U.F.O.I.C. NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter, No. 19, dated May 1968, is a bi-monthly publication from Sydney, Australia. It aims to keep its members informed about world UFO events, while also serving as a communication link for other societies. The cover prominently features the headline "THE MYSTERY OF THE DEAD HORSE".

World News: The Mystery of the Dead Horse

The newsletter details the perplexing case of a three-year-old horse named Snippy from Alamosa, Colorado, whose owner believes it was killed by "the inhabitants of a flying saucer". An autopsy revealed that the horse's abdominal, brain, and spinal cavities were empty, with no signs of external entry. A Denver pathologist noted the inexplicable absence of organs and the lack of fluid in the brain cavity. The official conclusion from Alamosa County authorities was that the horse was not hit by lightning.

Mr. King, the horse's owner, found Snippy dead about a quarter of a mile from his ranch house. The flesh had been stripped from the horse's neck and head, leaving clean bones with a cut so perfect it couldn't have been made by a knife. Near the site, areas of squashed brush were found, along with 15 circular "exhaust marks" and an area with six identical holes, each two inches square and four inches deep, believed to be where an unknown craft landed. A geiger counter detected high readings in the area. An investigating committee measured markings on the ground, the largest being a 75ft. diameter circle.

Mrs. Lewis found an object presumed to be a tool, covered in horse hair, which caused her hand to burn and persist until washed. Additional data from a radio interview revealed that the carcass was not decomposed, was not particularly smelly, and was not attacked by vultures or buzzards. A plastic bag containing a greenish fluid was also found. A similar case was recently reported in Canada.

Canadian Sighting and Animal Death

Terry Goodmurphy and Steven Griffon, aged 20 and 19, reported a strange experience near North Livingstone, Ontario, Canada, during the week of November 5th. While driving west on Highway 179 East, they saw an orange glow in the sky. They stopped to observe it, and as they moved closer, the "thing" took on a definite shape, estimated to be about 100 ft. in diameter. It moved towards the highway, stopped, then came straight up and headed towards them at an altitude of about 100 feet. The experience was frightening, causing their hair to stand on end, and they backed their car away. They notified the Ontario Provincial Police, but no sign of the craft was found. A smell of sulphur was reported in the air.

This sighting is potentially connected to the death of a standard-bred mare named Susie at the Lorne Wolgemuth farm in Sowbery on the same evening. Susie, along with another horse named Fury, was in the pasture field. Fury was found with a long cut on its neck, and Susie was found dead with her throat and jugular vein cut. A horse owned by R. Boyer in Thessalon also "went wild" that same evening. The newsletter suggests these incidents might indicate UFOs are on a scientific quest for knowledge, rather than being hostile.

Australian Scene

Canberra Meeting

The Canberra Unidentified Flying Objects Research Society held its second public meeting on February 24th, 1968, featuring Mr. Peter Norris, President of the Victorian UFO Research Society, as the guest speaker. Eighty-five people attended, with a majority being younger individuals. Approximately 10% of attendees had personal UFO experiences. Sighting forms were distributed, and a report on recent sightings was read. An observation night was held on March 9th, attracting twenty-six enthusiasts. Plans were made to repeat similar excursions, preceded by barbeques. Interested individuals were directed to contact the Secretary, P.O. Box 972, Canberra City, A.C.T. 2601.

Newcastle Meeting

N.U.F.I.O.C. held its second meeting for 1968 on March 28th, with fifty people attending, thirty of whom were members. The January meeting had a small audience, possibly due to a postal strike. The March meeting focused on future plans, lecture programming, and topics of interest, including UFO history and ancient space contacts. The society has established a link with the Stargazers' Club of Toronto for mutual benefit. Public meetings are planned every three months and will be advertised in the local press. The society is also considering sending a representative to the C.A.P.I.O. Conference in Canberra. Information can be obtained from the Secretary, Mrs. A. Robinson, 14 George St., Belmont, N.S.W. 2280.

UFOIC News and Forthcoming Events

Junior Section

The UFOIC Junior Section held two lectures: one on Astronomy on March 24th and another on Archaeology and Anthropology on April 21st, with good attendance and interest shown. Five more lectures are programmed for the third Sunday of each month. A junior sub-committee is sorting UFO references, but the UFO modelling group has shown no progress. Juniors are needed to volunteer for the UFOIC Exhibition at Roselands from May 9th to May 21st, 1968. An excursion to the Picton area for skywatching is planned for June 1st.

April General Meeting

A meeting was held on April 2nd, featuring Mr. Dutton discussing "Archaeological Evidence for Space Visitations" and Mr. Tambling discussing UFO Contactees. Both presentations were well-received, with ample supporting material and taped interviews.

May Social

On May 3rd, a social was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Simpson in Killara, attended by 65 members, including many juniors. The evening included discussions on communication and contactees, with some members sharing personal experiences. A short film from Britain was shown, depicting a cylindrical UFO overtaking a passenger plane.

Report on Picton Sightings

Mr. Ronald Gunn, a science teacher, presented a report on extraordinary UFO sightings in the Picton-Burragorang Valley area, which generated significant interest and inquiries regarding the planned UFOIC excursion.

Filming Project

In late April, UFOIC hosted a filming team from a British Company that was touring the world to collect material for a full-length film on UFOs. The director, Mr. Itkonen, and cameraman, Mr. Korpivaara, arrived in Sydney and conducted interviews with UFO witnesses. They also filmed discussions among UFOIC members about UFO matters in Australia. The team then traveled to Melbourne, the Philippines, Japan, South America, the U.S., and the U.S.S.R. before returning to London for editing.

Skywatching Night

A skywatching night was planned for June 1st in the Picton-Burragorang area, in cooperation with the Picton Ufological Society. The meeting point was the Picton Shire Hall at 7 p.m., followed by a departure to the Sydney Water Board Catchment area. Members were advised to bring warm clothing, blankets, and binoculars or cameras. Powerful telescopes would be provided. The event was conditional on suitable weather.

UFOIC Exhibition

UFOIC was invited to participate in a space exhibition at Roselands from May 9th to May 21st, 1968, in conjunction with the launch of M.G.M.'s film "2001 - A Space Odyssey". The society was assigned a 10 x 20 space to display UFO material.

Next Social

The next social meeting was scheduled for Saturday afternoon, July 6th, at Mr. J. K. Blattman's residence in Wentworthville.

Foreign UFO Publications

The UFOIC maintains connections with over 120 societies and researchers globally. Subscriptions to various publications are available through their office, including the British publication "Spacelink", edited by Lionel Beer, which is recommended and available in Australia for 40 per issue.

A Word to Our Members

The newsletter acknowledges a significant delay in the issuance of Review No. 10, primarily due to a shortage of typists. The editor is seeking voluntary typists who can assist with dictation, editing, and clean-typing, preferably in the Strathfield vicinity or with their own transport, available one night a week from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Society is prepared to pay petrol expenses.

Memo to Members

Members are reminded that membership fees for 1968 are due for renewal. The committee will honor obligations to last year's financial members by issuing them a copy of the delayed 1967 Review, regardless of their 1968 financial status. Members are also requested to notify the Secretary of any address changes. The UFOIC is also seeking voluntary photographic assistance for producing slides and enlargements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the importance of UFO investigation and the sharing of information among societies and members. It highlights unexplained phenomena, such as the dead horse case and various sightings, while maintaining a scientific and analytical approach. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging member participation and the collection of data. There is a strong focus on organizational activities, including meetings, lectures, and exhibitions, aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of UFO phenomena. The newsletter also underscores the international scope of UFO research and the UFOIC's role in facilitating this exchange.