Cryptic crossword PUZZLES

ACROSS

1 Approve the tray if repaired (6)

4 It’s said crowds have stockpiles (6)

8 Mental pictures of a restored airy gem (7)

9 The substitute is almost on his feet (5-2)

11 Learn the way to go – for a crazy type of public transport? (5-5)

12 Money reportedly for a stringed instrument (4)

13 The Cuban jokes include an instrument (5)

14 Be quiet in the lodgings, they’re lively parties (8)

16 Trains the ace duets another way (8)

18 An embroidery loop is an unusual topic (5)

20 It’s up to cheerfully endure and it’s out to corroborate (4)

21 An umpire’s or judge’s demand? (5,5)

23 Drools at the Aussie great on board (7)

24 Turn right off the gun (7)

25 The son leaves Churchill in Southland (6)

26 Assist in some way with the state of inactivity (6)

DOWN

1 Lover with a capital O (5)

2 Screw a giant say (7)

3 Pay for it after the initial New Year activity (5-4)

5 Many a time one is upset about a small foot (5)

6 The silly darn elk got up your nose (7)

7 Head of state’s family, tiddly but not loose (9)

10 Swoons at the sulky look round the fools (6,3)

13 The sleeping partner would roar about the endings of ‘‘Tree and Leaf’’ (9)

15 Intolerant when I ama person in care (9)

17 Two vehicles on either side of a camper (7)

19 Nosy American is after bric-a-brac (7)

21 The goods leave after the vehicle (5)

22 Elrond and Galadriel can be seen in aModel Vespa (5)

WIN

A $50 gift card goes to the first correct entry opened for Barbara Brown’sWeekend Prize Crossword. Send it in an envelope with your name and address to Your Weekend Prize Crossword, Stuff, PO Box 6341, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141 or email answers to cryptic@stuff.co.nz. The competition closes at noon on Friday and the solution will be published next week. Winner of the $50 voucher for crossword 638 on November 28 is Sharon Caldwell of Karori. Congratulations, Sharon.

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