THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18148, 11 August 1924, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

KAIKOURA. General regret will be felt throughout the district concerning the health of Mr R. T. Pope, who suffered a stroke on Saturday morning, after an illness of a few days. Mr Pope is one of Kafkoura's busiest men, being secretary of the two dairy companies, clerk to the Itiver Board, secretary of the Kaikoura Trotting Club, Progress League, and various other bodies. A speedy recovery is hoped tor.

A large attendance was present at St. Paul's Sunday School on Tuesday evening for tho social organised by Mrs E. A. Smith, on behalf of tne library fund. The ladies' nail-driving competition was won by Mrs Crichton after a heated contest," and the men's was won by Air Ayers. A guessing competition for the number of peas in a packet resulted in Mrs Cooper being the nearest to the correct number, thus carrying off the prize. A game of musical pegs was won by Miss Wilton after considerable amusement to sJI. A dainty supper was handed roui<*i. Daring the evening items w«*m* given by Misses Withers <md Popo, and Messrs AJppridge and Warner, and were greatly appreciated by all. The prizes for tho evening were given by well-wishers for the library, and altogether the evening will benefit the library to such an extent that about 30 new books will be immediately placed on the shelves.

A most eiijpyabfe evening was spent in the Oddfellows' Hall on Monday last, under the auspices of the Kaikoura Bowling Club, who had invited members of kindred sports and their lady friends to a euchre tournament and supper party. The prizes were presented by the president, Mr J. Davidson. Mrs Ogden received first prize nnd Mrs Murray the consolation prize. Mr H. Chisnall won first prize 15 points and Mr Jarvis won tno consolation prize. To-night the usual crib game is to be held. HANMER SPRINGS. Lady Jellicoe, Mr and Mrs Louis Campbell, Commander Dove, Mr Norman Campbell, and their hostess, Mrs Marmaduke Bethell, visited here 011 Friday afternoon. They were shown over the grounds and the men's and women's hospitals by Dr. Chisholm and Miss Hodges, matron. The party were the guests of Mrs G. O. Kutherford (Lochiel) for afternoon tea on the return journey. The weather cleared on Friday after four days of what was the roughest weather during the whole winter in the back country. Eight inches of snow fell on the flat. On the plain a bitterly .cold wind was experienced with heavy showers at times, particularly during the night. Tho surrounding hills received a fresh coating of snow to the foot. On Saturday morning a hard frost was experienced.

AMBERLEY. The Amberley Town Board held their regular meeting on Thursday. Present: Mr Holton (chairman), Messrs Boyce, South, Thompson, and Osborn. Correspondence was received .from the District Health Officer relating to bylaws for privies and-sanitation. Messrs Garrick and Co. wrote (inclosing a copy of letter received from the Public Works Department suggesting that the local electrical engineer arbitrate in a dispute with the Kowai County Council over street lights. The Board agreed to the suggestion, and the clerk was instructed to .notify the solicitors of the acceptance. The Board's solicitors 'also-wrote as to failure of obtaining replies from the two persons concerned as to ' the ' right-of-Way and U3G of land for the proposed night-soil service. The matter w;as left over for future consideration. The Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, wrote enclosing form of petition necessary to enable the Board to petition for < a larger area of the town district. It was decided to forward the correspondence to the Board's solicitors to put into effect. The Kowai County Council wrote advising the unveiling by his Excellency the Governor-General of the fallen soldiers' war memorial at the Balcairn Cemetery on Wednesday next. The chairman was requested to interview the local business people and proclaim a half-holiday on that day. The Amberley Domain Board held its usual meeting on Thursday. Mr G. R. Holton presided over a full attendance of members. The secretary was instructed to write a letter of appreciation and thanks to the Amberley Concert Party for their efforts in raising a sum of £3O at their recent concert. The secretary of the Tennis Club wrote asking for a grant of timber for building on the domain. This was granted. It was decided to offer the milled pinus insignis to the public at 18s per 100 feet, and the firewood at 20s per cord on the ground. The planting of the western side of the domain was approved, and it was also decided to have the fences on this side attended to.

WAIPARA. The ladies of Waipara held their annual dance on Friday evening, and it proved very -successful, the building being well filled. During the supper adjournment t-he Rev. F: P. Fendall, on behalf of the settlers and railway staff, presented Mr A. Orton, who i 3 leaving on promotion for Stratford, with a beautiful silver tea and coffee service, with oak tray suitably inscribed, as a token of the esteem in which he is held by the general public. Mr H. Forsyth also spoke on behalf of the railway staff. CUST. Tile Cust Men's Club held a nomination billiards tournament last month, when there was keen competition among the .numerous entrants. The close and exciting finishes throughout the tournament reflect great credit on the handicappers. In the semi-final of the senior tournament Harman beat Webb, Bush beating Harman in the final. In the juniors the winner was Cliff Tomlinson, who beat George Franks in the final. , The returned soldiers of Cust and surrounding district are holding their annual ball on August 22nd. The music will be supplied by Miss Eder's Orchestra of seven instruments. The Tennis Club held a progressive euchre paTty in the Oddfellows' Hall hist week, when the hall was crowded. The winners at cards were Miss Freda "Wood and'Mr H. Hamilton (Eangiora), booby prizes Miss Grace Matheson and Mr Sailor Johnson. A delightful dance followed to the music of Mrs Botherway, Miss Coombs, and Miss Matheson, and Messrs Tyler and-Dusky.--Mr M. Forbes was.M.C. The. next meeting of the Tennis Club Committee will be held on August 12th. . The West Eyreton Tennis Club are holding a monster bazaar in aid of the tennis courts 011 September 4th, when there will be many unique attractions and competitions in the West-Evreton Hall, followed bv a dance.

FERNSIDE. The bachelors of Fernside are holding their annual ball on August loth. The Cust Jazz Band will be iu attendance.

RANGIORA. In the ceremony of fallen soldiers' memorial by his -i>- " cellency the on *: nesday afternoon, there wdl be a n in " terval for the depositing of wreaths the at the base- of the iiionun'.pn • Special invitations have been issued the parents or other next-of-xm °' t | men names are inserter on Tmonument, and seats be reserves for them. After the ceremonv his cellency the HI the guest of the members of - l> - lev Masonic and Ir.dy. ■n ill be entertained by the Majore "(.Mrs AY. A. Rowse). , , Tlie Mavor (Mr W. A. Row so), left for Wellington by Saturday evening s. boat to attend the iuneral of ns mother, which is to trko place at .uaxtertou on Monday. Ho exjKvt-s to return on Tuesday. OMIHI. Last Thursday a gift evening was given at Omilu in honour oi ->lr Harris and Miss E. Love, who are shortiv to be married, lhe popu a ity of the young couple was evidences bv the number who attended, _ school being crowded A progiessive euchre tournament- was h£ld. the pi uses going to Mrs fcloss and M r _ O. rows: consolation gilts being won bj Miss Inch and Mr Musgab. lhe gucs » of the evening were the recipients 01 many handsome presents, both usetu_ and "ornamental, the opening of whien caused much merriment. lie to dainty suptxsr was banded round, Pritciiett "contributed songs, after which an enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne.'' AKAROA. Very keen regret was expressed among the older residents in the Akaroa end of the Peninsula when it be-c--iune known that Mi' James Petfigrew luid passed away at his home in «st. Albans, where lis had been living Noisome twelve months since retiring from active fanning pursuits. The dec-ea.'-xKi gentleman had been held in the highest respect and esteem by all classes, 'and his services to the district on public bodies such as tho County Council. Itoad Board, through a long term of years had been such as to place the community under a. deep' obligation to hint. Possessed of keen, shrewd, judgment, broad-minded and tolerant sympathies, and an uncommonly charming and attractive personality, it is Jittle wcncler that the whole district cordially united to do honour to him prior to his departure from the Peninsula. As a staunch and loyal member of, tlie Presbyterian Church on the Peninsula and a senior elder, tho late Mr Pettigrew will be greatly missed. The comfortable' old Petti" row homestead near the Summit road, between- Pigeon Bay and Duvauchclle, was, under its late master, indeed a haven to ma.ny a- traveller by tho way. The sympathy of the whole district- is extended to the bereaved family.

At the last meeting of the executive cf the Akaroa Footb;'ll_ Club', Mr F. G. Armstrong, club captain, in the_ chair, it was decided to invite tho Ytaihoru ■ Club to play the annual match with Akaroa on tho local ground next Saturday. If the representative match, 'Peninsula v. Canterbury Fifteen, is fixed for that day, tho Waihora match will be played as" a "curtain-raiser." Arrangements were made for entertaining both teams of visitors, it being resolved to ask the Peninsula Sub-Umon to assist. It* was reported that the club's annual b-a.'lhad been a vevy successful function and had resulted in a substantial credit balance to aid tho club's funds. Tli© committee of managers of the Presbyterian Church met on Tuesday last. In the absence of the senior elder, Mr C-. Hall was voted to the chair. Letters were received frcm the Moderator, Rev. ;N. L. 1). "Webster, of St. Andrew's, Christehui'ch, and from a ..prosre-tive- candidate in respect to the vacancy in tVe chi'rcli. It was resolved to -act upon-the Moderator's su.'gestioti and reeomjnend that a call be se'iit to a certain, minister, in,-the North Island, and, in: the., event of its . not l>eing accepted, to invite another on 3 mentioned, from down south, to preach ih Akaroa. Regret was expressed that eight mouths of the vacancy had gone by, and it was earnestly hoped that present indications would result in a mutually satisfactory settlement of tho difficulty. A sub-committee was appointed to obtain estimates for painting the church and the Sunday school and for carrying cut certain necessary repairs and to report at next meeting. It was reported that the. : mptnvemer>ts ir> the Bible Class rooms had been duly carried out by Mr J. R. Newton, and it was resolved, in passing the account for p;iym:nt, to thank him for tho very satisfactory way in which tho job had l>een done. Gratification was expressed that, although the charge had been vacant so long, tho church finances were keeping fairly up to the average. Tho first week of August saw a rainfall that almost equalled that of the whole of the j>reced:ng month. July, as a. rule the wettest of -tho winter months, this year failed to record two inches; the actual figures being 1W points, r.'.in having 1 alien on only six (lays. The cold southerly, that swept the Peninsula for the greater part ol last week dropped just under ono and a-haJf inches.

SPEN CERVILLE. Thirty members of the Card Club journeyed to CI ark vi lie last week to play a euchre match with Clarkville. The game resulted in a win for Spencerville by 8 games, the scores being 73—65. The Spenoervill© versus Ouruhia match -was played in the Ouruhia school on August Bth. There was a very large attendance and the Spencerville team secured a victory by 18 games, the scores being 85 —67. With both the aboive-mentioned clubs the result of the season's play is equal, which necessitates a final game. The final with Clarkville will be played on August 28th, and with Ouruhia on September 4th, both games to be played in the Spencerville school.

WOODGROVE. A very successful concert; was given by the pupils of the Mason's _ Flat School last week. Much credit is due to both children and teachers, also Miss Morris for the splendid programme which was presented. Mr ' Morris, chairman of the school committee, addressed the large number present, thanking them for their support and thereby augmenting the funds considerably for the annual prize and picnic fund. Supper was provided and afterwards dancing was indulged in, about forty couples occupving the floor. Mr Robinson (Wa'tohi Peaks) Vind'y provided tlie music, Mr L<. Wright carrying out the duties of M.C. in a very capable manner. HINDS. A meeting of the vestry of Hinds parish was held in the vicarage, Hinds, on Thursday evening, when there was a good attendance of members The resignation of Mr G. H. Bureh, vestryman for Coldstream, was accepted with regret. It was agreed to hold a meeting of parishioners at Coldstream to elect a successor. The vestry then proceeded to elect a ladies' committee. The following were elected: The wives of vestrymen, and Misses Bell and Hampton, and Mesdames Davis, Dell, and Donkin. A hearty vote of thanks to the promoters and helpers of the Lismore sale of work and concert was carried. Mr T. Mulligan handed in £7G 17s 3d, the net proceeds of the Lismore effort. It was agreed that the vicar and churchwarden prepare a list of church members in time for next vestrv meeting. It was decided to call tenders for painting the church and vicarage. After supper the meeting adjourned.

LITTLE RIVER. The monthly meeting of the Mothers' j Union was held -in the Coronation, j Library last week. There was a good attendance. During the meeting a presentation was made to Mrs Smith of a I handsome rose bowl from the members ■ of the Union. Mrs Smith lias been j secretary of tho Mothers' Union for the last three years, and has helped the , movement considerably. The presciita- . tion was made by the Rev. Styclie in , a very appropriate little speech. Mr | and Mrs Smith left for New Plymouth j on Thursday. | ■— ' j ASHLEY BANK. j After the basket-ball practice on Saturdav afternoon a meeting ot the Ladies' Basket-Bali Club was held The , election of officers resulted as follows: Captain, Miss Eileen Bowbves; vice- | -aptain. Miss Ida Moore; honorary secretary. Miss Vera Steel. .Tto balancesheet for the recent carnival showed a satisfactory credit balance of 2s Id. A letter was received from the secretary of the Waikuku Ladies Bas-ket-ball- Club, challenging Ashley to play a match on August 28rd. It was decided to accept the challenge. At the fortnightlv progressive euchre tournament* on Thursday night Mr Jack Vail an ce was tbe winner of the first prize. and Mr E. Collie the winner of the second prize. Mr A. Vallance gave the prizes. Mr E. Col'ie was the winner of the x> ! for the highest number of points gained during the last seven tournaments. Mr Jack Lowe was the donor of this prize. GLENROY. A verv pleasant social and dance was held in Mr W. Hall's woolshed last week in aid of the fete. The spacious room provided for the purpose was prettily decorated with greenery and red poppies, which lent an air of warmth and comfort to the surroundings. Iu spite of the stormy weather, there was a good attendance. Music was supplied bv Miss H. Maffev, Miss K. Hunt, Miss B. Powell, and Mr Parker. Owing to indisposition, Miss Busch was unable to be present. The duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr Marsh. The floor was in excellent condition, and an enjoyable ' time was spent by all, dancing being kept vp until a late hour. Much credit is due to Mr Hunt and family for their untiring efforts to provide everything necessary for the comfort and enjoyment of the dancers. Residents are "congratulating themselves upon hrviiic "such a building within easy reach." and feel grateful to Mr Hall ' for his willingness to allow such gatherings to be- iield -from time to time. | The Ladies' and Men's Committees met in the schoolroom to discuss general business in connexion with the fete. It was decided to commence proceedings at 1 o'clock. The Hon. Sir Heaton Rhodes has been asked to perform the opening ceremony. the children's snorts will l>egin at 1.45, and the adult events at- 2.30. A committee of seven was appointed to arrange tlw sports programme, the following suggestions being put forwardlfHVds orjen for men. /oyds married ladies, 75vds sinsle ladies, egg-and' spoon race, ciraretto "race, potato rrc?, sack race, tlirce-leeged race, bending race, tiltthe" ring, weight-throwing, sheaftossing, high jump, fruit rare, motor driving contest, and other 3. In all j ca=es where <ntrv fee is charged, the ! va ]', ie of the first prize will be at least i 50 per cent-, of the entrance money, and i second prize 30 per cent, ditto. The Clearview Coal Co. has promised a ton of coal as a prize for a guessin? competition. Much enthusiasm is shown throughout the district. Preparations are being carried out with great- vigour, and the fete" this year promises to be a striking success.

MAYFIELD. A representative of the Ash burton Kloctric Power .Hoard is at present tourin.r. the distinct to detornrneit' the prospects art- sufficiently good to induce Uie Hoard to extend its lines to. May- j iield and .adjoining settlements. The | representative reports cn overvvholining sentiment in favour of electric lighting and power l>eing brought, in. The cost ol installation is j small, t e coil inner paying nothing for ( x-eti< ulation provided the homestead is within a chain of the read along vn'.eh i the power is conveyed. The Lake Co.cridge hydro-electric pl.'-nt i 3 to be_. duplicated, tlnis placing aimed; unlimited now« within reach of the area it is pronosed to reticulate. The powerwill be available for general fann puvik)S2s such as shearing and machine uilkino-; and in the homo it can be utilised for ironing, cooking and lighting. The scheme is commended not, only be-canse cf its essential cleanl.nes-s and convenience, but on-the grouir • I So of economy. The Board charge*. 5d per unit, a unit representing the v.se 01 a lis c.p. light ror approximately j.O hours, or a 50 c.]>. light for J hours; the cost for power purposes is relativelv much smaller. Hie translation lines owned by the Power Board ,v, j '-.e 110 m Ash burton and at the present moment sit different centres in tho-Ashbnrt-on County aro sulliedShould Mavfield fall into line, and this depsnds upon the measure of s-upport Anama and lluapuna are piepared t"> give, instruction work will pmbably twin l>ofore the end of the year. The final of the three shoots held !>v the Mayfield Gun Club for the cup prcI seated bv Mr I>. J. Morrow requited ;in von' high scores being obtamc.L I Out of' 30 shots—ls sparrows and lo ; 'clavs"— l Tom vSewell secured Is. B. '.Morrow and Jock Drunfliond following ivith '2G eacli. The contests are .held •nder condition'; requiring quickness ot 'judgment and skill and tho i«s>ults are j vec-arded as more than satisfactory. ! "file next contest is for a lady's bracei let.

Friends of .Mr M. O'Connor, a popular resident of liuapima, \i"ill be pleased to hour that he i-; making g~od reco\erj 'in the hospital l'olSowing v. recent painful accident. Mr O'Connor held hi* hand severely k:cenUed through the breaking of a ]>lough chain, the linplemeiit coming into cnnt-.iot with a heav\ Wilder. The natient expects to be lioine within a few days, though some time must eb'pso before he will be able to resume work. j The womicri'ullv successful bachelors' 'and spi lifters' held in Mavfield o" Wednesday evening, is said to have been planned, for a benevolent purpose, to ihssioato the gloom alleged to settle utjen the lives of the Mr.y.Hc'd ana district, benedicts after making the f;it 1 phniTt'. Inspired by this hi;m.*ine impulse the committee worked with characteristic eneriv to make tin- ball 'the greatest ever."* Miss Pergy In" > who co-operated with Mi J'jdjiar iiuluick a- secretary, was heord to remark that "We will put joy into their hearts ("or oneo. poor things/' i rul the effort weceed-d hevond the iSmost cxpoetat'on Tlie hall was decorated with rare taste and skill and won the admiration of a'l but the mjrricd ladies, who a "Teed among themselves that they could' have done the work much better! Among the leading hostesses were iliss Jean Paterson. 'Miss Vera Edis and 'iliss Peggy Duff. The grand march was led by the secretaries, followed by So other "couples. Dancing continued nil the small hours, the company frequently jidjourrrng to the supper room, where there w:\s a prodigal and steadily dim'nishing display of dainties. Mr T. F. Sc-well acted as M.C. and excellent music was by Becklev's band. "\tis9 A. Biddick_ and Air 11. Gallagher •ere successful in winn'ng the Lucky ■■pot w:Jtz. Among the .200 guests were Mr and Mrs S. Baxter, Mr and Mrs G. A. Baxter, Mr .and Mrs 0. Bidlick; Mr and Mrs A. V. Barrett, Mr and Mrs G. Burgess, Mr and Mrs &

Burgess. Mr a"d Mrs W. .Goniiack, Mr^ Corbett, Miss B. Corbett, Mr and Mi's T>. I>iiff, Misses A. and E. Fleming, Mr and Mrs G. Harrison, Mrs \Y. Jjioyd, Jlr t'Jid Mrs R. Mobley, Mr an'! -Vfrs J. Moore, Mrs D. J. Mcllrn-itJi, Mrs L. A. Oaldey, Mr and Sirs H. A. Scown, Mr and Mrs G. So well, Mi - ami Mrs G. South, Misses Mabel and Harrison, Miss Early and Miss Je&sio I>rumniond. KIRWEK. Tne members of the Kirwee Miniature Rifle Club held their weekly, shoot on the range last Thursday evening, when some good scores were r«corded: A. G. Hart, 35; F. L. McKie, 35; J, McLean, 35; F. McNae, 35; B. T. Stanley, 34; W. Oakley, jun., 34; B. Roper, 34; Miss Guthrie, 34; i. Foster, 34; C. Park, 33; J. G. Hamilton 33; R. McMeekan, 33; W. Oak-lev,'-sen., 32;. Mrs A. L. Stewart, 32; Mrs B. T. Stanley, 32; D. J. Smith, 32; N. Kelß 32; R. Bedford, 31; Mrs J. G. Hamilton, 31, and A. L. Stewart, 31. Mrs J. G. Hamilton won the ladies' trophy, and the week; ly challenge Vr^ch. only comp'ctitcr to qualify. Somo close toori.cr vis ie."orded in the .n«n's events, ele.ven qualifying. The first shoot off reduced the number to sev£n, the second shoot eliminated three more, the third round saw two left in, and the final was won by R. McMeekan, who vas one nnint ahead of F. L. McKie. R. McMeekan won both the club's trophv, and the weekly challenge medal. Tlw club bsis three postal matrhes on hand, and these will "be shot off early next week. RAKAIA. * Mr Tv". Turton, wha' svas accidentally injured somo weeks ago, ret\nne<i to his home on Friday. It will be somo time, however, i>efore he is able to Mr B. Timings, who has been for nmc rears in ehanro of the New /ealan' Farmers' Co-operative stores at Ra•caia was recently tiansferrcd ui a t'"st in the Christchurch office. H« v,-«s met on the eve of his departure. and on behalf of Rakaia friends. Ml W. Vr Laraman, of the Company s lUkaia •■taff. presented him with ~ r leather suit-case; also, on bohaJf of | Hie cmnloyees of th,- Ashbnrton Co ion., he "presented Mr Timings with a ; saf'ptv razor outfit. The recipient sniti nl.ir ' returned thanks to the donors : for' tlicir gifts and kind expressions of j "codwifl. „ , . _ I \ meeting of t-'ie Rakaia IJomnin i Hoard was ""held in the office of the : Rakaia Road Board. The chair wa? ' taken bv the secretary, Mr It. S. I Ihirdv. " There wore also present ATessrs A. J. Mapson. R. Ofklev. and I W F. Ma"? on. Since the B"n r d last I met the death of Mr T. A. Blackley chairman, had occurred. Mr A. J Magson was elected chairman for the ensuing vear. On taking charge of the meetins, Mr Magson referred to the very loss the Bon r d and district- had suffered in tbo death of Mr Blackley. .The deceased took an active interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the, domains, and spent some of his happiest hours in that connexion. Ho moved a vottj of condolence with Mrs Blacklev and family. The motion was carried. members standing in silence. Apoloccies for absenpq were received from Messrs J. MeLean nnd J. Morland. Mr Mr.son renorted that, acting he and Mr G. S. Hardy had eold a further 250 Muerum trees to the Ashlmrton Power Board. 'Hie sale wsj* approved. The report of the G-ourius Committee showed* that the townslirj reserve had been fenced and t]e;>rcfi of broom, etc. A drive had now been made through the Domain from tWfront to the rear entrance, and the water-race .piped. New gates had been , built at the front entrance, - li» pub-

lic rond at the Domain approaeft tM been put iu order !>y -tbo Read Efefcrd. |'t:> whom the Domain Board dcsiWiti fci •'tviprofrs their thanks. Irn|»wftsfiifcistar I liad also buen carried oflfc to thi tmt~ tmg track, and this should be in ppzxt 'order by the spring. Tlw new way near tho maternity honifl mil tend to ' keep traffic off '•-it.e trot tS fig course. It was agreed to carr* Ihe scheme suggested te £|» i!o era somo time ago, for the pforisiers o# a specially equipped playing gTfyßWt for children. It was decided U> no»inate Mr H. A. Harrinon, of iJNjffe. as a member of the llakatA DoauiA Board to fill tho present y«aucy« m \V. F. Magson was added ia tJ» Grounds Committee. Jmpsweawtfti#, either completed or shortly to hi PBI in hand, are:—Erection of anotl«ef dreseing shed at tJie swimjaang hot-water boilers for picnic pattJ*t, new seats opposite the trotting "straight," cutting down of Eo*f* broom in the largo bbicgum

Sir Herbert Barker, th» {«w*W spocifilisfc in manipulative warperf, penormed an astonishing ofyrsikm ** ■ ho eldest dannhler of Sir WiH'tJia Mo B°ath. of Victori" (fvrv-r. a jnge to the Australian papers. Mi=vn McBenth lird l>een r/irtitilSy for two years bv a cartiSaup- la llie krwe. Kho walked into flit Hwbisrt' iiarkcr's siicgoi->- limping, and » wallvino' T*>n minute* tfttWirtl* phew -lked out unaided. Now nth® >*&• I resumed playing tennis.