Spectator 1905

[cruciverbali]

Let's hope today's Columba puzzle isn't too Unlucky

[kayakamina]

Thanks for the link.

[Spaghetti]

Thanks for the link.

[slaney]

Good morning cruciverbalist., and thanks for the link.

Usual crop of good new words, but whether I'll remember any of them by next week is anyone's guess!

[cruciverbali]

...and thank you everyone.

Yes, I know what you mean slaney - one answer in particular could be described as almost esoteric.

[mad max]

Many thanks for link

[Christiana]

Late again, Cruciverbalist, but still many thanks. Will enjoy looking at this when time permits. It sounds as if I will need my Chambers.

[robinruth]

Yes, indeed - just finished it and we really needed our Chambers. A difficult one again - at least, I thought so!

[Ironie]

I enjoyed this challenge by Columba, but, having solved the rest satisfactorily, am uneasy about the solution to 19 down. I suppose it must be EASTERLING, but am unsure as to the logic. Middleman? Or what? Can one of you enlighten me?

[Aperio]

Merchants of Norway, Denmark, . . . called . . . Easterlings because they lie east in respect of us. --Holinshed.

[crucifernz]

Hi again
I'm stuck on one of the unclued lights:

15 ACROSS BU?IA (5 letters)

The only word Chambers online gives that fits this pattern is BUNIA which is apparently a city in Democratic Republic of Congo where lots of' tr*ding takes place. Can the name also apply to the one who does the tr*ding?

Or is there another obscure word which fits here?

Would appreciate assistance.

Thanks.

[Rollo]

A Bunia is a Hindu merchant.

[crucifernz]

Thanks very much indeed Rollo.