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Seems to be largely resolved now but I agree with the consensus on letters (big and little) rather than numbers.

Last loose end for me is parsing 2d. Seems like the last 6 letters mean 'firm, not unserviceable', and I can't see it.

Thanks

Smellyharry, business-unserviceable = ????

Aha. Thanks. Hadn't come across u/s before, should have figured it out though.

Just finished and, for once, without help from this forum.
Re (pun not thematically intended!) the letters/numbers debate - it never occurred to me to use numbers. Each cell contains letters entered in a thematic way, making the clue answers. In 6 cases this means the clue answer is the same as the number of cells available.
As for the title, I would never have seen the connection between the 1899 and Ares - thank you to whoever pointed that out.

Thanks to this forum I've managed to fill the grid bar 37 across - could someone give me a hint? I'd be most grateful.
Alas I still can't see the point of 1899 nor why the six clues should be expressed as numbers - even after reading the discussion here. Again a nudge would be helpful.

Having said all that I enjoyed this one. Most of the clues were straightforward, I solved the name and found my way to the double occupation, so thanks to the setter.

Williamseal - 37a last word is definition. Rest of the clue builds the word... second=S, signal with your voice, current is electrical and working = on. For 1899 try googling at element and es element.

... and I'm in the "no numbers" camp!

Darn these spelling corrections! Google ar element.

Thanks Smarties - much appreciated