A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of East Sydney on 15 July 1877 because John Davies was appointed Postmaster-General in the fourth Robertson ministry.[1] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested however on this occasion a poll was required in Central Cumberland (John Lackey and William Long), East Sydney, Orange (Edward Combes) and West Sydney (John Robertson). Each minister was comfortably re-elected. Only Camden (Thomas Garrett) and Goldfields South (Ezekiel Baker) were uncontested.[2]
| Date | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 17 August 1877 | Fourth Robertson ministry appointed.[3] | |
| 18 August 1877 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[4] | |
| 25 August 1877 | Nominations | |
| 28 August 1877 | Polling day | |
| 17 September 1877 | Return of writ |