UFOIC Newsletter - No 23 May 1969

Magazine Overview

This is issue number 23 of the U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter, a bi-monthly publication from Sydney, Australia, dated May 1969. The newsletter is priced at 20¢ per copy and is registered as a periodical for postal transmission. It is dedicated to providing members with thorough knowledge on the subject of UFOs, supported by an extensive library and various publications.

Library and Publications

The newsletter emphasizes the importance of its library, established in 1951, which comprises several hundred books and numerous UFO publications, including those with both positive and negative viewpoints on flying saucers. The library aims to be comprehensive, covering fundamental and classical works. Thanks to librarian Mr. Mike Duggan, new books are purchased, and missing ones are sought. The society also maintains a collection of thousands of overseas bulletins and newsletters from over 120 UFO groups, which are being bound into volumes. Members can subscribe to foreign magazines and order limited circulation books through the secretary, Mr. W. E. Moser.

The society expects members to utilize these facilities to build their knowledge on the subject. The cost of these efforts is considerable, and membership fees are crucial for covering expenses like printing and postage.

Professor Condon's Report and Related Books

The issue mentions the release of Professor Condon's Report on the Colorado University UFO Investigation, published by the New York Times in a 965-page paperback titled "Scientific Study of Unidentified Objects" for $1.95 US. Additionally, a book titled "UFOS? Yes!" by Dr. Saunders and Dr. Harkins, former members of the Colorado Investigation team, is noted. This book critiques Condon's committee's conclusions. UFOIC has ordered copies of both books for its library.

Information Verification and Reporting Standards

The UFOIC Editorial Committee acknowledges that news items are often received from overseas via direct communication or magazines. The committee exercises its discretion in assessing the validity of such information. A previous report about an alleged murder by a UFO crew in New Zealand was proven to be a hoax. The newsletter clarifies that this story originated from a UK publication, which had reprinted it from a Canadian monthly called "Midnight." Similar investigations into alleged deaths caused by UFOs in Australia (Borroloola) and New Zealand failed to yield credible evidence. To prevent future misconceptions, the publication commits to quoting the original reference for all articles.

Reported UFO Incidents

Several UFO sightings and incidents are detailed:

• Florida, USA (November 27, 1968): Pilots of two small planes reported being followed by unidentified oval objects. One object reportedly descended near a restricted U.S. Airforce bombing range. The objects were described as bright moving lights, flying in echelon formation, and one object lowered three legs in a telescopic fashion.
• Ste. Anne, Manitoba, Canada (September 18, 1968): A farmer observed three oval objects moving in formation at a high altitude. The objects expelled a white, fuzzy substance that formed an arc and fell to the ground. The substance was later analyzed and found to be cellulose-based, with fibres of uniform diameter.
• Isle of Wight, United Kingdom (February 2, 1969): Two coastguard stations reported an "unidentified light in the sky" that was not a star, planet, or aircraft. It appeared greeny-white, then changed to bright red, and was visible for nine minutes. It moved at a speed comparable to an aeroplane and then disappeared over the horizon at a colossal speed.
• Chorleywood, England (May 7, 1968): Mr. G. A. Lines and others witnessed a slow-moving, glowing, bright orange object described as a "ball of fire." Mr. David Krausbaar described it as a bright orange light the size of an electric light bulb. It moved for about 10 minutes before disappearing in a northerly direction.
• Redlands, California, USA (February 4, 1968): Multiple witnesses, including a policeman, a schoolgirl, and neighbours, observed an object described as large, flat on the bottom, and domed on top, emblazoned with red lights. It hovered, moved upwards, and returned to its original position.
• Armadale, Western Australia (March 22, 1969): Several boys playing cricket saw an oval-shaped silver object and six smaller black objects hovering and maneuvering in the sky. They were described as mysterious discs.
• Kelmscott, Western Australia (March 22, 1969): Pam Nelson reported a big red light with an iridescent green glow hovering in the western sky, moving from north to south and then sharply north again.
• Sydney, Australia (March 12, 1969): Mrs. Trude Baumann observed a large, brightly shining, yellow-golden elliptical object with a cupola moving silently across the sky.
• Temora, New South Wales, Australia (February 1968): A witness reported seeing a bright light with two rows of lights, moving slowly and silently at a low altitude.
• Bungawalabin, New South Wales, Australia (April 16, 1969): A flattened area with two circular patches was found in a crop, suggesting an object had landed and moved.

UFOIC News and Forthcoming Events

• 7th March Social: A social gathering was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Lindtner, featuring a lecture on "Gravity" by Vice President Mr. Dutton.
• Juniors Meeting (March 15 & April 19): The March meeting discussed improving UFO reporting and data evaluation. The April meeting welcomed new members and reviewed classical UFO cases.
• 1st April General Meeting: Dr. Johnston from the University of Sydney lectured on "Theory of Relativity and Space Travel."
• Members Meeting (May 2): A historical film and a record featuring 16 eye-witness accounts of UFO sightings were presented. Mr. Wightman also reported on his 1966 sighting.

UFOIC of World Renown

The newsletter states that UFOIC is well-known and respected globally for its scientific approach to UFO research. It receives numerous requests for information from overseas societies, professionals, and ufologists. Mail comes from 50 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Czechoslovakia, and Hong Kong. The society has multi-linguists to translate correspondence, keeping them updated on global ufology trends. The newsletter is popular, with over 150 copies posted overseas monthly.

Overseas Publications

Information is provided on several overseas publications available for purchase, including "SPACELINK" (UK), "FLYING SAUCER REVIEW" (UK), "SAUCER NEWS" (USA), and "MUFORG-Bulletin" (UK).

Membership and Fees

Membership fees are due on January 1st each year. Regular membership is $4, while Juniors, Students, and Senior Citizens pay $2 per year. These fees are essential for covering printing, postage, and other organizational costs.

Obituary

Mr. Burge, founder and first secretary of the Tasmanian UFOIC, passed away on November 10, 1968. His contributions to the Tasmanian group are noted, and sympathy is extended to his sister and Mr. J. Bigwood, Secretary of TUFOIC.

Mr. Michael Hervey's Book

Mr. Michael Hervey, author of "UFOs over the Southern Hemisphere," is also writing a book on paranormal phenomena. He is seeking personal experiences from readers, with correspondence treated confidentially.

UFO Badges and UFO Kit

UFO badges are available for 75¢ each. A miniature polariser and spectroscope, developed by Dr. Herbison-Evans, has received a positive response and is available as a UFO Kit for 55¢ within Australia and 60¢ overseas.

Book Review: "Science, The Public and The UFO"

This book by Arthur Bray, a Royal Canadian Navy officer and UFO researcher, covers UFO history, scientific and philosophical aspects, propulsion of space vehicles, and government attitudes. It includes an impressive list of Canadian UFO sightings and is available in paperback ($3.00) or hardcover ($6.00).

Announcements and Corrections

An announcement is made for a potential tour of the Sydney Observatory in July or August. A correction is issued regarding Mr. W. Moser's position, clarifying he is the General Secretary, a role he has held for over three years.

Penfriends

Enquiries have been received from BUFORA (The Federation of U.K. UFO Groups) seeking Australian contacts for UFO fans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a scientific and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and accurate reporting. It highlights the global nature of UFO interest and UFOIC's role as a respected international organization. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, encouraging members to engage with the subject matter through the society's resources while maintaining a critical eye towards unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the correction of the hoax story.