The unclued lights are of a kind. Two solutions are initials.

Across

1    Officers’ training school – place to write music – cello arrangement with two notes (5,7)
10    Fertile Spanish plain, say, in Virginia (4)
12    Moorland bird that pesters the female? (3-7)
14    Rules regularly presented author’s initials (3)
15    Clear control of former NZ live news website (8)
22    Seating for cowsheds (6)
24    Almost imperceptibly moves lips (5)
26    Smartest agent’s not all there – most dubious (9)
27    Work in gold, say, running off with the ring (9)
29    On reflection some present-day Aussie cricketer (5)
31    King in a French shack, not harmed (6)
34    Got rid of Times boss? (6)
36    Agricultural companies note sign, we’re told (7)
38    It’s much used by the theme! (5)
40    Wander along peaks of Grampians after dark (3)
41    Rated second ride disastrous (10)
42    Either way it’s sound (4)
43    Abandoning one’s religion – stops it again, as ordered (12)

Down

2    Criminal sells latte and blabs (5,5)
3    Deceptively cunning around a London school (7)
4    Commonplace phrases from work derived from various authors (5)
5    Emu phoned about a dromedary’s condition! (3-6)
6    Calm waters are no goal, sadly (6)
8    Some flee kitchen in Staffordshire town (4)
9    Exercise area in gym at Grand Central, say, (5,7)
13    Encourages Munro, say, with order for food for brunch (4,8)
16    He’s from the CID! (3)
20    Guard keys to the finish (6)
21    Unnatural proteins do this chemical detachment (10)
28    Locations of some frogs (7)
30    Fashions – on Twitter, it seems (6)
32    Drink Church of Scotland finally banned (3)
33    Gemini first having to file clutch (5)
35    Bird that returns in winter generally (5)
37    Awestruck, having silver ring on fourth finger (4)

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A first prize of £30 and two runners-up prizes of £20 for the first correct solutions opened on 8 May. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@spectator.co.uk, or post to: Crossword 2601, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery. The dictionary prize is not available at present.