Topside - Issue 29

Magazine Overview

Title: TOPSIDE
Issue: Number 29
Date: Summer, 1968
Publisher: OTTAWA NEW SCIENCES CLUB
Country: Canada
Price: $2.00 for 4 issues

This issue of TOPSIDE magazine focuses on alleged extraterrestrial contact and scientific theories, prominently featuring an extensive account by Arthur H. Matthews regarding his encounters with Venusians.

The Landings of the Venusian Spaceship X-12 at Lac Beauport, Quebec, Canada

By Arthur H. Matthews, this article details multiple landings of a large Venusian spaceship, the X-12, on Matthews' property in Lac Beauport, Quebec, between 1941 and 1961. Matthews claims a close friendship with Nikola Tesla and suggests that the Venusians were aware of and interested in Tesla's work, even presenting him with a sketch of Tesla's 'Anti-War Machine'.

First Encounter (Spring 1941)

Matthews recounts an incident where he and his son, Humphrey, observed a strange moving spot on the sun. Later that night, he was visited by two Venusians who appeared to be nearly 6 feet tall, with blue eyes and golden hair, radiating an aura of health and happiness. They spoke fluent English and expressed a desire to see what Matthews was doing with Tesla's inventions. They offered to prove their origin by showing him their ship and provided a sketch of Tesla's machine.

The Venusian Spaceship X-12

Matthews describes the X-12 as a massive craft, appearing to be two gargantuan saucers joined rim to rim, with a diameter of 700 feet. A 50-foot diameter tubular shaft, 300 feet high, penetrated the center, with its base resting on the ground. An unsupported 'Guide Ring' of material, 20 feet away from the main body, was held by magnetic force. The ship contained 24 smaller spacecraft, each with 125-foot diameter hatches.

Inside, the ship featured multiple levels. The first level stored smaller spacecraft and ground vehicles. The second level housed living quarters, a recreation area, study rooms, and a meeting hall. These living quarters were described as compartments for single persons or couples, with small hallways, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and storage lockers, all carpeted and decorated with paintings. The outer walls of the living rooms were 'see through', offering views of space. The recreation area had simulated grass where crew members played games. The Venusians themselves were described as being between 5'6" and 6' tall, blue-eyed, with bronze skin and hair ranging from golden blonde to reddish brown.

The third level was a horticultural section for growing food, featuring attractive gardens. The fourth level contained more scout ships, heavy materials, water supply, and workshops. All floors were covered in a plastic material, and the outer walls were 'see through' with circular viewing screens displaying the ship's position and trajectory. The ship was powered by accumulators storing solar energy.

The Control Room at the top of the tubular shaft had no visible controls; it featured a raised circular platform with a couch where four operators (two men, two women) controlled the ship through mental powers.

Life on Venus and the 'Gift of Truth'

Matthews was later taken to Venus via a thought projection process, experiencing its cities, landscapes, and people. He met Frank and Frances, who explained their society's structure, their long lifespans (hundreds of years), and their concept of 'marriage' as a mutual election of life companions based on the 'Truth'. They revealed that divorce was non-existent as soul-mates were recognized. They also claimed to have no knowledge of sickness or old age, transferring to another sphere of existence when their time came.

Frank explained that the 'Truth' was not something to be worshipped but was a fundamental aspect of the universe, akin to the Cosmic Ray, which animates all life and responds to the mind and spirit. He stated that by understanding and using this 'Truth,' Venusians had achieved a harmonious, technologically advanced society, including spacecraft operated by pure thought, beautiful dwellings, and control over their environment. He expressed hope that this revelation would help improve conditions on Earth.

The 'Palace of Truth'

Matthews was invited to the Venusians' sacred shrine, the 'Palace of Truth,' located beneath a waterfall. Inside, he witnessed a breathtaking sight: a circular depression filled with a mass of churning, multi-colored water, which was a floor of living crystal reflecting the dome above. He learned that the 'Truth' was accessible through spiritual development and by following the Philosophy of Love of God and all His creatures, as taught by Jesus Christ.

Frank urged Matthews to return to Earth and share this knowledge, despite the potential for ridicule. He advised him to speak to those with wisdom and assured him that his efforts would not be in vain.

Return and Departure

Matthews found himself back in the X-12 spaceship, facing an empty screen. He watched the great X-12 rise silently and depart into the night sky in 1961, never to return to Lac Beauport.

What Do We Know of the Cosmic Ray?

This section provides a brief scientific overview of cosmic rays. It explains that Earth's atmosphere is bombarded by high-speed atomic particles from space, known as 'primary cosmic rays,' which break up atoms into 'secondary cosmic rays.' These energetic particles can penetrate most matter. Scientists theorize that primary cosmic rays originate from the sun, supernovae, or dust and gas in outer space. The section concludes by noting that much remains to be learned about the Cosmic Ray from both physical and metaphysical viewpoints.

Are You Willing to Support a Worldwide Bid for the Establishment of an Objective UFO Research Investigation?

This section calls for a global petition to the United Nations Organization (U.N.O.) to establish an objective UFO research investigation. It criticizes the 'silence' policy of world governments and suggests the U.N. is the only hope for securing true facts. The Anglo-Polish UFO Research Club, led by Antoni Szachnowski, is spearheading a questionnaire-type petition to appeal to the Secretary-General of the U.N.O. to consider forming a special study group within an agency like U.N.E.S.C.O.

Antoni Szachnowski's Background

The article provides background on Antoni Szachnowski, who was born in South-East Poland and originally intended to study medicine. His career was interrupted by World War II, after which he joined the Polish Army. He recounts his first UFO encounter in Italy in the summer of 1944, where he witnessed an egg-shaped, motionless object that was fired upon by both Polish and German anti-aircraft guns before rapidly ascending. The article notes that Szachnowski has been involved in UFO research for a long time, predating the terms 'flying saucers' and 'UFOs'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea of extraterrestrial contact and advanced, benevolent alien civilizations. It emphasizes the importance of seeking 'Truth,' which is linked to scientific understanding (Cosmic Ray) and spiritual development. There is a strong undercurrent of criticism towards governmental secrecy regarding UFO phenomena and a call for greater transparency and scientific inquiry, particularly through international bodies like the United Nations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unconventional theories and a belief in the potential for humanity to learn from advanced extraterrestrial knowledge.

Topside, Vol. 3, No. 3, July 1968, is an English-language magazine published in Canada, focusing on UFO phenomena, scientific investigation, and historical accounts. This issue delves into public opinion gathering for UFO recognition, ongoing scientific analysis of mysterious materials, and a biographical segment on Nikola Tesla.

'Operation Questionnaire' and the International UFO Petition

The magazine highlights Antoni Szachnowski's initiative, 'Operation Questionnaire,' which aims to gather global public opinion on the UFO question. Szachnowski, an international shipping clerk and UFO researcher, is coordinating a worldwide effort to collect signatures for a petition to the United Nations. The petition has three main points: official recognition of the UFO question as a serious global matter, the establishment of a global UFO observers network under UNO patronage and UNESCO supervision, and the creation of a special UFO research center run by UNESCO with an international panel of scientists. The questionnaire uses a simple 'Yes/No' format, with particular importance placed on answers to the last five questions. Szachnowski emphasizes that this project is not for personal publicity but for the collective voice of the world to be heard by world powers. He welcomes constructive suggestions and advice on progress from interested parties and UFO groups.

Latest Report on the Mystery Metal

This section revisits the case of a 3,000-lb chunk of hardware in the possession of the Ottawa New Sciences Club. Initially, Dr. E. Condon's UFO Study group at Colorado University declined to investigate. However, subsequent tests by a professional metallurgist in Montreal and scientists at McGill University suggested the metal might be of extraterrestrial origin. Canadian Government experts in metallurgy have taken samples and promised a thorough investigation once new equipment is operational. The magazine notes that a scientist from the Colorado UFO Study group expressed interest in examining the metal and taking samples, possibly influenced by recent negative publicity surrounding the Condon Committee's UFO study.

Allan Vezina's 'Dateline Canada'

Allan Vezina, newly appointed Canadian Director of the International UFO Bureau and Toronto Chairman for NICAP, reports on the Steve Michalak case. In May 1967, Michalak encountered a saucer-shaped UFO near Falcon Lake, Manitoba, suffering chest burns in a grid pattern. Over the past year, he has experienced recurrences of these burns. In May 1968, Michalak and a friend, Martin McGregor, returned to the site and found several radioactive metal pieces shaped like an elongated 'S'. These findings have reportedly garnered interest from Canadian Armed Forces officials. Michalak has also sent samples for independent analysis to the University of Manitoba and APRO.

Report from New Zealand

Capt. Bruce Cathie's book, "Harmonic 33," is announced for publication by the N.Z. Publishing House. The book is expected to be released simultaneously in Australia and New Zealand, with negotiations underway for Canadian and United States rights. A review is promised for the Fall issue of Topside. Additionally, a report from the "Auckland Star" details an unidentified flying object tracked by New Zealand government radar officials from Waihi to Tauranga. The object, described as a "long white cigar shaped object," was observed by two Aero Club members and was moving at speeds between 80 and 100 knots.

'Nude Little Men' in Quebec

A report from the "Ottawa Journal" describes strange occurrences in the rural area of Joliette, Quebec. On July 2, 1968, hundreds of people reported seeing a "strange, tumbling ball of fire." A farmer in the area found a hot, egg-shaped piece of rock. Coincidentally, Quebec Provincial Police confirmed receiving calls about "nude little men" seen running along a country road. Police officers reportedly witnessed these "nude dwarves" jump into a ditch and flee.

The Life of Nikola Tesla

This section presents Part 5 of a condensed version of Arthur H. Matthews' recording on the life of Nikola Tesla. It recounts Tesla's arrival in New York in 1884, penniless and facing harsh reality. He secured lodging through a friend's introduction and, after a difficult initial encounter with a policeman, found work repairing a dynamo for an elderly Serbian man, earning two crisp $10 bills. The following day, Tesla met with Thomas Alva Edison. Despite Edison's initial dismissal of Tesla's alternating current system as dangerous, he hired Tesla, impressed by his potential and a recommendation from Charles Batchellor. Tesla quickly proved his worth by fixing a critical breakdown of dynamos on the S.S. Oregon, saving Edison from significant financial loss and bad publicity. Edison acknowledged Tesla's competence, stating he was "even as good as he thinks he is himself." Tesla then proposed a plan to improve Edison's dynamos, which Edison agreed to, promising a $50,000 bonus. Tesla designed 24 new types of dynamos. However, in the spring of 1885, Tesla received only a $10 pay increase, and Edison mockingly dismissed his demand for the promised bonus as a joke about "American sense of humour." This betrayal led Tesla to leave the Edison Company.

Advertisements

The magazine includes advertisements for "UFO SKYWATCH," a journal of the Extraterrestrial Phenomena Investigating Committee (EPIC), which accepts advertisements related to the UFO field and offers a plug on their radio program. It also advertises "SKYLOOK," a UFO journal described as separating fact from fantasy, with factual articles and occasional humor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of public opinion and scientific rigor in understanding these events, and the historical context of early UFO sightings and related scientific endeavors. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting factual, objective reporting and encouraging public participation in UFO research, while also highlighting significant historical figures and events relevant to the field.