TUMULTUOUS WELCOME

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 299, 18 September 1928, Page 12

TUMULTUOUS WELCOME

CITY HONOURS SOUTHERN CROSS AVIATORS EXTRAORDINARY SCENES AT TOWN HALL SPEECHES AT STATE LUNCHEON Not even Royalty has created scenes of more frenzied enthusiasm than those which have marked the public appearances in Wellington City of the Pacific-Tasman flyers, SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith, Flight-Lieutenant C. T. P. Ulm, and their companions, Messrs. A. H. Litchfield and T. H. McWilliams. Whenever they leave their hotel they are almost mobbed by people who wish to shake hands and personally congratulate them on their remarkable exploit in the air; and yet, with it all, their boyish modesty and deprecation of all the fuss only serve to increase the admiration they compel. Pioneers and heroes, they fully deserve the homage that is being given them in such a generous and spontaneous manner, for they have done the thing that has never been done before, and have proved to our eyes that the conquest of the air by man is a very real thing, an accomplishment of vast portent in the domain of travel and transport. Extraordinarily enthusiastic scenes were witnessed in the streets yesterday when the airmen were accorded a civic reception at the Town Hall and afterwards were guests of the Government at a State luncheon.

Yesterday the aviators were tendered a civic reception by the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup) in the Town Hall. Needless to say the big hall was crowded with people at an early hour, and over an hour before the time fixed for the reception the doors had to be closed, as there was no more room within. But, nothing daunted, the people took up their stations in lower Cuba Street, and patiently waited throughout the forenoon, and during the function inside the hall, entertained at intervals per medium of nine loud-speakers, with musical selections, and, later, with the speeches that were delivered on the platform. A Wonderful Scene.' Within, the hall, gaily bedizened with the bunting of all nations, presented a most animated and colourful spectacle. Over the platform hung the arms of the city of Wellington, below which, in large letters, were the words, “Welcome from the Citizens of Wellington,” flanked on either side by the Australian and New Zealand ensigns. The platform was filled with specially invited guests, including Ministers of the Crown, members of the City Council, and the Harbour Board. The entrance of the aviators (after one humorous false alarm) was the signal for a scene of tremendous enthusiasm. Every throat seemed to give utterance to some sound, save those who, under the influence of excitement, found their organs of sound unusable; every face glowed pink with eager expectancy, and, among the ladies, it was a case of either laughter or tears, so moved were they by the appearance of these men, who had so successfully conquered this “empty, vast, and wandering air’.’ of which Shakespeare wrote. As they entered the hall, led by the Mayor in his robes and chain of office, a great shout of joy went up, and the organist exerted himself to add to the splendid clamour which was a sign and token of the people’s acclaim. A Poignant Human Touch. The first episode, after “Smithy” had saluted the great assemblage in his characteristically friendly way, was one of extreme pathos—a tribute from weak, afflicted childhood to the strong. It took the form of wreaths of laurel, titivated with sprays of wattle and New Zealand ferns, and bound with red, white, and blue ribbons, which were placed over the heads of the aviators by tiny children from the Wellington Hospital afflicted with infantile paralysis. The disparity between these decrepit little ones, who had to be held up by their attendants in order to handle the wreaths, and the heroes of the air who “bore their blushing honours thick upon them,” was almost too poignant, and not a few shed tears of pity. But to the children concerned it was a great occasion—the event of a perhaps somewhat tedious life-time —and they were thrilled to dumbness by the wonder of it all. The names of the children were Jean Noble, Ross Forde, Jean McKenzie, and William Laing. The human note came bluntly when Ross Horde —a little atom of afflicted humanity—had placed his wreath on the shoulders of SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith. There ensued a slight pause as the others executed their tasks, when suddenly a sharp-toned woman’s voice rang out, “Kiss him, Smithy 1 It was electrical. The audience seconded the motion with a roar, and “Smithy” took up the challenge at once, saying, “Sure, I will!” and gave the youngster a hearty salute on the cheek. The habit immediately spread. Perhaps the most embarrassed one was Mr. Litchfield, whose wreath came from a girl in her ’teens. The young man seemed to hesitate, when a soft crooning voice (not at all like the first one) said lazily, “Kiss him, duck!” and “Litch” did as he was bid. The children from the hospital were accompanied by the Medical Superintendent (Dr. Ewen), and Mesdames McVicar and Preston, members of the board. The wreaths were the work of Miss Leslie. Mr. Lightfoot, of the staff, is said to have been one of the progenitors of the idea. “Wildest Imaginings of Jules Verne Exceeded.” “In extending this civic welcome to Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith, Elight Lieutenant Ulm, Mr. Litchfield, and Mr. McWilliams,” said the Mayor, “I feel sure that in what I am going to say I express the united feelings of every citizen of Wellington, who, in common with the whole population of New Zealand, has been greatly stirred by the safe arrival in New Zealand of the Southern Cross after one of the most thrilling air flights on record. (Applause.) Gentlemen of the air, if I may so address you, we tender to you our hearty congratulations as well as our sincere thanks. In one night you have brought New Zealand very much nearer to Australia and the rest of the world. “For in a little over’ twelve hours from the time of its departure from Sydney, the Southern Cross, like some great prehistoric bird, was hovering over the City of Wellington, the journey being accomplished between two meals—dinner time in Sydney and breakfast time in Wellington. Those intrepid airmen have touched our imagination and set us thinking; their accomplishment exceeding even the wildest imaginings of Jules Verne. (Applause.) A Dream Come True. “Many New Zealanders have dream ed dreams of the time when an aero-

plane would arrive on their shores from overseas,” continued Mr. Troup. “Today they are rubbing their eyes to make sure that their dreams have really come true, and they pave come to this reception to see and get visible evidence and to honour the intrepid and indomitable men who essayed the difficult and dangerous task and carried it through to a successful issue. (Applause.) To honour the pioneers who challenged the uncharted and unknown air spaces, over some of the roughest seas, and, in the case of the Tasman, during the worst possible month of the year. (Applause.) Endless Vistas. “Our first sensation was one of thankfulness at their safe arrival—(applause)—and our next was that of wonder and admiration of the great achievement, and then when we had time to think, we asked the question, ‘What does the consumation of this flight mean to New Zealand, the farthest flung outpost of His Majesty’s Dominions, as well as the most distant from the Home base?' I venture to predict it ‘portends very much in that it has proved something to be practicable which hitherto has been only a supposition, and it has biassed a trail over which others may more safely follow. It presages a time, and that not far distant, when a regular air service will be established between New Zealand and the great Continent of Australia. (Applause.) “In effect it has reduced the distance between the Commonwealth and the Dominion, making it now just oneseventh of what it formerly was, and in doing that it has opened up endless vistas of future possibilities which will confer very great benefits on botli countries. (Applause.) “Proud of My Boy.” “The flight," continued Mr. Troup, “has also demonstrated to all, but more especially to the youth of the Dominion, what skill, pluck and endurance can accomplish, and it is very pleasing to know that this lesson has been tauglu us, not by men outside our own Commonwealth of Nations, but by men of our own blood—out own kith ami kin; by men of our own Empire. (Applause.) The two leaders of the flight are, as you know, Australians, one of the others an Australian with a little bit of New Zealand .n his make-up. and the other, a New Zealander hailing from our own Capital city. (Applause.' We are naturally pleased at this. As

one of the City Fathers, I am proud of my boy. (Applause.) I feel sure that the flight has made a deep im pression on the mii.ds of all New Zea landers and that it will be to young New Zealand in the days to come a great inspiration. I venture further to predict that the result of this epoch making flight will be to create and stimulate the air sense of the people of New Zealand, and I think they needed some stimulation.” A Great Service Rendered. “For this as well as for the other benefits I have mentioned, I desire on behalf of this city to thank you. You have rendered the Dominion a very great service. (Applause.) “It must also be pleasing to returned soldiers to know that Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith, Flight-Lieutenant Ulm, Mr. Litchfield, and Mr. McWilliams were all Diggers (applause), and took part fn the Great War. “May I,” conclude! the Mayor, “express to our guests, and friends our sin cere thanks for so choughtfullj flying over our city on their way to Christchurch (applause.) ; also the thanks of myself and the City Council for the advice which they have given us regarding the proposed aviation ground at the north-east end of the Lyall Bay Reserve. As an outcome of their visit I am calling a meeting of all interested in aviation in the Mayor’s Room tomorrow (Tuesday) at 5 p.m., for the purpose of forming an aviation club. “Again let me say, gentlemen, you are welcome and honoured guests. One and all in this city wish you God Speed and every success in the future.” (Applause.) Prime Minister s Welcome. The Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates), who was the next speaker,

was given a most cordial reception. On behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand he expressed their sincere thanks and congratulations on the safe arrival of SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith, Flight-Lieu-tenant Ulm, Mr. Litchfield, and last, but not least, Mr. McWilliams. (Applause.)

“What Kingsford Smith has gone through none of us will ever know,” observed Mr. Coates. “Imagine a man away from his home land endeavouring to pioneer a flight, such as he has pioneered, from the United States of America to Australia, and then to New Zealand. (Applause.) I do not want to touch on personal matters, but it

has been said—and I believe with absolute truth —that he was hard up and did not know where to turn for the next shilling. (Laughter and applause.) That is not uncommon amongst Anzacs. Nevertheless, his determination and his personality, with that of Flight-Lieu tenant Ulin’s, won through, and thanks also to our good friends in the United States of America, who had confidence in them. (Applause.) We, with all the other people of Australia, congratulate them on their faith—(applause) — and upon the assistance they gave in the hour of need. (Applause.) Will we ever forget early in June hearing messages coining from the Southern Cross, telling us how they were progressing on their flight to Australia? Those messages thrilled every man, woman, and child throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand as they did Australia, and, no doubt, the rest of the world. (Applause.) At that time we did not know they were coming to New Zealand. However, they accomplished those first great ‘hops.’ and all I can say is that words fail one to think what pluck, tenacity, confidence. and ability these men brought to bear in their great flight. (Applause.) Every detail was worked out. and they brought all the known sciences to work, so that we in New Zealand and other parts of the world were able to get information, telling us exactly how they were getting on. And now, ladies and gentlemen, they are here. (Applause.) In Australia and here they have always paid tribute to their comrades who tried to get here first —Moncrieff and Hood. How we all longed that those men should accomplish the great feat, but it was not to be. I think Kingsford Smith must be something very much greater than a politician. I think he must be a diplomat. (Laughter and applause.)

He felt that the (light would not be complete unless he had associated with him a member and a native of New Zealand soil. (Applause, and cries of “good old Mac.”) I think Providence has watched over them. (Applause.) Their talents have been preserved. (Applause.) What wonderful confidence they must have had in themselves; it brought them through possibly the most trying stage of a long and a wonderful flight. (Applause.) We can hardly realise that that great feat has been accomplished, and that they are about to fly back to Australia. Well, nil I can cay is—good luck to them all the way. (Applause.) They have won their way into the hearts of every man, woman, and child in this country. Unostentatious, good fellows, they have sealed once again that great name Anzac —

Australia and New Zealand. (Applause.) Friends and Comrades. “And, ladies and gentlemen, it is al ways a great sign, though perhaps I am the last one to say it, when after you have only known a man a few hours, you can refer to him as ‘Smithy.’ (Applause.) We greet them as '‘Smithy,” •Charlie,’ “Litch,’ and ‘Mac.’ (Applause and laughter.) We adopt them as friends and comrades. (Applause.) They have written their names upon the scroll of fame, and it will remain there for all time. (Wild applause.) They are men of extraordinary capacity, knowledge, intelligence, and accomplishment. Loud and prolonged applause.) A New Page in History. The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives (Mr. 11. E. Holland) also joined with tiie Mayor and the Prime Minister in welcoming the intrepid airmen. “The Prime Minister has said that they have written their names on the scroll of fame,” said Mr. Holland. “Certainly, they have written a new page in the history of aviation, and in the history of the world as well. (Applause.) I wonder what Captain Cook would have said if someone told him that in the year 1928 the distance between Sydney and Wellington would be bridged in twelve hours? What would all those other great men have thought? I can assure our friends that every section of the people in New Zealand anxiously awaited their coming, and wondered what their experiences would be as they traversed the thousand miles and more of the blackness of darkness between Australia and these isles. All of us would have liked to have seen Moncrieff and Hood succeed when they made their valiant endeavour. (Applause.) But it was not given to them to succeed; and naturally, as an Australian, I am exceedingly pleased that Australians have made the successful effort —(applause)—and

that at least one New Zealander was associated with them. (Applause.) What has struck me about the airmen is their unassuming demeanour and modesty all the time. (Applause.) They are always unassuming. That is an outstanding characteristic of Australians and fo New Zealanders, too.” Aviation and Politics. Continuing, Mr. Holland said if he might be pardoned for digressing for a moment he would like to say that when He read of the story of the flight across the Tasman it reminded him that notwithstanding what the Prime Minister had said, there was some connecting link between aviation mid politics. (Laughter.) “The Prime Minister,” said Mr. Holland, “said he wondered what must

have been the feelings of Kingsford Smith at certain times. Well, when I read the story of how they had come through the flashes of lightning and the roll of th ader, I thought that experience must have been like the Prime Minister’s experience when he was trying to get a Licensing Bill through the House. (Laughter.) If you had been in the House when the lightning flashed and the thunder rolled—(laughter) you might have seen his co-commnnder pass a note, not through a tube, but through a Whip. It said, 'Please, Mac, turn on the light.’ (Laughter.) I am not sure that they met success in the way in which our visitors met it. . . . Every man. woman and child in this country wi' fervently hope that the airmen will make the same successful trip going back as they did in coming here. (Applause.) As long as human history is written the names of these four men will he written into its pages. (Applause.) The achievement which they made in this year of 1928 will stand as the forerunner of the great achievements which have yet - to come. “The day will come, I think, when transport by air will be a common-place thing, and when that day does come I believe it will be one of the great factors that will make for the consummation of the peace of the world. (Applause.) When that day comes it will be well said of the men who proved themselves the victors of the Tasman that they contributed as largely as any other man in the world towards that consummation. (Loud and prolonged applause.) “I join with the previous speakers,” concluded Mr. Holland, “in offering my heartiest and my sincerest congratulations to these four men of outstanding courage, four men who have the determination of their race, and who have accomplished a record of achievement that has never before been excelled and which will possibly never be excelled in the history of the world.” (Applause.) Mr. J. G. Cobbe, chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board, said he felt there was little to say after the welcome so eloquently expressed by the Prime

' Minister, the Mayor, and the Leader of the Opposition. He might be permitted. perhaps, to refer to three great events in the history of Wellington. The first was the coming of the Polynesians, who navigated the Pacific in their trail string-tied barques mid yet with the i primitive knowledge of navigation at I their command made Wellington Harbour, or the Sea of Tara (ns they called it), .something like a thousand years ago. Then in 1773 Captain James Cook, in his little vessel the Endeavour, anchored outside Wellington Harbour; and later, on September 11 last, a great monoplane from overseas flew over Wellington. He had to express regret that they had no record of the visit of the Polynesian navigators to the waters of Wellington Harbour, but he was not then chairman of the organisation that controlled the

waterfront at the time. Perhaps it was as well that he wasn’t, as it might easily have been concerned in a misunderstanding on the subject of “fresh meat,” and, as Sir Maui I’omure would put it, might have berm “absorbed.” Nor had the board been able to obtain the signature of Captain Cook, of the latter era. The visits of the Polynesians, Cook and Kingsford Smith may be said to be three events of outstanding interest in the history of New Zealand. (Applause.) It may be that as chairman'of the Harbour Board he regarded the achievement of Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and his companions from a different aspect from most people. He had to consider what the effect of sky navigation was going to have upon the affairs of the Wellington Harbour Board. It may be that (lie arrival here of the aviators may be the beginning of a new era altogether for passengers, imports, and exports. Mr. Cobbe went on to say that the indomitable spirit of the British race still lived, but the applause ectime so continuous and imperative that at length he had to retire. It was seen at this stage that the assemblage was becoming restive at being deprived for so long from hearing the airmen that the Mayor said he would limit the other speakers to two minutes each. “The Final Lap.” Mr. Andrew Fletcher, chairman of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, said he esteemed it an honour to offer a welcome on the part of the Chamber of Commerce and the commercial community generally to Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and his companions, who had so successfully braved the elements and were the first aviators to arrive in New Zealand from overseas. They honoured the men for their great exploit, and rejoiced that they had come through safe and sound, and that they would have the same successful result in the task they had set themselves. (“Time!” and applause.) Mr. W. H. Bennett said he deemed it a honour and a privilege to represent the City Council in extending a hearty wel-

eome to their friends from across the waters. He saw in these men the same indomitable spirit that had characterised the British race throughout all time. Formerly such men went out exploring new and distant lands where their people might settle, and opening up new avenues of trade and commerce. Councillor Bennett was not allowed to proceed much further. The patience of the audience was at an end, and they demanded the airmen. At Last the Airmen! “Now for the airmen.” said the Mayor. “I will first call on Major Wilkes.” Cries of “Oh, oh,” mid strange noises tyiat conveyed disappointment and chagrin. Major Wilkes, who was ever so wise, said he would not keep them half a minute. "I always said they would come,” he said, "and now you have seen them come!” (Great applause.) At the instance of the Mayor three rousing cheers were given for the airmen, followed by the hearty singing of the chorus, “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” “Not As Heroes.” When Kingsford Smith rose to his feet a roar of applause greeted him which would make any hero blush. “Smithy!” “Smithy!” they shouted and cheered and cheered again until at last something like silence was restored. Hardly had the distinguished aviator said one word before he was again cheered to the echo. “Fellow Australasians,” was how he greeted them, a remark which again brought forth thunderous applause. “You know I had such a lot of nice tilings to sny that I have forgotten' them all,” he continued amidst laughter and applause. “I am not a monument of elocutionary splendour. That’s a good one. isn't it? (Laughter mid iplause.) In my humble way I can only thank you for the magnificent welcome you have given us. (Applause.) It has stirred us. I can assure you. We have faced bigger crowds possibly, but we have never faced one so genuinely friendly. The people of New Zealand have taken us to their hearts—(applause)—and in particular Wellington. (Applause.) “I think your Prime Minister paid us the greatest compliment of all when he referred to us as ‘Smithy,’ 'Charlie,' ‘Litch,’ mid 'Mac.' (Applause.) And. I hope, you will always think of us in that way. (Applause.) We come to you not as heroes but as friends. (Applause.) It is perfectly wonderful to find a crowd of people so well disposed towards other people. In (he old troopship days we used to get on line with the New Zealanders (Applause.) The warmth of feeling be tween the two countries is magnificent." (Applause.) I am going to carry hack to Australia fond memories of New Zealand. (Applause.) I don't think I will ever go back. (Laughter aud ap-

plause.) Your men are delightful chaps; ' our girls are prfectly charming. (Laughter.) I can’t meet too many of them. (Laughter.) “I must say,” continued Kingsford Smith, in a more serious mood, "that this morning we had the honour of paying a call on a dear, old Scotch lady—the mother of one ot (hose brave lads who lost their lives in the Tasman Sea. I can tell you that it touched us deeply to see this lady trying to hold back her tears in telling us that she deemed our calling on her an honour. The honour was ours, because from the failure of gallant men like Moncrieff and Hood we acquired information which enabled us to make the trip. I and my comrades pay humble tribute to their memory. (Applause.) Government Thanked. “I also want to thank you for the wonderful thing your Government has done for us. I can assure you we did not fly to New Zealand for the sake of £2OOO. We came because we wanted to. (Applause.) We are hoping to use any moneys which have been given to us for the purpose of furthering the interests of aviation. If, in our own small way, we can do anything towards establishing a regular air service between New Zealand and Australia, then we will have been amply repaid. I am particularly glad to stress the fact that this was not an individual effort. (Applause.) It was a co-operative effort, and Flight-Lieuten-ant Ulm and myself pay tribute to the other men. ‘Old Litch’ found the way under conditions that have never before been experienced in the air. (Applause.) Three of us are Australians, and proud of it. (Applause.) But we are more proud to have associated with us one of the best specimens of your New Zealand manhood. (Loud applause.) ‘Mae’ is a real he-man. (Applause.) We are still more proud of the fact that we have been the means of linking these two farflung outposts of the Empire, to which we are all proud to belong. (Applause.) I can only thank you for the magnificent way in which you have received us. You have given us the glad hand of friendship, and we appreciate it 1 thank you one and all.” (Applause.) Get an Air Port. After drawing attention to “Smithy’s” oratorical splendour. Flight-Lieutenant Ulm said he wished to thank all for the magnificent welcome that had been given them that day. “Smithy” had told him that he had to get on his feet and say something about the flight, because he was not going to do so. He wished to say that for the flight across the Tasman they took as much preparation and care as they had in any flight they had undertaken. “We knew we were going to get here,” he said. “Speaking quite frankly, we wouldn’t have come had we not known this.” Lieutenant Ulm thought it was a wise move for the Wellington municipality to secure an air port site at the earliest possible occasion. They had a Government one in Sydney, but it was not much good. “All Wellington should get behind the Mayor and council and get an air port,” said Lieutenant Ulin, “and when the ’planes come, fly in them—it’s pretty good!” “Will Get Back AU Right.” Mr. Litchfield said the welcome they had received in Wellington had surpassed anything experienced so far. It had been a great pleasure for him to be associated with his three companions in the trans-Tasman flight. He was not worrying about the return. With a 'plane like the Southern Cross and a pilot like “Smithy” they would get back all right. Mr. McWilliams (who received a great reception) said that as the Mayor had regarded him as his boy, he felt inclined to say “Hullo, daddy!” (Laughter.) He wished to say how much he appreciated the thought behind the emblematic flowers from the little kiddies from the hospital. It was a very fine thing to do, and they appreciated it tremendously. So much had been done for their entertainment that they could hardly get in or out of their hotel. It was such treatment that there were no words to adequately express his feelings. All he could say was that the welcome had been wonderful, and he thanged them all very much. (Applause.) An Extraordinary Scene. Headed by the Mayor, the aviators then essayed to leave the hall by passing through the crowds, but as soon as they reached the main floor they were simply rushed by the crowd. Excited girls, and also those who were rather out of the girlie class, pounced down upon the airmen, clutched their hands, squeezed their arms, caught their coat-tails, patted their heads, and so hemmed them in that it was almost a fight for them to reach the entrance. On the stairway the same spectacle of excitement run riot was observed, and probably never has such a scene been witnessed. There was no harm in it. It was a spontaneous outburst of adulation for these heroes of tile air, and those with a sense of humour enjoyed it. Outside there was a great ovation from the crowd for the airmen as they drove away to attend the Parliamentary luncheon. A PROTEST ON BEHALF OF THE CHILDREN (To the Editor.) Sir. —In the interests of the children of Wellington I feel I must register a protest at the way they have been ignored during the visit to the capital city of the gallant airmen who have macle the history that they and coming generations will be called upon to learn. Surely it was a good enough occasion for at least a half-holiday. Children are apt to gauge the relative importance of occasions in terms of "holiday.” What do we find? On the morning of the great arrival they had to leave their crystal sets at the most exciting period of the flight and repair to their multiplication tables and other important great works while real life was left behind. To-day a belated message gave "the release” from eleven o’clock till two o'clock. But of what avail was that? Children cannot on their own initiative wander from distant schools into the town sans escort, sans train fare, and in this case sans sufficient time to get to the Town Hall, which was quite full at 11 o’clock. So a number of disconsolate small folk repaired home to find empty homes, no lunch, and a sense of being left out of account, in this great nation:'’ international —event. One feels that a great opportunity has been missed by the educational authorities concerned. —I am, etc., HISTORY IN THE MAKING. Wellington, September 17. TRIP FOR MR. HOLLAND Flight-Lieutenant Ulm is a humorist, lie showed keen appreciation of a mild political dig at the State luncheon accorded the aviators yesterday. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. 11. E. Holland) had suggested that the Southern Cross remain in New Zealand for about two months, if possible, so that it could take him round New Zealand (presumably on his election campaign). “By that means,” added Mr. Holland. “I could cover the ground much more Quickly than by train. (Laughter.) Mr. Holland had also suggested that he would not mind travelling in the Southern Cross back to Australia, which was his native land. . , Flight-Lieutenant Ulm. when replying. said to Mr. Coates that the party would carry Mr. Holland back to Australia if it would really help the Prime Minister. (Loud laughter.)

(Continued on I’agc 13.)