1877 Williams colonial by-election

A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of The Williams on 12 February 1877 because of the resignation of William Watson.

Dates

Date	Event
16 January 1877	William Watson resigned from parliament.
17 January 1877	Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
5 February 1877	Nominations in Dungog
12 February 1877	Polling day
23 February 1877	Return of writ

Candidates

• William Johnston was a general merchant at Clarence Town. This was his first occasion standing for the Legislative Assembly.

• John Nowlan was a cattle breeder from Maitland who had represented The Williams from 1866 until 1874.

Result

1877 The Williams by-election
Monday 12 February 

Candidate		Votes	%
William Johnston (elected)		526	56.4%
John Nowlan		409	43.6%
Total formal votes		938	98.4
Informal votes		15	1.6
Turnout		953	68.2

See also

• Electoral results for the district of Williams
• List of New South Wales state by-elections