The editorial also offers a somewhat cryptic economic forecast, advising readers to invest in essential goods and non-perishable foods due to anticipated shortages and warning about the effects of fluorides in water.

"THOSE SAUCER NESTS?"

This article delves into sightings in Queensland, Australia, specifically focusing on a case reported by a banana grower in Tully on January 19th. He found a circular clearing of pressed-down reeds in a swamp and claimed to have seen a saucer-shaped object take off from the spot. A second and third sighting were reported by a cane farmer and a school teacher near Horses Lagoon. Samples of the reeds were sent to Queensland University, which found little radiation, leading to the conclusion that there were no saucers. The article questions this finding, emphasizing that witnesses did see objects similar to saucers and that the 'nests' were unexplained by officials who attributed them to floods. The article scrutinizes the official explanation, pointing out the localized nature of the depressions and questioning why only certain areas were affected.

Further details are provided about the Tully incident, including an account from Mr. George Tully who heard a loud hissing noise and saw a circular object take off at high speed. The depression in the swamp grass was described as being about 30 ft. by 20 ft. Sergeant A.V.M. Moylan of the Tully police inspected the site and noted the grass was flattened and browned but not burned, with no animal tracks. He expressed skepticism about flying saucers but found the marks inexplicable, considering a helicopter as a possibility, though unlikely due to the proximity to trees. Mr. Pedley, who also saw the object, described it as two saucers joined together, about 25 ft. long and 9 ft. deep, and greyish in color, hovering before ascending rapidly. He admitted his previous disbelief in flying saucers.

"DID SAUCERS CAUSE THE NEW YORK BLACK OUT ?."

This extensive section investigates the theory that UFOs were responsible for the massive power blackout in the North East United States on November 9, 1965. The article presents reports from various witnesses who saw bright, fiery objects in the sky around the time of the blackout. Deputy Civil Aviation Commissioner Rober Walsh reported seeing a ball of fire near Syracuse, New York. Other witnesses, including Weldon Ross and James Brookings, described a large, orange-reddish fireball. Tom Doxsce reported seeing a 'ball of fire' setting in the east, and a neighbor described a yellow, oval object. Mrs. John Clary and Leon Carpenter also reported seeing fireballs. Mrs. Everett B. Jones saw a huge ball of fire over Camillus Plaza. In Philadelphia, witnesses reported a 'curious cloud' shaped like an upended coin. FCC Commissioner J.C. Swindler is quoted as saying the blackout might never be fully explained.

The article then presents "THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY," arguing that while bright objects were seen, they were described as fireballs, not necessarily saucers, and that there is no direct evidence they caused the blackout. The editor suggests the objects might have been observing or on a reconnaissance mission. The article also speculates about the possibility of a planned disruption involving organized groups and riots, possibly orchestrated by external forces, with the 'fireball' being a result of a ray or energy force.

"WORLD'S GREAT SCIENTIFIC AUTHORITY CLAIMS SIGHTIN WAS A RELIS LE FLYING SAUCER SIGHTING."

This article reports on a photograph taken in Ireland by Lisbet Mortensen, which was examined by Mr. Charles Gibbs-Smith, a recognized authority on aviation. Gibbs-Smith considered the photograph to be of "impeccable authority" and to show no object or phenomenon currently known to man. The photograph was taken near Cappoquin, County Waterford, Ireland, by a Danish girl, Lisbet Mortensen, while a passenger in a car driven by Jacqueline Wingfield. The object was described as curved, elongated, solid-looking, and light in color, with a plume of flame-like brightness. The film was processed by photographer Percy Hennell under supervision, and Gibbs-Smith concluded that the negative could not have been faked. He ruled out conventional explanations such as balloons, aircraft, satellites, or meteorites, suggesting the object was interplanetary.

A SPECIAL NOTE FROM YOUR EDITOR.

Fred Stone, the editor, writes a personal note to his readers, apologizing for delays in publication due to a serious car accident he was involved in on March 6th, returning from Woocmera. He sustained broken ribs and bruises and was hospitalized in Pt. Augusta. He expresses his hope to catch up on the publication schedule and asks for readers' prayers and guidance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations into their causes, and the challenges of verifying such phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions while also critically examining the evidence and exploring alternative explanations. There is a clear bias towards acknowledging the reality of UFOs, even if their origins and causes remain mysterious. The editorial stance is one of dedicated investigation and a desire to inform the public about these unexplained events, despite personal hardships faced by the editor.

This issue of Panorama, Volume 5, Number 1, dated February 25th, 1966, is primarily focused on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on events in Australia. The magazine presents a collection of eyewitness accounts, investigative comments, and a book review, suggesting a growing interest and credibility for the UFO subject.

Key Articles and Reports

Scientific Authority Claims UFO Sighting Reliable

The lead article details a significant UFO sighting in Canberra on July 15, 1965. Eight men, including staff from the Department of Civil Aviation and two T.A.A. pilots, observed a mysterious glowing object hovering over Parliament House for 40 minutes. The object was seen five to ten miles north-east of the airport at an altitude of 5,000 ft. This sighting, along with others, is presented as lending weight to the 'flying saucer school'. A sketch accompanies the report, illustrating a UFO with features like 'Efflor thinning', 'Efflor clear but sparse', 'Efflor buncting', 'No Smoke', and 'No Vapour'.

Did Saucers Cause N.Y. Blackout?

This section delves into the New York power blackout, questioning official explanations and suggesting UFOs as a possible cause. The author expresses skepticism towards government admissions and implies that powerful forces, possibly extraterrestrial, are at play. The report quotes FCC Chairman Joseph C. Swindler stating that the blackout may never be fully explained and could happen again, which the magazine interprets as an admission of an inability to control these forces. The article strongly advocates for looking beyond human-made explanations and considering 'space people' as potential helpers rather than causes of disruption.

More Saucer Nests..

This report, attributed to 'The Sydney Sun' on February 25th, 1966, describes the discovery of 'flying saucer nests' in Australia. One such nest, found east of Bankstown Airport, is described as an almost symmetrical 20ft-diameter circle of flattened reeds, resembling flattening by a 'huge disc'. Two schoolboys, Robert Dennis and Larry Stewart, discovered the nest and noted a peculiar pungent smell. They observed that the reeds were flattened and bent at the base, not broken, suggesting a force like a 'huge downdraft of air moving in a circular motion'. Similar nests had been found in Tully, North Queensland.

Light in the Sky

This segment compiles reports of mysterious lights seen in the sky. A Punchbowl woman, Mrs Maurona Clunne, reported seeing mysterious white lights near Bankstown Airport for an hour. A girl also reported seeing a very bright, motionless light over Bankstown. Her neighbour, Reg Lawson, had observed up to three lights in the western sky over Bankstown for about a week. The report notes that accompanying press pictures of these lights, similar to those in Queensland, do not appear to be made by water movement or any known form of machine.

More Saucer Nests Cont (2)

This continuation discusses the 'saucer nests' and dismisses helicopter activity as a cause, citing a police sergeant's statement that there were no helicopters in the area. It mentions an astronomer's claim that floods caused the nests, while another suggests helicopters. The article questions the astronomer's expertise in identifying helicopter markings. It then shifts to a report from Bordertown, where a youth named Robert Kirby reported seeing a flying saucer on the road near Keith. The object was described as saucer-inverted, hovering, and disappearing at high speed, leaving an ozone-like smell. Kirby estimated its diameter at 15 ft and noted six bluish lights. He also mentioned two other local youths reporting similar sightings.

Sightings Here & There

This section compiles several sighting reports:

• Katanning, West Australia: A motorist, Lee Marshall, reported seeing a saucer-shaped object with bright rotating lights hovering over Carrolup hill for over an hour. He later saw the object circle the town before heading south-east.
• Flood of Sightings Around Adelaide: The magazine notes a surge in sightings around Adelaide since the beginning of the year. While some are identified as conventional objects like satellites, others remain unexplained. The publication expresses a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for honest checking and warning against 'wild emotion' in investigations, which can harm the cause and fool the public. One unexplained sighting involved a brilliant object observed by a confectioner going to work.

Sightings Continued 2.

This part continues the discussion on sightings. An editor's family observed an object travelling at terrific speed, with a fast flashing light, traversing the sky from horizon to zenith in seconds. This object's speed ruled out conventional aircraft. The report mentions further calls from others describing similar incidents, with no aircraft or balloons detected at the time. The author concludes that 'A SAUCER' is a logical explanation.

Another unverified report describes a young man near Adelaide who saw a saucer directly over him. He became panic-stricken and was subsequently visited by Air Force Security, who reportedly warned him not to discuss the matter. The individual refused to provide further details, leading the magazine to consider it a case of wild imagination or a refusal to seek publicity.

Saucer Sightings

This section continues the discussion on sightings, noting that the area is worth watching due to significant landmarks. It recounts a daylight sighting by a family of three huge saucers flying above their car.

Object in Sky Like a Meteorite.

This report from the Sydney Morning Herald (December 29th, 1965) describes a fiery object that crashed near Eden. The Curator of Minerals at the Australian Museum, Mr. O. Chalmers, suggested it was consistent with meteorite sightings, noting the 'green flash' and flaming tail. Three Melbourne men reported seeing a flaming object skim low over trees, setting them on fire and exploding into the ground. Constable G. Rouney searched the area but found nothing. The magazine's editor concludes that this event is more likely a meteorite or space metal rather than a saucer.

Sightings Here and There Cont. (4) - Mystery Light

This report from the Daily Telegraph (March 9th, 1965) describes a mysterious, bright, glowing, and disc-shaped light hovering over Newcastle harbor for about 10 minutes before moving off at high speed. A spokesman for Williamtown RAAF base suggested it could have been a weather balloon. The magazine's commentary dismisses this explanation, questioning how weather balloons hover for 10 minutes and move at high speed, and criticizes such 'punk answers' as an insult to public intelligence.

Did F.S. Cause The N.Y. Black Out? (cont from Page 12.)

This is a continuation of the earlier article on the New York blackout. The author reiterates that official sources are not providing clear explanations. The piece argues that the blackout was an 'earth-made affair' and predicts it will be repeated. It strongly cautions against blaming 'friendly and proven friends from outer space' and urges readers to recognize that 'space people' are here to help, not cause harm, and possess advanced weapons for defense of a 'GRAT DIVINE PLAN'.

Book Review: "Flying Saucers Over Australia"

This review discusses a cheaply produced edition by James Holledge. The reviewer, who is unknown to the magazine, congratulates Holledge for gathering evidence of aerial events in Australia. While noting some minor inaccuracies in the historical context of group formations, the reviewer praises the book as a valuable text for students and beginners. Copies can be obtained by mail for 50 cents plus postage.

Book Review: "Flying Saucers Through The Ages"

This review covers a book by Paul Thomas (real name Paul Msiraki), published by Neville Spearman Ltd. The book, translated from French by Gavin Gibbons, is described as a review of evidence of strange craft throughout history, referencing many translations from the French Bibles, including the Jerusalem Bible. The reviewer finds the book valuable, especially for its insights into the Fatima incident and its connection between visitors and the 'Volume of the Sacred Law'. The only criticism is that the book felt too condensed, leaving the reader wanting more detailed chapters. The price is listed as 21/- Aust or approximately 2 dollars 75 to 3 dollars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the potential involvement of extraterrestrial intelligence in earthly events. The editorial stance is one of open-minded investigation into UFOs, often critical of official explanations and perceived government cover-ups. The magazine promotes the idea that 'space people' are benevolent and here to help humanity, contrasting their 'GRAT DIVINE PLAN' with human laws. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness testimony and a desire to present credible evidence, while also cautioning against emotional speculation. The publication appears to be a platform for enthusiasts and researchers in the field of ufology.