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]
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 |
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 |