THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE 15159

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1 Lacking a clue - strangely unimportant! (9)

8 Simultaneous number of rounds or ovals set off (5)

9 It may be checked for drink and meat around midnight (7)

10 Fine fabric used in making suites (6)

11 An academic is killed while hunting (6)

12 A revealing piece of photography (8)

15 Same ship, different stress (8)

18 Smart thing to have in the garden (6)

20 A right squabble about the price list (6)

21 Indicate there's some wine to finish off (7)

22 Appear on stage to record (5)

23 Successfully learning how to handle new emigrants (9)

Down

2 Classic appearing in 151 A.D. (5)

3 Strongly advise one not to lose heart - it's most important (6)

4 Becomes less refined, giving a hundred different reasons (8)

5 Mixture I smoke is one from Greenland (6)

6 Big shot in the film world? (5-2)

7 A short romance (9)

11 Not so busy types sent in a busy type's place (9)

13 To do so is an after-dinner practice that helps international proceedings (8)

14 Stimulating apparitions? (7)

16 State in a loud and resolute way (6)

17 He may well appeal to the public (6)

19 General rule to be observed in a cathedral (5)

QUICK CLUES ACROSS

1 Possession (9) 8 Proportion (5)

9 For all to see (7)

10 A conifer (6)

11 Recluse (6) 12 Unquestioning (8)

15 Distinction (8) 18 Tight-fisted (6)

20 Elaborately decorated (6)

21 A made-up story (7)

22 A female relative (5)

23 Be understandable (4,5)

DOWN 2 All the time that (5)

3 Puzzling situation (6)

4 Answer to problem (8) 5 Drive forward (6)

6 Trustworthy (7)

7 Fleeting (9)

11 Rigidly conventional (9)

13 Power to impress (8)

14 Innovator (7)

16 High regard (6)

17 An admirable quality (6)

19 Excessively fat (5)