A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Parramatta on 20 May 1872 caused by the resignation of sitting member Hugh Taylor immediately after the election as he had received conflicting legal advice as to whether his contract to supply articles to a destitute institution disqualified him from office. He was concerned that the Committee of Elections and Qualifications was hostile to the Parkes ministry which he supported.[1]
| Date | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 May 1872 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and close of electoral rolls.[2] | |
| 20 May 1872 | Nominations | |
| 22 May 1872 | Polling day | |
| 11 June 1872 | Return of writ |