PETERSFIELD ELECTION—Yesterday. After 30 years‘ good service to his country as representative of the borough of Petersfield, Sir W. G. Hylton Jolliffe has been raised to the peerage, to the gratification of all who have the honour of his acquaintance—the title of Lord Hylton of Hylton, in the County Palatine of Durham, and Petersfield in the County of Southampton. The election of a member to serve in the stead of the noble lord took place yesterday at the Town Hall. Petersfield. There was only one candidate in the field, William Nicholson, Esq., of Basing Park, within the limits of the borough—from whose address it appears that he is an advocate of independent liberal principles, willing to support Lord Derby in progressive measures. The proceedings commenced at eleven o’clock, the Mayor, Samuel Seward, Esq., presiding as returning officer. The number of electors present in the Town Hall was not very large, and not the less excitement prevailed. Mr. Nicholson was accompanied to the place of election by Sir Jervoise C. Jervoise, M P. for South Hants; J. Bonham-Carter, Esq., M.P. for Winchester; H. Elkington, Esq., of Sheet; J. Light Esq., of Sheet; E. Shenton, Esq., Buriton; J. Soames, Esq., Petersfield, and a number pf members of his committee.
The MAYOR briefly opened the proceedings, and asked if any gentleman had a candidate to propose?
Mr. Bonham-Carter, M.P., stood forward, and remarked that he could not say that he was unaccustomed to election proceedings, although it was very seldom that he had been at an election which promised to be so quiet as that now taking place. At most of the elections at which he had been present in the city of Winchester, with which he was connected, the contest almost resulted in the return of men of opposite political opinions, but in Petersfield the party which happened to be in minority had no opportunity—from the fact that it only sent one member to parliament—of being represented, consequently there was a general feeling in Petersfield among all classes of politicians that the gentleman who should be allowed to represent them must be of the highest character (cheers). In their late member was found all those high qualities which justified those whose political views he did not directly represent in acquiescing in his retaining the seat, uncontested for so many years (applause). Sir William Jolliffe was an honour to any constituency whose views he represented in parliament; he had held offices of great delicacy and responsibility, not only to the satisfaction of those whose opinions he advocated, but also in a manner the fairness and justice of which was always recognised by his political opponent (cheers); so that when he was raised to the Peerage there was but one unanimous voice of approbation at the award he received for the services to his country (renewed cheering). As character was so important an element in Petersfield, he hoped the gentleman whose name he would submit to them, would be most satisfactory on that point. As the solution which took place when parties were very nearly balanced, in places were two members were returned, was impossible in Petersfield. the representation must go upon the principle of rotation, and he hoped, therefor, that the character of the gentleman he was about to submit to them would be taken as justification for those who, not agreeing with the propriety of allowing the liberal party to have their representative in turn, had not thought it desirable to make any opposition to his return. In the present peculiar conjuncture, it is almost impossible to expect a candidate to give any details of his views upon political opinions, because the outgoing ministry had not put forward any programme; and the in-coming ministry had not had time to consider and lay down a plan for political action; but he had no doubt, his (Mr. Nicholson’s) family had always taken in politics, and from his own acquaintance with him he would be found to be a sound supporter of that liberal policy, under which the country had been governed so satisfactory during the last seven years —a policy which he felt sure the electors of Petersfield recognised, and were ready to endorse (hear). He had therefore great pleasure in bringing before them Mr. Nicholson, of Basing-park, an honourable, upright, and discreet man to represent them in parliament (cheers).
Mr. ELKINGTON seconded the nomination of Mr. Nicholson in an eloquent speech, fully agreeing with Mr. Carter in what that gentleman had said as to the excellence of Mr. Nicholson’s character. He then spoke of the reform bill of 1832 and the good it had conferred upon the country, and remarked that during the 34 years which had since elapsed the progress of intelligence and education in the country had been so great—especially among the working classes as to strongly impress him with the idea that they had a right to further representation. The question of Parliamentary Reform was a problem which must ere long be solved, and he trusted the liberal intentions of their candidate for measures now looming in the distance (hear, hear).
There being no other candidate proposed the Mayor declared William Nicholson, Esq., to be duly elected (applause).
The newly-elected member then addressed the electors, thanking them for the honor conferred upon him in having been returned to represent them in Parliament, and remarking that he should not have put himself forward, had he not received a requisition, numerously signed, that he would do so. He had, in his address to the electors, pretty fully set forth the political feelings he entertained, and he would now state that the course he had marked out for himself in the event of his being returned, he should faithfully and conscientiously pursue (hear). From the circumstances under which the government of Lord Derby had taken office, he considered it would be impolite and unwise not support him in measures advocating liberal progression which might be brought forward under his ministry. With regard to church rates, he regretted that a question so ripe for discussion had not been decided ere now, but hoped that It would soon be settled by the abolition of all legal coercion upon dissenters. As to Reform, he considered it was a subject which should receive earnest attention, and he was of opinion that a large extension of the franchise might safely be made in favour of skilled labourers (hear, hear). He congratulated the country upon the abolition of the duties upon tea and sugar, and the necessaries of life; and hoped they might look forward a still further reduction of taxation (cheers). The principles of non-intervention under which we had lived in perfect peace with all the world while other nations were ravaged by war, would secure his consistent support (hear). He announced his intention of supporting all measures introduced by which party they might be, that he conceived would lead to the prosperity of the country, and at the same time he should also keep a steady eye upon the welfare of the borough of Petersfield (applause). He concluded with proposing a vote of thanks to the mayor (hear).
His WORSHIP, in returning thanks, referred to the quiet manner in which Mr. Nicholson had been allowed to carry the seat. but could not say he hoped it would always be so (hear, hear, and laughter). As this was probably the only opportunity he should have of speaking to them publicly he would remind them that the opening of their new Corn Exchange would take place ere long, and he hoped to them all upon the occasion (cheers).
     The proceedings, which only occupied about half an hour, then terminated.