1955 02 00 Sir Gershtein scan

Magazine Overview

Title: SIR!
Issue: February
Date: 1950
Publisher: Kinsey
Country: USA
Price: 25c
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Feature: "FLYING SAUCERS ON MY RANCH" by W. C. Hall

This article details a personal encounter with unidentified flying objects by W. C. Hall, an Australian sheep grower. Hall recounts an event in October on his North Queensland ranch where six objects, described as resembling petrol tanks and elliptical in shape, descended from the sky. He observed them landing gently like helicopters without propellers.

Hall describes the objects as being about 30 feet tall, white with a blue ribbon-like streak, and having a rim or ramp around the bottom. He saw approximately 12 men emerge from the objects, garbed in uniforms similar to American paratroopers. These men appeared to be discussing something before returning to their machines. After the objects departed, Hall experienced a period of muscular shutdown and a trance-like state, during which he had a vision of his ranch flourishing with abundant life.

Upon waking, Hall found his horse senseless on the ground. He later noticed significant changes on his ranch. Two months after the sighting, vegetation transformed dramatically, with ring-bark trees appearing and grass growing in thick, matted layers. Rabbits proliferated, and his cattle and sheep showed unusual growth rates. Disturbingly, some animals exhibited genetic abnormalities, such as two-headed turtles, hockless hogs, and cattle born with five legs. The wool of his 1,500 sheep became thicker. Hall attributes these changes to the odd-colored exhaust fumes spewed by the saucers, suggesting they contained atomic radiation capable of altering genes in animal and plant life.

The article includes a note from the editor mentioning that the Loberg investigating team established that overpowering magnetic fields, not H-Bomb experiments, were the cause of a saucer's crash. The article also references another account of eerie craft by W.C. Hall on his ranch in Queensland, Australia, on page 14.

Reader Letters: "Dear SIR!"

The "Dear SIR!" section features several letters from readers:

• Vee Hampton (Denver, Colo.) complains about an article in the September issue, questioning why advanced 'diskmen' would use sign language and grunt like Tonto. She believes disks have been seen for centuries and that diskmen should know Earth languages, suggesting they are merely studying humanity and not to be considered less advanced.
• Ernest Garecki (Saskatoon, Sask., Canada) questions the reported advanced technology of a captured flying saucer, specifically its dimensions, unknown metals, and magnetic propulsion, wondering why such a craft would succumb to H-Bomb experiments. The editor's note clarifies that magnetic fields, not H-Bombs, were the cause of a saucer's crash.
• Fred Stoffel (Houston, Texas) recounts a personal sighting on November 10, 1931, at 6 a.m. He saw a bright flash and a meteor-like object descend from the west over South Houston. The object, after descending about 10 degrees from vertical, made a U-turn and ascended, leaving a red, fire-like trail shaped like a fish hook. He speculates a novice pilot may have used the atmosphere for braking before climbing back up. Stoffel also mentions an Air Force station near Houston observing a flying saucer on radar in September 1953 that headed towards Canada. He suggests comparing any found script books from the ship to the Nahuatl Indian language, spoken in Guatemala, for decipherment, hinting at a possible connection between Martians and Nahuatlians.
• Betty Bates (Cincinnati, Ohio) writes about "Lover Manville," expressing sympathy for him and suggesting that Sara Harbison write him a letter. Bates expresses her youthful naivete but states she doesn't understand Manville's appeal.
• Hermine Cantelli (Detroit, Mich.) comments on an article by Ed Chatterton about singer Mario Lanza. She finds the claims of Lanza's failures being a publicity gag incredible but hopes he succeeds, calling him a genius if true.
• Hubert Heber (Wilmington, Del.) also discusses Mario Lanza and Ed Chatterton's article. Heber believes Lanza is truly "nuts" if he is pretending to be so to worry about taxes and his career longevity. Heber suggests Chatterton himself might be the biggest "looney" if he believes his own story.
• Evelyn McCree (Montreal, Canada) expresses admiration for Mario Lanza and thanks SIR! for restoring faith in him. She laments the fickle nature of show business that forces artists into such competitive jockeying.

Other Mentions

The magazine also includes a mention of singer Enrico Caruso and references an article by W.C. Hall on page 14 regarding his experiences in Queensland, Australia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue prominently features the theme of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and their potential impact on Earth, particularly through the sensationalized account of extraterrestrial encounters and their alleged effects on biology. The "Dear SIR!" section reveals a reader engagement with contemporary popular culture, including discussions on UFO sightings, the nature of alien intelligence, and the public image of celebrities like singer Mario Lanza. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages reader participation and exploration of controversial or sensational topics, as evidenced by the publication of Hall's extraordinary claims and the inclusion of diverse reader opinions.