A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Canterbury on 10 January 1878 because Sir Henry Parkes was appointed Colonial Secretary forming the third Parkes ministry.[1] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested however on this occasion a poll was required in Canterbury and The Lachlan (James Watson). Both were comfortably re-elected. The other 5 ministers were re-elected unopposed.[2]
| Date | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 21 December 1878 | Third Parkes ministry appointed.[3] | |
| Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[4] | ||
| 28 December 1878 | Nominations | |
| 31 December 1878 | Polling day | |
| 20 January 1879 | Return of writ |