Puzzles:

test your skill

When you complete the crossword, the letters on the shaded squares, reading left to right, top to bottom, will spell the mystery word.

Solution in next month’s issue.

ACROSS

1. Conversed, nattered 5. Warm neck wrap 8. Decompose 9. Role model, set a good – 10. Michaelmas daisy 11. Sudden and uncontrollable fear 13. Becomes older and wiser 14. High-pitched and piercing, – cry 16. Musical, Seven – For Seven Brothers 20. Movie-making tricks, special – 22. GST, – & Services Tax 25. Movie, A League of – Own 26. Dodged, evaded 27. Pistol, rifle 28. Proportion, – of sizes 29. Wreck, ruin

DOWN

1. Inexpensive 2. Repeatedly, time and – 3. Archetypal 4. Sleeptime visions 5. Commence, begin 6. Changed, varied 7. Dense woods 12. Fire residue 14. Jumper, pullover 15. Think deeply about 17. Zones, sectors 18. Finish 19. Christine Anu song, My – Home 21. Ship’s freight, eg 23. More peculiar 24. Unfortunately, alas