I used layering to solve the problem but its not the perfect answer since the stemming is a bit wierd.
in pic "1-staff", The interval is tied to the next, but since there are no lower note to tie to, the lower tie extends to the right looking for a like note.
So I layered the staff, putting the lower notes of the interval on the 2nd staff, pic "staff2"
The result is ok, but the two quarter notes, when merged, create a weird looking stem.
see pic "staff3" and "staff4". In this a sys"stemmic" problem?
No. In this instance, you do not need a layer. If you have a tie seeking a mate, and you do not intend that tie, right click on the note and untick the tie.
Thanks muchly.