Westland Boroughs by-election, 1868

The Westland Boroughs by-election 1868 was a by-election held in the Westland Boroughs electorate during the 4th New Zealand Parliament, on 3 April 1868.

The by-election was caused by the resignation of incumbent MP William Moorhouse and was won by William Henry Harrison. On nomination day (1 April) Harrison and Hokitika Mayor William Shaw were nominated, and after a show of hands in favour of Shaw (eight votes to four), Harrison demanded a poll.[1] William Harrison was subsequently elected two days later.[2]

Results

Westland Boroughs by-election, 1868
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Independent William Henry Harrison 98 54.7
Independent William Shaw 81 45.3
Turnout 179
Majority 17

The polling was notable in that each candidate overwhelmingly dominated in their own borough, with Shaw taking 90% of the vote in Hokitika and Harrison all but one of the Greymouth votes.[3]

Hokitika Greymouth
Shaw 80 1
Harrison 9 89

References

  1. "Election for the Westland Boroughs. The Nomination". West Coast Times (788). 2 April 1868. p. 5. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  2. "The Westland Boroughs". West Coast Times (790). 4 April 1868. p. 2. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  3. "West Coast Times (editorial)". West Coast Times (790). 4 April 1868. p. 5. Retrieved 4 May 2013.