title: 1879 Lachlan colonial by-election
text: # 1879 Lachlan colonial by-election
  
  A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of The Lachlan on 10 January 1879 because James Watson was appointed Colonial Treasurer in the third Parkes ministry. Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested however on this occasion a poll was required in Canterbury (Sir Henry Parkes) and The Lachlan. Both were comfortably re-elected. The other 5 ministers were re-elected unopposed.
  
  ## Dates
  
  | Date | Event |
  | - | - |
  | 21 December 1878 | Third Parkes ministry appointed. |
  | 21 December 1878 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. |
  | 4 January 1879 | Nominations |
  | 10 January 1879 | Polling day |
  | 20 January 1879 | Return of writ |
  
  ## Result
  
  1879 The Lachlan by-election Friday 10 January :
  
  | Candidate | Candidate | Votes | % |
  | - | - | - | - |
  | James Watson (re-elected) | James Watson (re-elected) | 1,055 | 54.7 |
  | George McLean | George McLean | 873 | 45.3 |
  | Total formal votes | Total formal votes | 1,928 | 100.0 |
  | Informal votes | Informal votes | 0 | 0.0 |
  | Turnout | Turnout | 1,928 | 37.0 |
  