TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF PETERSFIELD.

Gentlemen,
As a dissolution of Parliament will shortly take place, I take this opportunity to state that it is my intention to solicit your suffrages to represent the Borough for the new Parliament.
During the time that I have had the honour of being your Member I have endeavoured, as the votes I have given will show, to support the measures I considered most for the benefit of the Country at large.
The efficiency of the important measure of Reform ?? last year has been greatly impaired by the rating clauses which have been the cause of vexatious annoyance to members of the newly enfranchised householders, especially to the Metropolitan district. I trust that those defects will be remedied by the new Parliament.
The coalition of Ireland is a subject which will require immediate attention, both as to the state of the Irish Church, and as to the Land question.
With regard to the question of the Irish Church, I felt unable to record my vote on Mr. Gladstone's Resolutions and Supremacy(?) Bill, as I did not wish to pledge myself for a policy without a more complete scheme being first laid before the House.
I am anxious to remove as much as possible all causes of disaffection in Ireland, and as it is allowed on all sides, that great and serious abuses exist in the Irish Church. I shall be willing to support any measure calculated to remove these abuses, and to promote a better feeling towards the Country.
I regret that the Foreign Cattle Market Bill, brought in by the Government was so imperfectly drawn, particularly in its financial clauses, that I was compelled to record my vote against it on technical grounds. Had the Bill passed as it stood, it would have been perfectly inoperative, and would have required the passing of a supplemental and amending Bill before action could be taken upon it. I hope that next Session we may have a measure brought in better calculated to promote the desired object.
Many important questions, such as Popular Education, Economy in out National Expenditure, &c., &c, must engage the attention of the new Parliament, but to which it is unnecessary to refer.
I hope shortly to have the pleasure of making a personal Canvas, when I trust you will grant me a renewal of your support.

I am Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
                       WM. NICHOLSON

Basing Park,
August, 1868