THIS puzzle, used at the 1971 London regional final of the Cutty Sark/Times Crossword Championship, was solved within 30 minutes by 94 out of 362 finalists. The quickest time was under nine minutes, by Mr M.C.C.Rich and Mr D.G.Owen

ACROSS
1 Fault-finding old magistrate gets evidence of liability (10)

6 A cheerful start, but a problem for the Head (4)

9 Adores untidy surroundings of Rome for flying visits (10)

10 Class-conscious ass has a job at last (4)

12 Pass out, inside the Oriental Section? It's a cheap frame-up
(5-7)

15 Put up with flattery at teatime (4.5)

17 Peg, do make up to little Tubby (5)

18 Bear, but in bovine style (5)

19 Can ride on, changing direction (9)

20 St Aldate's, London, W1 (6,6)

24 What may be put on for parades (4)

25 Take to heart? (10)

26 Nymph gives back-chat (4)

27 Classification - of chocolates perhaps (10)



DOWN 1 Converse of a little bird (4)

2 Aromatic end to Hastings' saint (4)

3 Wild clematis may grow on one eventually (3,4,5)

4 Press clubs? (5)

5 Surviving - to the end of term? (9)

7 In agreement with an aircraft worker, say? (10)

8 Disenchanted with the beer in the East Mediterranean (10)

11 Weightier trend on paper perhaps (12)

13 Count Palatine's voters? (10)

14 Quite enough out of school (10)

16 Coarse quality - product of clue numbers fore and aft? (9)

21 A percentage changes to air (5)

22 Whistle for some wine (4)

23 Grass, being open to bribes (4)

Answers on next page