1886 Wollombi 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 Wollombi on 17 December 1886 because of the resignation of Lyall Scott due to ill health.[1]
Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 22 November 1886 | Lyall Scott resigned.[2] |
| 25 November 1886 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[3] |
| 11 December 1886 | Nominations |
| 17 December 1886 | Polling day |
| 28 December 1887 | Return of writ |
Candidates
- Richard Stevenson was a retired journalist who had previously stood unsuccessfully for Grafton and The Clarence.[4]
- Walter Vivian was an estate agent from Manly who had contested Wollombi in 1885, defeated by a margin of 335 votes (35.5%).[5]
This was at the emergence of political parties in New South Wales, and both candidates declared their support for free trade.
Result
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Stevenson (elected) | 472 | 50.9 | |
| Walter Vivian | 456 | 49.1 | |
| Total formal votes | 1,112 | 100.0 | |
| Informal votes | 0 | 0.0 | |
| Turnout | 1,112 | 57.0 | |