I can't even start this one! 1ac It could give a fair amount of pleasure - or pain (10) 3rd letter = i 9th = c 14ac Buttons swallows a bit of food with hesitation (9) 8th letter = g 24ac Is the peach their favourite fruit? (9) 8d The most improvident can afford to pay them (8) 3rd letter = s Any help gratefully received.
14 . Can only suggest porterage . Page swallows ort er . It is quite likely that the Times clues were not so complete 40 years ago . Glad to see you're persevering .