1878 Canterbury colonial by-election

A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Canterbury on 10 January 1878 because Sir Henry Parkes was appointed Colonial Secretary forming the third Parkes ministry. Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested however on this occasion a poll was required in Canterbury and The Lachlan (James Watson). Both were comfortably re-elected. The other 5 ministers were re-elected unopposed.

Result
Sir Henry Parkes was appointed Colonial Secretary in the third Parkes ministry.