Avon by-election, 1947

Avon by-election, 1947

28 May 1947 (1947-05-28)
Turnout	84.7
Jock Mathison Candidate Jock Mathison R. A. McDowell Party Labour National Popular vote 8,513 4,422 Percentage 65.31 33.92
Member before election Dan Sullivan Labour Elected Member Jock Mathison Labour

The 1947 Avon by-election was a by-election held during the 28th New Zealand Parliament in the Christchurch electorate of Avon. The by-election occurred following the death of MP Dan Sullivan and was won by Jock Mathison.

Background

Dan Sullivan, who was first elected to represent Avon for the Labour Party in 1919, died on 8 April 1947. This triggered the Avon by-election, which occurred on 28 May 1947. Jock Mathison was the candidate for the Labour Party, R. A. McDowell was the candidate for the National Party and J. R. Robertson was an independent candidate. Mathison obtained 65.31% of the votes and was successful.

Previous election

1946 general election: Avon

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Labour	Dan Sullivan	9,539	68.64
	National	R. A. McDowell	4,359	31.36
Majority			5,180	37.27
Turnout			13,898	92.74

Results

Avon by-election, 1947

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Labour	Jock Mathison	8,513	65.31
	National	R. A. McDowell	4,422	33.92	+2.56
	Independent	J. R. Robertson	100	0.77
Majority			4,091	31.38	−5.89
Turnout			13,035	84.43	−9.31
	Labour hold		Swing	−3.33

See also

• List of New Zealand by-elections
• Avon by-election, 1887