THE LATEST. London, January 7.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1485, 10 January 1882, Page 2

THE LATEST. London, January 7.

A very severe storm has been experienced over the greater part of Scotland. Dming the last 24 hours the wind blew with hurricane force, and proved most disastrous in its effects in many places. Several casualties are reported at sea, and intelligence is also to hand of the complete destruction of the lighthouse at Port Ellin, off the South coast of Italy. The supply of fresh butter brought from Melbourne in the refrigerating chambers of the steamship Europa, recently arrived, lias been examined, and found in excellent condition. It has transpired that the Government propose to adopt stringent measures to check the sale of arms in Ireland, and that provision will shortly be made for the punishment of persons supplying rifles or other weapons in disturbed districts. Mr Forster, the Chief Secretary for Ireland, proceeds to-morrow to Osborne, wheie the Queen is now staying, and it is understood that a Council will be held to approve of measures to be adopted. The National Bank, of JNew Zealand has declared a dividend of 3 per cent, for the past half year.

Bjgrlix, January 7. An Imperial Rescript, addressed to the Prussian Ministry, has been made public to-day. The document strongly asserts the right of the exorcise of the Imperial prerogative throughout the Empire, and insists that the oath of allegiance taken by Government officials binds them to abstain from agitation.