NORTH QUEENSLAND UFO SAGA

This article chronicles the 'North Queensland UFO Saga,' focusing on a series of events beginning on January 19, 1966, near Horseshoe Lagoon, Tully. George Pedley, a banana farmer, reported observing a silver-grey, saucer-shaped object approximately 25 feet in diameter. The object ascended to about 60 feet, tilted, and vanished with a burst of speed, accompanied by a sharp hissing sound. Upon investigation, Pedley discovered a circular, 30-foot diameter 'nest' of flattened reeds in the lagoon, which appeared to have been swirled in an anti-clockwise motion. Subsequent visits to the site by Pedley and Albert Pennisi revealed that the reeds in the nest had turned brown on their upper surfaces. The article describes the installation of monitoring equipment by Vince Mele, which included cameras and magnetic field detectors. These monitors reportedly recorded magnetic disturbances and were triggered by UFO activity on multiple occasions. The authors highlight the suspicious loss of photographic and film evidence, noting that containers sent to Kodak Ltd. for processing arrived empty or were confiscated by authorities. The text also references other sightings in the region, including an encounter by Louie Maule in October 1966, where a black object with red lights was observed. The authors express frustration with the lack of transparency from the Department of Air and the R.A.A.F., suggesting a 'cloak and dagger' atmosphere surrounding the investigation of these phenomena.