DEATH OF WILLIAM NICHOLSON.

Evening Post, Issue 45, 31 March 1865, Page 2

DEATH OF WILLIAM NICHOLSON.

The Melbourne Leader informs us that William Nicholson is dead. The papers say aged 49, but his appearance would denote that he -was much older. Mr. Nicholson was a most exemplary citizen, and iff his day has done the colony much service. He is an instance of what a man may accomplish by sobriety, persevering industry and average ability ; for he" was prosperous before the gold fields, and so far back as 1848, was a civic councillor, and, two years later, Mayor of Melbourne. By the way, he occupied the mayoral chair in the most eventful year of the history of Victoria— that of the gold discovery. He was a member of the first Legislative Council, and he assisted materially in framing the Constitution Act. Originally opposed to the ballot, he afterwards changed his views, and moved that the Electoral Act — which was to accompany the Constitution Act— should provide for electors recording their votes by secret ballot. Mr. Nicholson carried his motion agai/tst the administration of the day, and he was invited by Sir Charles Hotham to form a Government. The attempt was made and failed, and the consequent anxiety which preyed ' on the overwrought mind of Sir Charles Hotham, is believed to have accelerated his death. Mr. Haines and his colleagues came back ; but the ballot was carried, and so remains. Mr. Nicholson revisited his native land, and was feted by the extreme Liberals as being the founder of the ballot in the British dominions. He was presented with addresses, and banquets were given in his honour. It is not too much to say that he was elated beyond measure, and quite overlooked the cause of his popularity. On his return, he was elected for the Murray district; and at the general election of 1859, became the member for Sandridge. lie was then regarded as the saviour of the colony— the already chosen successor to Mr. O'Shanassy. The Government overthrown by a want of confidence, .Mr. Nicholson became Chief Secretary, with Mr. Dennistoun Wood and Mr. M'Culloch for colleagues. And yet his Administration, strong as it was, survived but a year. , J It grew demoralised by the accession of weak and unpopular men, such as Mr. Martley, "Mr. Newton, and Dr. Greaves. It fell into disrepute on the secession •§ Messrs. Francis and Service on the Lanaf* Bill, and was finally overthrown by a very J

unholy combination between Messrs. Ebden and O'Shanassy, and Mr. Heales and Mr. Ireland. Another year, and Mr. Nicholson was the colleague of Mr. O'Shanassy, and then his political importance became extinguished. The hon. gentleman himself deeply regretted having been entrapped into that position ; and well he might, for he was made an unwitting instrument in the subversion of the ballot system, which was his single claim to consideration. About the time of the accession of Mr. M'Culloch, Mr. Nicholson fell into bad health, and has since lived in retirement. He died of prostration, consequent upon an attack of paralysis. His memory will be gratefully held as an honourable man, an active citizen, and a politician of liberal instincts. ______