CROSSWORD PUZZLES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19447, 1 October 1926, Page 10

CROSSWORD PUZZLES.

Sir, —I agree with "Puzzled" that it would he a fluke if tho predetermined solution of the puzzle under discussion was arrived at in ono attempt. But I would like to say that tho disgruntled, competitors have only themselves to blame; in not foreseeing "catches" in a competitive contest, and especially so where letters are isolated. Every cross word, enthusiast knows that variants and archaic words are used to mako puzzles difficult., so why all the fuss over this one. If the puzzles in the Homo papers are studied it will soon be apparent that the ma'n difficulty in solving them is to obtain correct combinations of letters. The reason foi this is obvious: a very difficult puzale would not attract competitors, so an easy one with "catches" is used. In the present puzzle for competition I notice one eaten only. Therefore, jjlthough not a competitor in any of the previous contests, I am going to put in two solutions for this one, because I consider my chances of success are fairly gocd. Crossword Puzzle j«o. i.

Sir,—As another unsuccessful entrant ia the recent crossword competition .t should like to express my admiration for the clever people who devised the puzzle. Of course the words employed are unusual forms. If they were not, the prize would hardly work out at a penny apiece among the winners. Is tho spirit of British sportsmanship dead among the devotees of this exhilarating pastime? Instead of whining over their failure let them try to do better next time. I feel sure that if any one of them receive the prize he will not quarrel with the conditions. A Sport.