This crossword No. 23617 clues and answers were published on Mon 21 Nov 2005 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 23617 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
8-across – Iron hook needed to move large stone : KOHINOOR
9-across – Bird circles its quarry : OSPREY
10-across – Dull character on the staff : FLAT
11-across – Don’t turn to crime? : GOSTRAIGHT
12-across – Name evenly distributed among girls and boys : EVELYN
14-across – Nymph with broken heart goes to America : ARETHUSA
15-across – They provide the subtle humour that is found in clubs : IRONIES
17-across – Formed a queue at the back : PLAITED
20-across – Dog is put outside in a pram : BASSINET
22-across – Plan to bring back soldiers in retreat : DESIGN
23-across – They’re widely grown for eating : BROADBEANS
24-across – Grass, possibly, provides reliable information : DOPE
25-across – Does he read badly? Stick at it : ADHERE
26-across – Lift to reveal switch : ELEVATOR
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Surprise an enthusiastic archer? : BOWLOVER
2-down – It operates at different levels : LIFT
3-down – One of the ugly sisters refused a drink when upset : GORGON
4-down – Weep over last broken glass : CRYSTAL
5-down – A sound indicator of one’s calling : DOORBELL
6-down – Quibble about trifles, resulting in parting? : SPLITHAIRS
7-down – Man in trouble gets engaged : MESHES
13-down – Canvassed views : LANDSCAPES
16-down – Entitled to directions before turning blonde : ENNOBLED
18-down – It is used for shelling before the soldiers go in : EGGSPOON
19-down – Not a galley, but may be found in one : STEAMER
21-down – A variety of bread to grind : ABRADE
22-down – File I left for flophouse resident : DOSSER
24-down – Timber trade : DEAL
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.