1891 Egmont by-election

New Zealand by-election April 2024 July 2019 1891 Egmont by-election New Zealand 1891 presidential no 1890 New Zealand general election 1890 general 1893 New Zealand general election 1893 general 17 February 1891 1,899 (71.17%) 100px Felix McGuire Independent politician 986 51.92 100px Robert Bruce Conservative (New Zealand) 913 48.04 Member Sir Harry Atkinson Conservative (New Zealand) Felix McGuire Independent politician The 1891 Egmont by-election was a by-election held on 17 February 1891 during the 11th New Zealand Parliament in the Taranaki electorate of Egmont. Background At the 1887 and 1890 elections, Sir Harry Atkinson was opposed by Felix McGuire. In 1887 McGuire stood as a ministerialist candidate, supporting the Stout–Vogel ministry. Curiously McGuire did not support Sir Julius Vogel the nominative co-leader of the government he was standing for. McGuire was assisted in his campaign by a minister in the Stout–Vogel government, John Ballance, though he lost to Atkinson.McIvor 1989 152–3 At the 1890 election, McGuire stood as an independent and loaned Ballance (who was also a newspaper proprietor) the sum of ₤300 to establish a new newspaper, the Egmont Settler. For the duration of the campaign, the Settler ceaselessly printed anti-Atkinson articles in an attempt to unseat Atkinson in Egmont. Atkinson would win nonetheless.McIvor 1989 174 Despite winning his seat, Atkinson's government was defeated by the Liberal Party opposition led by Ballance. Atkinson resigned his parliamentary seat and appointed himself to the Legislative Council, along with six other Conservatives; to block any radical measures introduced by Ballance's new Liberal Government. He then made himself speaker of the Council.Bassett Judith 1a10 Atkinson, Harry Albert 13 May 2013 Consequently, a by-election was necessitated. The by-election was contested by McGuire, who stood once again. Wilson James Oakley New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 4th First ed. published 1913 1985 V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer Wellington 154283103 McGuire was opposed solely by Robert Bruce who had previously represented Rangitikei and supported Atkinson's government.https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MEX18910218.2.6 The Egmont Election The Marlborough Express 18 February 1891 XXVII 41 2 Despite McGuire's longstanding association with the now Premier Ballance, he declared himself an independent.https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TH18910202.2.14.2 Mr McGuire and the Hawera Seat The Taranaki Herald 2 February 1891 XL 8997 2 Both George Marchant and Vincent Pyke, each of whom had left parliament at the 1890 election, were speculated as potential candidates. Each had been asked to stand for the seat, but after consideration declined to do so.https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MEX18910127.2.11 The Egmont Election The Marlborough Express 27 January 1891 XXVII 22 2 Results The following table gives the election results: Aftermath McGuire's election victory was celebrated by local members of the Liberal Party who thought him preferable to an opposition MP.https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WH18910312.2.19 Banquet to Mr F. McGuire M.H.R. The Wanganui Herald 12 March 1891 XXV 7362 3 Ballance was delighted to witness his friend win the seat, thinking that an ally of his winning the was a boon for his government. He stated his belief that McGuire's victory "had a marked effect in strengthening the hands of the Government throughout the country."McIvor 1989 184 Citations References McIvor Timothy The Rainmaker: A biography of John Ballance journalist and politician 1839–1893 Heinemann Reed Auckland 1989 0-7900-0024-5 Egmont 1891 Category:1891 elections in New Zealand Category:Politics of Taranaki