9729, Gridman

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Surprise... its Gridman today!

Another surprise is the hidden message - thanks to Shuchi, WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR was embedded in the solutions. Amazing Gridman!

Across
6 Worker’s words of resignation to maistry at last in times gone by (9) ANTIQUITY
7 She may cry “Uncle!” as stage head leaves Scene I in disarray (5) NIECE
10 Hindu leader also recalled taunt (4) HOOT
11 No warden he – replaced without delay (4,3,3) HERE AND NOW
12 A medical officer almost awake and randy (7) AMOROUS
13 Front part of carriage, yet moving, threatening to collapse (7)
14 At school, small section in marked improvement (7) UPSWING
17 Inspiration for musician with repute falling off after end of note (7)
21 Started job sorting out things in a museum (6,4) OBJETS D'ART
22 In favour of first-class meeting places (4) AYES
23 Call bumpkin exchanging 1000 for 500 (5) YODEL
24 In no port I discharged black wine (5,4) PINOT NOIR
Down
1 Parasite worn-out in custody of pious maiden (7) PINWORM
2 Rope for artist? (7) PAINTER
3 What the aged once had but cannot boast of any longer (12) YOUTHFULNESS
4 Its call has to be answered periodically (6) NATURE
5 Antelope has young goat turning up twice (3-3) DIK DIK
8 Small farm frequently goes after credit (5) CROFT
9 Acts of getting accustomed to perverse Haitians’ bout (12) HABITUATIONS
15 Painter Picasso or Poet Neruda (5) PABLO
16 Gardening tool, small, the German retrieved (6) WEEDER
18 Master has Oriental fellows to destroy international leader (7)
19 Scope of original six lodged in cathedral stall (7) PURVIEW
20 Female friends in France extremely loth to starve (6) FAMISH