1884 Gundagai colonial by-election

A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Gundagai on 21 November 1884 because of the resignation of Bruce Smith, to return to Melbourne to run his father's business, WM Howard Smith and Sons Ltd.

Candidates

 * James Watson had been the member for Lachlan and then Young until his defeat at the 1882 election, and had been the Colonial Treasurer in the Parkes - Robertson coalition ministry.


 * Jack Want was a barrister from Sydney and this was the first occasion he stood for parliament, although he would subsequently serve for 20 years in both houses of parliament, including three periods as Attorney General.

Want won the show of hands however a poll was demanded.

Result
Bruce Smith resigned.