UFOIC Newsletter - No 30

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter, dated April/May 1971, is the 30th publication from the organization based in St. James, Sydney, Australia. It is a bi-monthly periodical priced at 20c. The cover prominently features the headline "SIGHTINGS" and provides contact information for reporting UFO observations.

Office Bearers

The newsletter lists the office bearers of the U.F.O.I.C., including President Mr. F.J. Phillips, Senior Vice-President Mr. T.W. Dutton, Vice-President & Sightings Officer Mr. T.V. Homan, Vice-President & Hon. Gen. Secretary Mr. W.E. Moser, and Treasurer Mr. H. O'Brien. It also lists various other committee members and officers responsible for different aspects of the organization, such as Asst. Secretaries, Librarian, Programme Director, Scientific Adviser, Photographic Adviser, Investigation Officers, and Editorial Committee members.

Sightings

Readers are encouraged to report any UFO sightings to the investigation officers, Mr. Barry French and Mr. Martin Drawbridge, whose contact numbers are provided for day or night calls. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of these reports for initiating investigations.

Editorial

The editorial section begins by recounting a recent meeting where Mr. Bill Moser, the club Secretary, presented slides of the Moon landings and Moon Rocks brought back by the Apollo 14 mission. These rocks are described as the oldest and most complex ever seen, with some samples containing a substance called "kreep" (potassium, rare earth elements, and phosphorus). The editorial highlights the privilege of seeing these samples and encourages members to support the society by attending meetings and purchasing their literature, contrasting it with the cost of 'silly magazines'. The next meeting is announced for June 1st, featuring a lecture by French astronomer Dr. J.C. Ribes on Extra-Terrestrial Civilizations. The editorial also notes the departure of David Scott as Newsletter Editor due to work pressure, though he remains on the Editorial Committee. A plea is made for members to contribute to the 'Letters to the Editor' section. A positive report is given about an interesting meeting held on March 6th at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Blattman, which involved about 25 attendees and a UFO discussion.

New Jersey, U.S.A. Sighting

A peculiar incident from August 1970 in Caldwell, New Jersey, is described where residents discovered what appeared to be a giant "spider's web" – a long, silver thread or wire hanging from the sky. The thread was only visible when sunlight hit it at a certain angle. Police attempts to trace it were unsuccessful. Locals who tried to snag it with fishing lines found light nylon string. Later, lifeguards reported finding a similar 'line' settling on a pool's surface, which snapped when they pulled in about 300 feet of it.

Fees Reminder

Members who have not paid their 1971 fees are reminded to do so by sending payment to the Hon. Sec., Mr. Moser. The fees are $5.00 for full membership and $2.00 for senior citizens and students.

Saucer Theories

This section explores the theory that UFOs themselves might be living animals or 'Living Flying Saucers'. It draws parallels between life forms in the oceans and the atmosphere, suggesting that atmospheric life might be tenuous, fast, and feed on energy. The theory posits that UFOs might have been attracted to Earth by the energy released from atomic bombs and power plants. The article notes that this theory, while intriguing, does not account for all UFO sightings. It also mentions the 'Shaver Mystery' and Layne's theory of '4D' matter as explanations for UFO phenomena.

Moon Rocks Like Cheese?

A brief item quotes British geologist Professor George Malcolm Brown, who analyzed moon rocks and found them similar to Swiss emmantaler cheese in terms of seismic wave transmission. The article poses the question of how the notion of the moon being made of cheese originated.

Cassius Clay Sees Stars!

Boxer Cassius Clay is reported to have seen a UFO while doing roadwork in Central Park, New York, in December of the previous year. He claimed to often see UFOs during his early morning runs and stated that the government is keeping this information secret.

UFO Sighting at Deniliquin

An edited interview with John Walsh, Secretary of the Deniliquin Bowling Club, describes a sighting on Thursday, March 18th. Walsh and 64 other people observed a cylindrical object, approximately 2-3 feet long and 1-1.5 feet in diameter, with a naked flame, hovering about 20 feet above the clubhouse (estimated 50 feet in the air) and moving at one to three miles per hour. The object made no noise and was described as 'soundless'. The sighting occurred between 9 and 9:30 p.m.

Excerpt from Letter

A letter from Mrs. L.C. Hall, dated March 16, 1971, recounts three sightings from 1969 in the Fairfield area of Sydney. The first involved a small orange ball of light seen in the South-East skies, which moved south and hovered before disappearing below the horizon. The second was a speeding blue light with red flashes in the South-West sky, lasting about two minutes. The third was a tiny white dot observed high in the sky, moving erratically in various directions before disappearing.

From Brian Kindness (N.S.W.)

On March 22nd, 1971, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Brian Kindness and two family members observed an orange-colored bright light travelling slowly from south-east to north-west. They initially thought it was a satellite but noted it changed course and continued westerly. They did not hear any engine noise or see navigational lights, suggesting it was not an aircraft.

From B. Collard (N.S.W.)

On March 17th, 1971, at 9:15 p.m., B. Collard sighted a bright light, brighter than any star, moving from south-east to north-west. He described it as an object about as wide as it was long, with approximately four lights surrounding it. It made no noise and was travelling at a height higher than clouds, taking about three minutes to pass. A second, similar object followed, slightly higher.

Dates to Note

Upcoming events include a Members' Social on May 1st at Old Toongabbie and another on July 3rd at Giraween. The newsletter also mentions that Mr. Moser showed photos taken on August 30th, 1970, of an object appearing near the Bonegilla migrant centre.

Available from the Society

Items available for purchase include UFO kits (50 cents), UFO badges (75 cents), and UFO car stickers ($1.00), all plus postage. Copies of 'Bearne's Flying Saucers Over the West' are also available.

Library

The librarian is Mr. M. Duggan.

Bob Easley Visit

Just before Easter, the General Secretary welcomed Bob Easley, a UFO researcher and writer from the USA, who was in Australia for a week while serving in the Navy. His ship's only Australian port was Sydney. Easley conveyed his best wishes to Australian UFO enthusiasts. Discussions were held regarding UFO research in the States, and Easley was presented with U.F.O.I.C. newsletters and a book. A planned follow-up meeting was cancelled due to Easley's recall to Naval duties.

Newsletter Content

Contributors are encouraged to submit material for the next newsletter, which is planned to be a large issue including photographs. The new committee is highlighted, and readers are urged to be aware, send in observations, attend meetings, and engage with the newsletter's content.

News Flash: Midwest U.F.O. Conference

The Midwest U.F.O. Network (MUFON) announces its Second Annual Midwest U.F.O. Conference on June 12, 1971, in St. Louis, Missouri. Speakers include nuclear scientist Stanton Friedman, Ted Phillips, and Sherman J. Larsen. Advance reservations are being accepted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the U.F.O.I.C. as a hub for UFO research and discussion, encouraging active participation from its members. There's a strong emphasis on reporting sightings, attending meetings, and supporting the organization through purchases and fees. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation of theories. The newsletter also touches upon themes of government secrecy and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The tone is generally enthusiastic and aims to inform and engage its readership in the ongoing investigation of UFOs.