The 1899 Northumberland colonial by-election was held on 20 June 1899 to elect the member for Northumberland in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, following the death of Protectionist MP Richard Stevenson. The vote was held on the same day as a statewide referendum on the subject of federation, which was an issue throughout the campaign.
Two candidates withdrew during the campaign. On 9 June 1899, Protectionist-endorsed candidate William Schey withdrew shortly after candidate nominations closed to avoid splitting the vote with Independent Protectionist candidate John Norton. Five days later, William Melville withdrew and endorsed fellow Federalist candidate William Snape.
Norton won the seat with 52.6% of the vote, defeating Free Trade candidate (and former Northumberland MP) Henry Wheeler.
Key events 14 May 1899 − Richard Stevenson died 2 June 1899 − Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly 9 June 1899 − Candidate nominations 20 June 1899 − Polling day 24 June 1899 − Declaration of result 30 June 1899 − Return of writ
Candidates Party Candidate Background George Black Not the former MP of the same name Charles Duffy Not the former Premier of Victoria of the same name William Melville Advocate for Federation John Norton Former MP for Sydney-Fitzroy William Schey Former MP for Redfern and Darlington William Snape Advocate for Federation Henry Wheeler Former MP for Northumberland
Result
See also Electoral results for the district of Northumberland List of New South Wales state by-elections
References