Perplexity

Coded question:

Wefz wxq ksx ktxbns ghuz ou owlyzs xbkdsg?

Answers (not in code, please) to arrive by 1 May to: Pastimes, the Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL. The first correct reply opened on that date will win a Larousse Desk Reference Encyclopedia.

And here's a clue, if you need one: 1847-1931.

6 April answer:

Shrew (The opening letters of each word spell out "Now reverse order with endings"; reversing the order of the final letters of the words of that sentence gives the answer.)

Winner: Richard Parker (Sheffield).