1872 New South Wales colonial election

The 1872 New South Wales colonial election was held between 13 February and 28 March 1872. This election was for all of the 72 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and it was conducted in 52 single-member constituencies, six 2-member constituencies and two 4-member constituencies, all with a first past the post system. Suffrage was limited to adult white males. The previous parliament of New South Wales was dissolved on 3 February 1872 by the Governor, Lord Belmore, on the advice of the Premier, Sir James Martin.

1872 New South Wales colonial election

← 1869–70 13 February 1872 –
28 March 1872
1874–75 →

All 72 seats in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly
37 Assembly seats were needed for a majority
  First party Second party Third party
 
Leader Henry Parkes Sir James Martin John Robertson
Party Opposition Government Robertsonite
Leader's seat Mudgee (elected to East Sydney) East Sydney (elected to East Macquarie) West Sydney
Seats before 38[1] 18[1] 3
Seats won 46[2][3] 6[2][3] 3[2][3]
Seat change Increase 8 Decrease 12 Steady

Results of the election, showing winners in each seat. Seats without member charts indicate the electorate returned one member.

Premier before election

Sir James Martin

Elected Premier

Henry Parkes

There was no recognisable party structure at this election; instead the government was determined by a loose, shifting factional system.

Key dates

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Date Event
3 February 1872 The Legislative Assembly was dissolved, and writs were issued by the Governor to proceed with an election.
12 February to 7 March 1872 Nominations for candidates for the election closed.
13 February to 28 March 1872 Polling days.
30 April 1872 Opening of new Parliament.

Results

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New South Wales colonial election, 13 February 1872 – 28 March 1872 [4]
Legislative Assembly
<< 1869–701874–75 >>

Enrolled voters
Votes cast 91,784 Turnout 48.44 −5.26
Informal votes 642 Informal 1.00 +0.59
Summary of votes by party
Party Primary votes % Swing Seats Change
Total 91,784     72  

References

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  1. ^ a b "The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) - 1 Feb 1872 - p4". The Sydney Morning Herald. Vol. LXV, no. 10, 516. New South Wales, Australia. 1 February 1872. p. 4. Retrieved 9 June 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. ^ a b c "MEMBERS ELECTED". Freeman's Journal. Vol. XXIII, no. 1458. New South Wales, Australia. 23 March 1872. p. 2. Retrieved 1 June 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ a b c "SIR JAMES MARTIN'S APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE". The Goulburn Herald and Chronicle. New South Wales, Australia. 20 March 1872. p. 4. Retrieved 1 June 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ Green, Antony. "1872 election totals". New South Wales Election Results 1856-2007. Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved 21 September 2019.

See also

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