Panorama - Vol 08 No 03 - 1969 INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol. 8, No. 3
Date: May-June 1969
Publisher: U.F.O.P.I.A.
Country: Australia
Price: 25c Aust.

This issue of Panorama magazine, the official publication for U.F.O.P.I.A., features an editorial by Fred.P. Stone that addresses the growing movement of UFO groups aiming to bring the study of UFOs to the United Nations. The editorial expresses skepticism about this initiative, primarily due to the disunity observed among UFO groups themselves. Stone argues that before seeking external validation or assistance, these groups must resolve their internal disagreements regarding the nature and origin of UFOs, including whether they are extraterrestrial, metaphysical, or connected to prophecy.

Editorial: U.F.O. Groups. Unity. And The U.N.

The editorial highlights the lack of cohesive belief systems within UFO organizations. It points out that even among those who accept the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, there are significant differences in opinion on their metaphysical aspects or biblical connections. This internal conflict, characterized as a "house divided against itself," is seen as a major impediment to presenting a united front to the public or to official bodies. The editor recounts a conversation with a government officer who expressed reluctance to engage with UFO proponents due to their internal disagreements.

The editorial then critically examines the suitability of the United Nations as a body to handle UFO investigations. It questions the UN's effectiveness in maintaining world peace and its susceptibility to being used by powerful nations for propaganda or self-interest. The editor suggests that the UN's own internal divisions and the self-serving policies of member nations make it an unreliable entity to entrust with potentially world-altering discoveries related to UFOs.

Instead of appealing to the UN, the editorial advocates for UFO groups to first achieve internal unity. It proposes establishing a central international body that would serve as a focal point for collecting and disseminating data on UFO sightings and experiences. This body would need to be impartial, well-financed, and staffed by individuals free from bias. The editor references NICAP as an organization that has shown biased views in the past.

The core argument is that human frailty, personality clashes, and a lack of willingness to share information are the primary obstacles to achieving the necessary unity. The editorial concludes that until an international body, or even the UN, can demonstrate internal unity, it is not fit to be entrusted with significant UFO discoveries. The editor believes that governments will likely continue to withhold full truth about UFOs unless forced by undeniable evidence or by the UFOs themselves.

Theories on UFO Origins

The magazine presents a detailed exploration of various theories regarding the origin of UFOs, compiled from an address by Mr. T.J. Rolfe at a U.F.O.P.I.A. meeting.

1. Hollow Earth Theory and Seabottom Civilisation: This theory, drawing from science fiction like Ray Bradbury's Dero stories, suggests UFOs originate from underground cities or underwater civilizations. It posits that UFOs exit and enter through the Earth's poles, with the oceans potentially serving as bases of operation.
2. Radiant Space Energy Beings: This concept proposes non-material energy beings residing in the ionosphere, visible under specific atmospheric conditions. They might be driven to Earth by solar storms and are akin to other forms of invisible energy like radio waves.
3. Space Animal Life: An offshoot of the space animal theory suggests beings existing on the fringes of the terrestrial atmosphere, capable of materializing and dematerializing. These creatures might feed on solar energy. The theory also touches upon UFOs changing shape, like amoebas.
4. Time Travel Visitors From the Future: This theory posits that UFOs are craft from the future, explaining their sudden appearances and disappearances, and their often insubstantial nature. It suggests that their inability to make direct contact might be due to being from a different time zone.
5. Space Colonists in the Distant Past: This theory suggests that Earth was colonized thousands of years ago by space explorers who were left to develop. Evidence cited includes ancient engravings and legends of sky-descending beings with magical powers. The Peri Reis map is mentioned as supporting evidence.
6. Parallel Wolds or Dimensions: This theory suggests UFOs originate from dimensions parallel to our own. The ability of UFOs to fade in and out of existence supports the idea of materialization and dematerialization from another dimension.
7. Interstellar or Extra Terrestrial Visitors: This theory, advocated by Prof. Oberth, suggests UFOs come from planets in our galaxy or beyond, such as Epsilon Eridani and Tau Ceti. The discovery of water vapor and formaldehyde in space supports the idea of life-supporting planets. The possibility of technology exceeding light speed and matter transmission is also discussed.

Reported Incident: Drivers Trailed by Flying Object in West Australia

The issue includes a report from Perth, Western Australia, dated May 22, 1969. Several drivers, including John Shanahan, Bob Pupland, Ray Kenna, and Alf. Wilson, reported being followed by an oblong-shaped flying object for approximately 120 miles. The object was described as bright, estimated to be 40 feet by 30 feet, and resembling a huge diamond with a band around it.

Special Announcement: Messages Received by Mr. X

A special announcement details messages received by a New Zealand resident known as "Mr. X" from entities identifying themselves as "your two friends." One message warns of impending trouble if the city of Damascus becomes a heap of ruins. The editor vouches for Mr. X's honesty and the authenticity of the letters, noting that many predictions made in these letters have proven correct, despite some suspicion that the "two Space Friends" might be a hoax.

Astronaut's Belief in Extraterrestrial Life

Astronaut Walter Cunningham is quoted as believing in intelligent life on other planets, stating it would be presumptuous to think otherwise and that humanity is only beginning to realize its small place in the universe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges of UFO research, particularly the need for unity among proponents, the skepticism towards involving established international bodies like the UN, and the exploration of diverse and often speculative theories about UFO origins. The editorial stance is one of cautious pragmatism, emphasizing self-reliance and internal cohesion within the UFO community before seeking external validation. There is a strong undercurrent of distrust towards official channels and a belief that the full truth about UFOs is being withheld by those in power.

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol 8 No. 3
Date: May 18th 1969
Publisher: PANORAMA
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of Panorama magazine focuses heavily on UFO sightings and unusual experiences reported across Australia in early 1969. The cover story details a significant sighting near Wagga, NSW, involving multiple witnesses. The magazine also features a lengthy account of an encounter with 'Men in Black' in South Australia and a report of a UFO chase experienced by a workman.

Eight People Report U.F.O. at Wagga N.S.W.

This article, sourced from the 'SUN HERALD' on May 18th, 1969, describes a sighting in Wagga on a Saturday morning. Eight people reported seeing a 'glowing flying saucer' that descended and hovered over a paddock for about half an hour. The object was seen six miles apart by different groups of people. Mr. Lindsay Dillon, driving a tractor on an all-night shift, first observed the object hovering 500 feet above the paddock. The property owner, Mr. Tony Hocking, arrived shortly after and also witnessed the object. Both men were reportedly terrified and drove home around 4:15 a.m. Mr. Dillon roused his wife and neighbours, Mr. and Mrs. Joh Hynes, while Mr. Hocking woke his brother Peter and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Park. These witnesses, located six miles apart and a few miles west of Deniliquin, all claimed to have watched the object for about half an hour before it disappeared. A police officer in Deniliquin, when contacted, reportedly stated, "Apparently this is fair dinkum, I know Hocking." Mr. Dillon described the object as glowing completely white, then remaining stationary above the tractor. Its color changed to flashing red and green for about five minutes, after which it shot up to about 1,000ft and turned white again when Mr. Hocking arrived. Mrs. Bark noted the object was a good distance up by the time she got out of bed. Mrs. Hynes mentioned that Mr. Dillon called her in a shaking voice at 4:25 a.m., and she saw the glowing thing in the sky.

The Moon is Pear Shaped

This editorial from the 'ADVERTISER ADELAIDE' dated 15/4/69 discusses the shape of the moon. It states that the moon is not round but pear-shaped, a discovery made during the Apollo 8 mission. The variation in its orbit path was found to be as much as 1,5000 feet. The article also mentions the existence of huge lumps, the size of a terrestrial city, believed to be nickel-iron meteorites embedded 30 miles below the moon's surface, which may have affected the orbit of unmanned satellites and potentially delayed the first landing. The Americans had closely examined the landing space and planned a more detailed look in May.

Two Men in Black in South Australia: An Unusual Experience

This multi-part article details a strange encounter reported by Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Lukes of Adelaide. While driving on a lonely track between Bordertown and Keith in South Australia on April 1st, 1969, around 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Mrs. Lukes noticed two figures ahead on the road. They appeared to emerge from the low mulga bush and ambled across the roadway to the other side, paying no attention to the approaching car. They seemed not to hear it and disappeared as mysteriously as they appeared. The Lukes stopped their car, and upon inspection, found no tracks on either side of the road, which was described as plain barren sandy country. The nearest town was about 15 miles away. The most striking aspect was that the two men were dressed in black, described as "immaculately so," with close-fitting clothes similar to overalls. They wore no hats, and the one nearest to Mrs. Lukes was carrying a small black box. They were clean-shaven and conversing with each other. The Lukes could not logically explain their origin or disappearance, noting there was no rustle of bushes or growth where they vanished. They ruled out prospectors, surveyors, or hikers due to their immaculate attire. Mrs. Lukes remarked that they looked like men going to a funeral. The incident left them puzzled, and they sought an explanation. The editor notes a similar experience he had with two figures in red overalls and a bearded man. The area is known for UFO sightings, but locals are reticent to report them due to fear of ridicule. The article emphasizes that these 'Men in Black' did not appear menacing, and seemed to ignore the Lukes and their car. The incident is filed as unsolved. Mrs. Lukes felt a compelling need to share the story, which subsided after contacting the editor.

The article continues by inviting readers to share similar experiences or explanations. The editor also recounts a personal experience from Vol. 3 No. 5 of Panorama, where he and a friend encountered two figures in red overalls, one bearded, on a roadway near midnight.

Small UFO Chases Workman in His Car

This report details an incident on April 28th, 1969, involving Mr. E. Hawthorn, who was travelling to work in his car at dawn. He saw a large, very bright, and glowing disk, described as 'more like a large football,' appear suddenly on the side of the roadway, about 8 feet high. It appeared reddish and very brightly so. Mr. Hawthorn stated that the object seemed to swoop down from above and followed his car. It then swooped in front of the car and across the road ahead of him. He stopped the car abruptly, feeling frightened. The object then rose higher and moved away, hovering as if watching him. Mr. Hawthorn continued to work, but the object followed along the roadway and behind the trees. His colleagues noticed he was shaken and pale. He told them he had been chased by a flying saucer. Several of his mates saw the object as it swooped away towards the Mount Lofty area. Mr. Hawthorn felt sick in the stomach from the nervous reaction and went home. An investigation by the editor and another UFO worker found Mr. Hawthorn still overawed but unharmed, though emotionally affected. He had only a mild interest in UFOs prior to this experience.

The article notes that the object's size ruled out it being an actual 'saucer' but could have been a reconnaissance craft. The witnesses' testimony was considered sufficient to dismiss hallucination. The story was taped for future reference.

Photographs of Flying Saucers. Man. Claims.

This brief report from the 'BRISBANE TELEGRAPH' dated 20/5/69 states that a professional photographer from Deniliquin, NSW, claimed to have taken 13 photographs of a flying saucer sighted in the area over the past three nights. Mr. Geoff. Allan, with five friends, was at Seven's Weir, about 17 miles from Deniliquin, on Sunday night and the following morning. He reported that the object appeared around 4 a.m. and stayed until 8:15 a.m. He described it as coming from nowhere and being petrifying. The object took about five minutes to rise to about 1000 ft and then stayed there. Mr. Allan stated it had no particular shape but was silvery white and 500 times brighter than any star. They went to Seven's Weir after reports of previous sightings. He used a 35mm camera with a 210mm telezoom lens to photograph the object.

Index

The index lists several articles and sections: Editorial (U.F.O. Unity, and the U.N., A visit to Arthur Mathews), articles by Carol Walford-Watkins ('There do they come from?' by Mr. T.J. Rolfe), a special announcement regarding Mr. X, 'The moon is pear shared', and 'Two Men in Black, A strange experience in South Australia' (pages 19-21). It also lists '8 People soo U.F.O. at Wagga NSW', 'Man Photographs Saucers Same area' (page 22), and 'Small U.F.U Chases workman in South Australia' (pages 21-22). There are also announcements for junior and pensioner members and local Adelaide/suburban members. A notice promotes a 'GREAT DISPLAY OF U.F.C. INFORMATION AND MATERIAL' at the Marion Shopping Complex from June 23rd to 28th, 1969.

Late Sightings

This section compiles several more recent UFO reports:

• "AC" THE FORING BILLI" May 15 1969: An unidentified flying object was seen over Rockharton. Mr. Smith described it as an exceptionally bright star, with one part falling to earth while the other continued on course. The light moved jerkily, hesitating and then moving forward. A spokesman for the Met. Bureau stated they had no weather balloons or Apollo 10 craft that could account for it, suggesting it might be an earth satellite, but this wouldn't explain the 'splitting' reported.

• MOD WEST AUSTRALIAN SIGHTINGS (WEST AUSTRALIAN 24th May 1969): A Scarborough woman reported seeing a deep glowing yellow object, similar to the one seen by Mr. Lyle Baddock. She confirmed seeing the 'mystery glow' early on Thursday. She described it as a glowing yellow, like burning sodium, which moved upwards to hover about 500 yards over a tree, moving east-west. It then descended and appeared to be a burning plane before disappearing north. She stated it was not a burning plane or helicopter but had a funny color. Mr. Lyle Baddock had previously reported seeing a fire, which later appeared as a glowing object about 20 ft. in diameter and 500 feet up, moving upwards and getting smaller until it disappeared. Other witnesses included Mr. Stanley Dhu, who observed it for an hour, and Miss Nacy Harries, whose neighbour described it as the size of a bus.

• RADIO FLOODED WIT REPORTS: UFO reports came from Victoria Park, Leighton, Eden Hills, and Roley Stone. A witness named Len from Victoria Park saw a brilliant-orange object with a silver tail for about 3 minutes. A woman from Balaga saw a UFO while returning from a dance. Mrs. Painter of Roleystone reported waking to a bright blue light, then seeing a blue-white glare above trees, followed by a saucer-shaped object rising from the ground and hovering over Perth. Her husband also saw the object, and later saw it again. Other similar objects were reported around Perth that night.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unusual aerial phenomena, and unexplained encounters, particularly the 'Men in Black' phenomenon. The magazine appears to present these reports with a degree of seriousness, encouraging reader participation and investigation, while acknowledging the difficulty in obtaining official explanations or overcoming public skepticism and ridicule. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and seeking possible explanations without outright dismissal, but also without definitive conclusions, often classifying cases as 'unsolved'. The inclusion of photographic claims and detailed witness testimonies suggests an effort to document and analyze these events.