Spectator 1909

[toalisi]

Any hints please for the theme of the crossword, and the relevance to a 'New Yorker' ?
I suspect it may be something to do with Easter?

[robinruth]

Spot on, Toalisi, do what the instruction says with your four sets of unclued lights (take a letter from Easter to get the apple, for example - the same with one I know you have - the pain-killer - and so on) then look in the bottom left hand corner of the grid - look up that word in Chambers. OK?

[toalisi]

That's great robinruth.

One of the words I've got is 'Ether' !

Sorry to be obtuse but how does that fit?

[toalisi]

The penny has dropped.

Thanks again.

[sarumite]

Thanks for the pointer robinruth ... this is the first time I've attempted this puzzle, and had finalised it with the exception of solving the preamble. All clear now.

However, I must thank Kayakamina for explaining the wordplay (by e-mail) on some of the solutions. I had the answers, but couldn't fully justify all of them.

A really enjoyable first attempt. (S)

[robinruth]

Sarumite - well done for managing this one as a first Speccie - they are not usually nearly so difficult. We've been doing it for years and I would put this as one of the hardest. I don't know whether Kayakamina agrees.

[oldenburg]

I thought this a lovely puzzle but Dumpynose has me perplexed by 10d (?A?UP) - I just can't see the wordplay here.
I'd very much welcome a hint.

[slaney]

The definition is the last word. Think of a phrase meaning fool, and muff ( drop) the opening.

And well done S..glad you enjoyed it!

[slaney]

Sorry.. not phrase - expression.

[oldenburg]

Thank you very much slaney - a great help.