UFOIC Newsletter - No 18

Magazine Overview

This document is the March 1968 issue (No. 18) of the U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter, a bi-monthly publication from Sydney, Australia. It is a delayed issue, with the cover price noted as 20c for members and $1.00 yearly. The newsletter covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, including recent sightings, the activities of UFO research organizations in Australia, and commentary on the official and scientific attitudes towards UFOs.

Editorial Content

Introduction and 1968 Outlook

The editorial notes that 1968 has begun with numerous UFO sightings worldwide, suggesting a continuation of the active period in 1967, which marked the twentieth anniversary of the 'modern' flying saucer era. Australia has already reported two landings and several short-range sightings. The newsletter anticipates that UFO activity will continue, possibly leading to a phase of provoking recognition and eventually contact.

Official and Scientific Attitudes

Despite the public's growing interest in UFOs as space visitations, official circles remain largely dismissive. The Condon Project in the USA is criticized for its negative attitudes, with a former consultant, Dr. A. Hynek, warning that he may release classified cases if the final report does not address UFO facts adequately. Similarly, in the USSR, while the Moscow UFO Research Group (a civilian organization) has shown positive views, it does not represent official Soviet policy. Both the USA and USSR have conflicting opinions among scientists, with a general negative official stance towards UFOs, though the hypothesis of UFOs being secret terrestrial devices has been discarded.

Australian Scene: Near Landing at Sydney Beach

A detailed account is given of an incident on January 13th, 1968, near Sydney Beach. Four youths camping at Wattamolla Beach witnessed a bright light in the northern sky that descended with jerky movements and no sound. The object, described as having a triangular or bell-like shape with a large bright light and a smaller red light, hovered silently about 400 yards away and 200 feet high. It illuminated the area beneath it. The object responded to a torch beam by switching its lights on and off, indicating a possible interaction. After about 25 seconds, the craft moved away in a north-westerly direction and disappeared. The witnesses concluded it was an UFO.

Canberra UFO Research Society

This section reports on the activities of the Canberra UFO Research Society, which held its inaugural meeting on September 5th and its first public meeting on December 2nd, filling the hall. The meeting featured a talk by Richard Tambling from UFOIC Sydney, author of "Flying Saucers Where Do They Come From?". The event was supported by local media. The guest speaker discussed UFO history, modern cases, misconceptions, and the implications of UFOs as extraterrestrial craft. The meeting attracted an audience with significant sighting experiences, including one man who was chased by a 15-foot flying saucer.

Newcastle UFOIC

The Newcastle "Flying Saucer" Exhibition, organized by NUFOIC and a department store, was a success, attracting hundreds of visitors. The exhibition displayed UFO drawings, photos, models, and newspaper clippings, with Mr. Richard Tambling's book also being popular. The exhibition noted a change in attitude towards UFOs in local schools, with some forming UFO clubs. A schoolboy in Newcastle reported seeing an object that rose vertically and took off with tremendous speed.

Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre (TUFOIC)

TUFOIC held its second Annual General Meeting in Hobart on November 10th, 1967. Mr. Eric Bantick was elected President, succeeding Mr. McLaren. The society has been active in compiling statistical analysis of Tasmanian sightings. TUFOIC has organized public meetings, including one featuring Professor J. E. McDonald. The newsletter lists the office-bearers for 1968 and the addresses for TUFOIC in Hobart and the Launceston group.

Perth UFO Research Group

This group is described as active and well-organized, with a membership of over seventy. A new committee was elected on February 2nd, 1968, with Mr. L. Locke returning as President. The group is noted for maintaining low membership fees and for receiving respect from the public and media.

Unidentified Phenomena Investigation Association (U.P.I.A.) Adelaide

This new society was founded by former members of the A.F.S.R. Society due to policy differences. It is one of three independent UFO groups in Adelaide. The office-bearers are listed, and the society has a library of over eighty volumes, meeting monthly.

Other Societies

A list of addresses for various UFO societies across Australia is provided, including Adelaide, Ballarat, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Warragul.

UFOIC News & Forthcoming Events

The UFOIC Annual General Meeting was held on December 5th, 1967. The President, Dr. Lindtner, reported that the Society had 502 members and maintained contact with 120 UFO groups globally. The society had established new contacts with groups in several countries and had a significant volume of correspondence and public outreach, including lectures and media appearances. Elections for the committee were held. Upcoming events for UFOIC in 1968 are listed, including general meetings and social gatherings in Sydney and surrounding areas.

Membership Subscription Fees and Appeals

An appeal is made for members to renew their subscriptions for 1968 to cover expenses for publications. Subscription fees are $4.00 for ordinary members and $2.00 for students, pensioners, and juniors. Another appeal is made for donations of old publications to assist overseas societies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing UFO activity in Australia and globally, the challenges faced by UFO research groups in gaining official and scientific acceptance, and the efforts of these groups to disseminate information and foster public awareness. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO research, advocating for the serious consideration of UFO phenomena as potentially extraterrestrial in origin, while acknowledging the skepticism from mainstream science and official bodies. There is a strong emphasis on the organizational efforts of UFO groups across Australia and their need for member support.