SPECTATOR CROSSWORD No. 973

ACROSS 1 Puss takes a short drink, with a mint flavour (6). 4 Scarf hem, with flutings (8).

9 Citizen of Venice objected to the rating here (6).

10 All I turn to is irrational for her (8).

12 Subside about mistake, or wander off? (8) 13 Valued but with a lever, no doubt (6).

15 There's enough food to satisfy a glutton (4).

16 Inevitable result of employing a new broom (5, 5). 19 Bargains for the motorists who anticipate trouble on the road? (10) 20 You must appear in position to mark' time (4). 23 Assaults in Hollywood? (6) 25 Meet the Indian about dawn in the gardens (8).

27 Lay round a car in reverse (8).

28 The little hound swallows the big bird (6).

29 'Nor winks the gold, fin in the - font' (Tennyson) (8).

30 Novel estate seems to be encircled (6). DOWN 1 Just the confection for a motor picnic (7).

2 'He traces the steam-engine always back to the - (Disraeli) (3, 6). 3 Conversely go to bed by rotation (2, 4).

5 Had news, it seems, of the rabble (4).

6 Did she, as a result of 'The Rape of the Lock'? (8) 7 Chief of the fallen angels (5).

8 In position and ready for the market. to open (5, 2).

11 Swift kind of girl (7).

14 Doormen at Cruft's? (7) 17 Salute for the successful oculist (4, 5).

18 There's no credit when you discover money (4, 4).

19 Near view that indicates the need to shut down (5-2).'

21 Control is wanted in that particular place (7). 22 A legislator before the current (6). 24 Folded garments look very sedate (5), 26 'Without the meed of some melodious -' (Milton) (4).

Two prizes will be awarded: a copy of the Do Luxe edition of Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary and a book token for one guinea. They will be awarded to the senders of the, first two correct solutions opened at noon on January 14 and addressed: Crossword No. 973, 99 Gower St., London, WC1.

Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary, New Version, is recommended for Crosswords.

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Solution on January 17 Solution to No. 971 on page 28 The winners of Crossword No. 971 are: Mits. B. W. DSvas, Broa,6 Campden, Glos., and MRS. J. K. Gosidiu., is Arboretum Rollo, Edinburgh, 4.