Spectator N0 2460

[Matakari]

Good morning! To put this one to rest, I’m seeking some last-minute confirmation/hints for the following unclueds! Thanks in advance!
12 (A): Is the 2nd letter I?
24 (A): Is the 3rd letter I?
42(A): 2 words - the 1st begins with L and ends with D, the 2nd begins with T and ends with T and both relate to “rent”?
33(D): 1st letter A and 3rd letter U?
And finally, the word to be shaded (row 10) is still eluding me. Anything to do with 33(D)?

[Neveracrossword]

12 Yes
42 Yes
33 Yes
42 Yes
You've obviously had a lot of difficulty with this one! The theme word has only 4 letters. It begins with T.

[Matakari]

Thank you very much for your invaluable help, Neveracrossword! This one gave me a hard time, indeed, what with the obscure/archaic words! I try my hand at Mephisto and the ST Cryptic and find them quite doable and less obscure!

[Missel]

I solved unclued 42A differently (still fitting all the same intersecting letters) with a two word solution: the first word of 7 letters beginning with 'L' and ending with 'T' is a synonym of most thin; and the second word of 7 letters beginning 'EL' and ending with 'T' is a synonym of constituent. The whole is then something that might have been added on as an afterthought i.e. added using the theme word as a verb. Have I stretched things too far?

[Neveracrossword]

Missel, my 6,8 answer to 42 A is specifically listed in Chambers . I don't think your entry will work as well for that, fitting in with one of the headwords.

[Missel]

Thanks Neveracrossword. I'll go with your answer.