1891 Newton by-election

1891 Newton by-election

31 March 1891

Candidate Sir George Grey Party Independent Popular vote elected unopposed

MP before election David Goldie Elected MP Sir George Grey

The 1891 Newton by-election was a by-election held on 31 March 1891 during the 11th New Zealand Parliament in the Auckland city electorate of Newton.

Background

The by-election was caused by the resignation of the incumbent MP David Goldie because of the demands of his business.

The by-election was won by Sir George Grey. He had retired from politics, but had accepted nomination for the vacancy provided he was not opposed, so was declared elected.^[1][2][3]

He was in frail health, but had gone as a delegate to the Federation Convention in Australia. Another delegate, tired of Grey's numerous speeches inquired whether New Zealand intended to "come in". Grey replied Not at present, but we are interested in securing a Constitution which may tempt us to come in later on.^[4]

Notes

1. "The Newton Seat". The New Zealand Herald. Vol. XXVIII, no. 8524. 26 March 1891. p. 5.
2. "The Newton Election". The New Zealand Herald. Vol. XXVIII, no. 8527. 30 March 1891. p. 5.
3. "Local and General". Ashburton Guardian. Vol. X, no. 2345. 4 April 1891. p. 2.
4. "Federation". The Star. No. 7138. 15 April 1891. p. 4.

References

• Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First ed. published 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.