A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Kiama on 13 January 1887 because of the resignation of Harman Tarrant,[1] due to the pressures of his professional practice as a surgeon.[2]
| Date | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 24 December 1886 | Harman Tarrant resigned. | |
| 29 December 1886 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[3] | |
| 10 January 1887 | Nominations. | |
| 13 January 1887 | Polling day | |
| 20 January 1887 | Return of writ | |
| 26 January 1887 | Parliament dissolved |
This by-election was at the emergence of political parties in New South Wales. Both candidates were supporters of free trade, with Sir Henry Parkes campaigning in support of Angus Cameron.[4] Bruce Smith similarly supported free trade principles,[5] but was of a more independent mind, stating at the nomination that he would not "follow blindly the lead of Sir Henry Parkes or that of any other gentleman".[6]
Cameron took his seat in the Legislative Assembly on 18 January, however his term was short-lived as Parliament was dissolved on 26 January. Cameron was re-elected unopposed at the election on 9 February as a candidate.[7]