XIMENES CROSSWORD No. 621

CHASE

1.  B. K. Kelly (Clevedon): Fashionable pastime—to try to catch up with set in the groove (4 mngs.; set in = enchase; f.p. = hunting).

2.  J. B. Sweeting (Shepperton): In which a set may indicate the quarry (hidden & lit.; badger set).

3.  C. Allen Baker (Milnathort): Be sure to note a source of water in case fire should be discovered (H in case: fire, (vb.) = drive out).

H.C.

C. O. Butcher: (clue not given [see comments]).

G. H. Dickson (Greystones, Co Wicklow): China’s leaders want edict from Moscow requiring obliteration of U.K.? It gives one the jumps! (Ch(ina) + (Uk)ase; steeplechase).

F. D. Gardiner: (clue not given [see comments]).

S. Goldie: (clue not given [see comments]).

S. B. Green (NW10): In which a segment is let in (hidden & lit.; let in = enchase).

D. J. Hawkins (Welling): Engrave such a section, without loss of pressure at the extremities ((su)ch a se(ction)).

R. W. Jakeman (Donnington): There’s room for all types in such a setting (hidden & lit.; chase³).

V. Jennings (Reading): Portrays Miss Blandish without bloomers, revealing skin around her extremity! ((Blandis)h in case; case = skin, (vb.); ref. book ‘No Orchids for Miss B.’ by J. H. Chase).

E. J. Miller (SE23): In which a sexy little piece is what you’re after! (hidden & lit.; woman chasing; little p. of text).

C. J. Morse (SW10): With the onset of Christmas you see the male, clutching a pound, go hunting for something to buy without a murmur (C + a S in he, (pur)chase).

M. Newman (Hove): Game of running after Charlie with a tail (Chas. + e, & lit.; C = name for fox; ref. song ‘Chase Me C.’ by N. Coward).

S. L. Paton: (clue not given [see comments]).

W. H. Pegram (Enfield): Rush hour in the tube for example! (h in case, & lit.).

E. O. Seymour (Gerrards Cross): I keep in form: that’s what makes aches go quickly after game (anag., 2 defs.; form² (forme) = type; chase³).

Mrs E. M. Simmonds: (clue not given [see comments]).

J. A. L. Sturrock (Torquay): First part of Chatterley’s nearly all sex—the gamekeeper sees to this! (Cha(tterley) + se(x)).

Mrs J. Thomas: (clue not given [see comments]).

RUNNERS-UP

D. B. J. Ambler, R. J. Atkin, F. D. H. Atkinson, G. E. Borman, J. A. Bulley, R. S. Caffyn, P. M. Coombs, A. E. Crow (Brentwood), Mrs N. Dean, Mrs D. M. D’Eath, Mrs M. H. Gray, W. E. Green, E. J. Griew, D. Hawson, A. H. Jones, P. Jubb, C. Koop, J. Lawrence, A. Lawrie, P. W. W. Leach, Dr R. J. Lumsden, Dr T. J. R. Maguire, A. A. Malcolm, P. H. Morgan, R. J. Munnings, J. W. Parr, Mrs N. Perry, A. Robins, J. R. Scarr, H. J. Snelgar, L. T. Stokes, F. B. Stubbs, H. G. Tattersall, L. E. Thomas, J. Thompson, F. K. Thornton, Mrs L. Waters, Cdr D. P. Willan, Dr R. L. Wynne, H. T. Young.
 

COMMENTS:—I wonder if postal delays reduced the entries? Otherwise I find it hard to understand why there were only 179 (168 correct). I don’t think it was an outstandingly difficult puzzle, and the word set was easy: yet many familiar names seem to be missing. In fact, though the entry was so small, the proportion of names unfamiliar to me—or only just recognised—was higher than usual. I have to write this before I know whether many entries come by later posts: I will try to get a postscript about this added on the proof, as it may account for some disappointments.
 
I find myself without much else to say about this competition; but I will mention two unsuccessful clues, one of an “advanced” type from a seasoned competitor, one from (I think) a new competitor who is unfamiliar with our principles. The first is “In which a setter can be engaged.” (Hidden, & lit.). This rather often happens with “& lit.” clues: it is neat and nearly good, but it doesn’t quite work. The literal indication is perfect: so is the hiding, but with that reading of the clue one is left with the words “can be engaged,” which should be a definition of “chase”; and, as far as I can see, they do not give one. Such a clue must be complete for both readings. The second is a promising effort but shows that the sender doesn’t realise that an anagram must be indicated—“Follow Sir John as he climbs without using arms or legs”—as he c(limbs). To make the clue sound, one needs “wildly,” or some such word, to accompany “as he climbs” and show that an anagram is intended: otherwise the clue doesn’t say what it means. Also “Sir John” is a clue to a clue: it refers to Sir John Hunt: it should refer to Sir John Chase. As for Mr. Newman’s neat clue, I do know that foxes don’t have tails, but I’m not particular in such matters!
 
I hope there will be a good entry for the Christmas competition, for which the usual extra prizes are offered and the usual extra week-end allowed: but don’t post too late! A happy Christmas to all. Please note now that the January competition will be on Jan. 8, not Jan. 1, to avoid competitions falling on two consecutive Sundays.
 
P.S.—It was as I thought. Over 100 entries, many of them posted quite early, arrived on Monday. I have therefore now studied these, and though I don’t think any of them improvements on any of the prizewinners, I am adding the following extra commendations:
 
H.C.:—C. O. Butcher, F. D. Gardiner, S. Goldie, S. L. Paton, Mrs E. M. Simmonds, Mrs J. Thomas.
 
RUNNERS-UP:—D. B. J. Ambler, F. D. H. Atkinson, Mrs D. M. D’Eath, E. J. Griew, C. Koop, A. Lawrie, Dr. T. J. R. Maguire, R. J. Munnings, J. W. Parr, A. Robins, J. R. Scarr, L. T. Stokes, J. Thompson, F. K. Thornton.
 
I fear it would be too complicated to print the clues of the extra H.C.s so late: I apologise to their senders. I presume other entries may arrive later still: I am afraid these really will be too late for inclusion.