A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Hastings and Macleay on 23 September 1898 because Francis Clarke () resigned to allow Edmund Barton to re-enter parliament.
Dates Date Event 27 July 1898 1898 New South Wales colonial electionEdmund Barton defeated for Sydney-King. 27 August 1898 Francis Clarke resigned. 8 September 1898 Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. 15 September 1898 Nominations 23 September 1898 Polling day 11 October 1898 Return of writ
Result
Francis Clarke () resigned to allow Edmund Barton to re-enter parliament.
Aftermath The election campaign of Sydney Smith was assisted by James Young, who was the Free Trade member for the neighbouring district of The Manning and Secretary for Public Works. Justice William Owen was subsequently appointed to conduct a Royal Commission into allegations concerning Young's conduct during the by-election, The major allegation was that the effect of Young's statements was that as Secretary for Public Works he would favour Smith more than Barton in dealing with the requirements of the electorate. Justice Owen found Young had not abused the powers of his office, however rebuked him for a "grave indiscretion" in the way he spoke.
See also Electoral results for the district of Hastings and Macleay List of New South Wales state by-elections
References