1887 Kiama colonial by-election
By-election in New South Wales, Australia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Kiama on 13 January 1887 because of the resignation of Harman Tarrant,[1] due to the pressures of his professional practice as a surgeon.[2]
Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 24 December 1886 | Harman Tarrant resigned.[2] |
| 29 December 1886 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[3] |
| 10 January 1887 | Nominations.[4] |
| 13 January 1887 | Polling day |
| 20 January 1887 | Return of writ |
| 26 January 1887 | Parliament dissolved |
Candidates
This by-election was at the emergence of political parties in New South Wales. Both candidates were supporters of free trade, with Sir Henry Parkes campaigning in support of Angus Cameron.[5] Bruce Smith similarly supported free trade principles,[6] but was of a more independent mind, stating at the nomination that he would not "follow blindly the lead of Sir Henry Parkes or that of any other gentleman".[4]
Results
| Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angus Cameron (elected) | 673 | 64.3 | |
| Bruce Smith | 373 | 35.7 | |
| Total formal votes | 1,046 | 100.0 | |
| Informal votes | 0 | 0.0 | |
| Turnout | 1,046 | 64.5 | |
Aftermath
Cameron took his seat in the Legislative Assembly on 18 January, however his term was short-lived as Parliament was dissolved on 26 January. Cameron was re-elected unopposed at the election on 9 February as a Free Trade candidate.[8]