A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Orange on 30 August 1877. The by-election was triggered because Edward Combes had been appointed Secretary for Public Works in the fourth Robertson ministry.[1] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested; however on this occasion, only Thomas Garrett (Camden) and Ezekiel Baker (Goldfields South) were unopposed. While the other ministers, John Robertson (West Sydney), John Davies (East Sydney), John Lackey, and William Long (both Central Cumberland) were opposed, all were re-elected.[2]
| Date | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 17 August 1877 | Edward Combes appointed Secretary for Public Works. | |
| 18 August 1877 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.[3] | |
| 27 August 1877 | Nominations | |
| 30 August 1877 | Polling day | |
| 17 September 1877 | Return of writ |