1868 Northumberland 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 Northumberland in 1868 because Atkinson Tighe had been appointed Postmaster-General in the second Martin ministry.[1] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested.
Alexander Black was a former Crown Lands Commissioner, the brother of John Black, the former Secretary for Lands. He campaigned against an unpopular government.[2] This was the first occasion on which he stood for parliament.[3]
Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 29 September 1868 | Atkinson Tighe appointed Postmaster-General.[4] |
| 30 September 1868 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[5] |
| 8 October 1868 | Nominations at Newcastle.[6] |
| 10 October 1868 | Polling day.[7] |
| 17 October 1868 | Return of writ |
Polling places
Result
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atkinson Tighe (re-elected) | 783 | 67.3 | |
| Alexander Black | 380 | 32.7 | |
| Total formal votes | 1,163 | 96.5 | |
| Informal votes | 42 | 3.5 | |
| Turnout | 1,205 | 57.6 | |