WELLINGTON NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11929, 28 June 1899, Page 6

WELLINGTON NEWS.

-<np[Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 27. Mrs Blake, who was sentenced to imprisonment for life some years ago for attempting to poison her husband, is now dying in the Terrace Gaol from a complication of diseases. The sellers in the Pbngaroa district are petitioning the Land Board for a re-valua-tion of their holdings, with a view to a reduction of rents. It is generally considered that land in that district is overvalued.

The recent marine casualties have had the effect of causing a congestion in shore stores, tnd the operations of both companies are temporarily restricted. The quantity of fat sheep coming forward is in excess of the number sent forward during th© corresponding period last year, and this adds to the difficulty. Two men, named Mace and Pettengell, who were about to engage in. a glove contest for £SO a side, have been arrested and bound over to keep the peace. Giving to the advent of two British companies accident insurance tariffs, have been abandoned, and competition for business is very keen. Th© rates now quoted are 50 per cent below those ruling three months ago.

The Postal Department some time ago was advised that after the end of this month the Vancouver mail steamers would not call at Fiji, but it is now informed that the next steamer will call there, and it is not yet definitely decided whether they'will cease calling there.