A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Cumberland South Riding in November 1856 because the Qualifications Committee declared the August by-election which returned Ryan Brenan was invalid as no poll had been conducted at Canterbury. Brenan was persuaded not to stand to allow Stuart Donaldson to regain a seat, having lost Sydney Hamlets in a ministerial by-election. A committee had been formed to secure the return of Augustus Morris, however it is unclear as to why he was not nominated.
Dates Date Event 21 August 1856 Poll for by-election held. 25 August 1856 Declaration of the poll, with the returning officer noting no poll was held at Canterbury. 27 August 1856 Petition lodged by Augustus Morris. 23 May 1856 Committee of Elections and Qualifications appointed 16 September 1856 Petition referred to the Committee of Elections and Qualifications. 28 October 1856 Committee of Elections and Qualifications declared that the August by-election was void. 29 October 1856 Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. 4 November 1856 Nominations. 7 November 1856 Polling day 10 November 1856 Return of writ
Result
The Qualifications Committee declared the election of Ryan Brenan was invalid as no poll had been conducted at Canterbury. Brenan was persuaded not to stand to allow Stuart Donaldson to regain a seat, having lost Sydney Hamlets in a ministerial by-election.
See also Electoral results for the district of Cumberland (South Riding) List of New South Wales state by-elections
References