UFOIC Newsletter - No 21 December 1968

Magazine Overview

This is the 21st issue of the UFOIC Newsletter, a bi-monthly publication from Sydney, Australia, dated December 1968. The newsletter aims to inform members and the public about UFO phenomena, research, and related activities. The publication acknowledges past editorial difficulties and expresses hope for a regular two-monthly schedule in the coming year. The price is 20c per issue, with annual membership at $1.00.

World Scene

Colorado Project Completed

After 18 months of research, the University of Colorado's UFO investigation, sponsored by the US Air Force with a $515,000 grant, has concluded. A 1700-page report was sent to the Air Force, which will appoint a panel of experts to study it. However, the article expresses skepticism about the project's findings, citing a 'scandal' in its research policy and alleged conspiracy in investigation methods. The co-ordinator, Mr. R. Low, reportedly sent a confidential circular to scientists on how to conduct research to appear objective, focusing on psychic cases rather than the sightings themselves. The article predicts the verdict will likely state that UFO cases are misinterpretations, hoaxes, hallucinations, or imaginary experiences, with only a small percentage being suggestive of an unknown phenomenon not yet familiar to science.

Dr. Olavo T. Fontes Died

The newsletter reports the tragic death of Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, a prominent UFO researcher in South America, from cancer on May 9th, 1968. Dr. Fontes was a pioneer in Brazil and a leading figure in UFO investigation in South America. His work is credited with making several local UFO cases world-known and contributing to the increasing acceptance of UFOs. His loss is felt as a significant gap in South American UFO research, and the UFOIC expresses condolences to his family.

USA. Florida

On April 7th, 1967, at approximately 10 a.m., children at Crestview Elementary School were disrupted by an object appearing in a field behind the school. A teacher, Mrs. Virginia Martin, and other staff witnessed the oval-shaped, silent object hover, move towards the school, and then depart with terrific speed. Air Force investigators from Homestead Air Force Base arrived to interview staff and pupils. This incident followed reports of other strange objects seen in the area, including two metallic, cigar-shaped objects seen by other students the previous morning. Mrs. Mary Troesser also reported seeing a similar oval-shaped object with red lights hovering over trees.

REMAINS OF CRASHED UFO IN COLOMBIA

On February 12th, 1968, a strange disc-shaped object was seen speeding over Orocue, Colombia, followed by loud blasts and debris falling from the sky. Local residents found a piece of orange-green metal at Pitipui, six hours from Orocue. The metal was 10 feet wide and 18 feet long, smooth but with minute grooves, and resisted attempts to cut it. Scientists in Bogota examined the material, which resembled a gigantic mud-guard, but no information was released.

SOUTH AFRICA, Cape Provence

On March 24th, 1967, Mr. S. J. Baard and C. Introny witnessed a colossal, round, orange-red light hovering stationary before shooting off in a coloured streak. Mr. Baard was dazed, and Mr. Introny felt 'Goose flesh'. Earlier in March, Mr. Paul Trigg and Miss Lynd Lund also reported seeing similar lights in the same area.

MEXICO. Airliner's near miss

On February 11th, 1968, a Guatemalan Airliner piloted by Col. Alfredo Castaneta had a near collision with a 'Flying Saucer' over Oaxaca. The object, described as silvery, about 33 feet in diameter, with a red ball on top, passed the plane at 66 feet. The airport authorities excluded the possibility of a weather balloon or conventional aircraft.

ENGLAND. UFO frightens truckdriver

In April 1966, truck drivers Peter Rushton and Derek Robinson reported an extraordinary UFO experience. At about 5 a.m., Mr. Rushton experienced difficulty breathing and an acid taste in his mouth. He saw a large, spherical, orange object moving away, which was then joined by a second identical UFO, and they began circling each other before moving away. The event left a deep impression on Mr. Rushton.

SWEDEN. Lapland family now believes in UFOs

On March 4th, 1967, the Sodestrom family in Vilhelmina, Lapland, saw two strange objects in the sky, glowing red and approaching the River Vojman. The objects were disc-shaped, about 90-120 feet in diameter and 15 feet high. They seemed to intend to land, then rose to about 120 feet and departed with tremendous speed and a whistling sound.

Australian Scene

UFO over UFOIC Headquarters

On August 10th, at 10:08 p.m., Miss Hetty Miller and her visitor Miss Lecie Smith witnessed a brilliant, orange-red, round object descending towards the tree behind Dr. Lindtner's house in Woodward Avenue, Strathfield. The object, initially pear-shaped, became a perfect sphere, passed behind the tree, and then moved towards another tree before rising and disappearing. Trigonometrical measurements indicated the object was at least 30 feet in diameter and silhouetted clearly in the dark sky. No protrusions were seen.

Sighting and UFO photo back from 1935

A report and a negative of a UFO photographed in 1935 have been received and investigated. Mr. Patrick A. M. Terry, stationed at Newcastle, saw a flash of light followed by a steady, bright yellow light hovering about a mile away and possibly 10,000 feet high. The object was described as a large mushroom-shaped object with three floors. It descended to about 5,000 feet, then returned to its original position before revolving and disappearing. Mr. Terry took a snapshot with a Kodak Brownie camera, which later showed a definite circular object.

UFO near Orange, N.S.W.

Mr. Gordon Brandon reported seeing an object 35 miles west of Nyngan on September 23rd. It looked like a 'full moon with green-blue imidescent light tapering like an ice cream cone'. The object was travelling about 80-100 mph, 8-10 feet above the ground, at a peculiar angle. Sparks were seen flying from the end of its tail.

Cigar shaped UFO over Belmont, N.S.W.

Mrs. Ann Robinson reported seeing a cigar-shaped object coming from the north and moving towards the ocean on August 25th, 1968. It was described as a huge tadpole, semi-transparent, with a bright neon light tube in the centre. Binoculars revealed it to be as big as a 'rubbish tin'.

Lake Macquarie area

On September 29th, 1968, several people in the Lake Macquarie area saw a pulsating orange ball that gave off sparks.

Muswellbrook area

On October 28th, 1968, two girls, Miss Sandra Noble and Miss Pam Cuneen, reported seeing two rectangular objects emitting an orange glow, which turned to red as they got closer. A bright white light shone from the object.

UFOIC News and Forthcoming Events

September Social

Due to a postal strike, the September social had only 27 attendees. Mr. W. Robertson, Deputy Director of the Sydney Observatory, gave a lecture on 'The Moon' with slides, discussing the possibility of UFO bases on the Moon.

October General Meeting

130 members attended the October meeting, which featured a review of recent overseas and local UFO events, including papers from Dr. Hynek and Dr. MacDonald presented at a UFO Symposium.

December Social

The UFOIC Christmas Party was scheduled for Saturday, December 14th, at Dr. Lindtner's residence, featuring a barbecue and humorous films.

Next Year's Activities

All UFOIC activities were to be suspended for six weeks after the Christmas Party. The new committee would be formed in January, with official activities resuming in February 1969 with a meeting at Adyar Hall.

Library

Due to increased postage rates, members borrowing books by post were advised to add extra postage: 25c within 30 miles of Sydney, 35c elsewhere in N.S.W., and 60c for Queensland and Victoria for parcels of one or two books.

Final Notice

51 members were noted as not financial. The committee decided to suspend the despatch of future UFOIC publications to these members, making this their last newsletter unless fees were paid before the New Year.

An Example to Follow

The newsletter highlights the efforts of junior member Mr. Alan Davies, who has undertaken the task of organizing UFO newspaper clippings into a valuable reference book for the Society's archives.

Dr. Don Herbison-Evans joins UFOIC

Dr. Don Herbison-Evans, a post-doctorate fellow in Astronomy at Sydney University, has joined UFOIC and will stand for election to the Committee. He has witnessed a phenomenon that defied scientific explanation and believes that with instrumental evidence, the mystery of UFOs could be solved. He has produced a miniature polariser and spectrograph kit, available from UFOIC for 50c, to help identify light sources and their composition or temperature.

Newcastle UFOIC Meeting

An interesting lecture was given by Mr. W. Ray, an electronics engineer, on Magnetic Propulsion and Electrostatic Propulsion systems for UFOs. He demonstrated how UFOs could use Earth's fields for lift and propulsion. Mr. Ray also discussed a patent he submitted in America for a flying object.

Editorial Committee

The UFOIC Committee extends thanks to all members for their support, co-operation, and tolerance of irregularities during the year, sending greetings for Christmas and the New Year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently reports on UFO sightings from around the globe, emphasizing the need for scientific investigation and evidence. There is a clear stance that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious study, despite skepticism from mainstream science. The publication also highlights the activities and community aspects of the UFOIC organization, encouraging member participation and the collection of data. The editorial tone is informative and aims to present a rational approach to the UFO subject, while acknowledging the mysterious nature of the phenomenon.