1866 Patrick's Plains colonial by-election
By-election in New South Wales, Australia
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A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Patrick's Plains on 8 February 1866 because Bowie Wilson had been appointed Secretary for Lands in the second Martin ministry.[1] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested however on this occasion a poll was required in Patrick's Plains and Yass Plains (Robert Isaacs). Both ministers were comfortably re-elected with more than 70% of the vote. The other ministers James Martin (The Lachlan), Henry Parkes (Kiama), James Byrnes (Parramatta) and Geoffrey Eagar (West Sydney) were re-elected unopposed.[2]
Mr E E Darvall was a bank clerk, the son of John Darvall, the former attorney general. This was the only occasion on which he stood for parliament.[3]
John Heuston was a burlesque candidate, apparently winning a £10 bet for nominating, but withdrew before the poll.[4]
Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 22 January 1866 | Second Martin ministry appointed.[5] |
| 23 January 1866 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[6] |
| 5 February 1866 | Nominations at Singleton.[4] |
| 8 February 1866 | Polling day.[7] |
| 17 February 1866 | Return of writ |
Polling places
Result
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie Wilson (re-elected) | 339 | 70.5 | |
| E E Darvall | 142 | 29.5 | |
| Total formal votes | 481 | 100.0 | |
| Informal votes | 0 | 0.0 | |
| Turnout | 481 | 29.4 | |