Many thanks, NACW, Novalis! I have the diagonal word and the theme,
but can only see 3 pairs instead of 4. I thought my 7a, R?E could be paired
with 48a ?O?L ( RYE-ROLL ), but it seems that RYE can stand on its own. So,
I remain somewhat puzzled. Any hints? Thanks in advance!
About to close another tricky one!
Just these 3 to confirm with parsing,
thanks!
14 (A) Deficient nosegay wounded Joan (6): ?E?NAG ( SEONAG )?
40(A) Trees from Oz housing larks' nests initially (5) : A?NU? (ALNUS)
19 (D) Most valuable skirt Tom shortened (7): ?AXI?A? (MAXIMAL)?
Yes, Matakari.
14. Anagram, with one letter dropped.
40 Aus, Australia, with the L and N from 'larks' and 'nests' inside.
19 Maxi, skirt and Mal(e), Tom, shortened.
Maybe next week's will be your sort of puzzle...