Nominations: Saturday, 13 January 1917, Polling: Saturday, 3 February 1917
Not contested by both major parties
Candidate
Party
Votes
%
2nd Ball
%
Brookfield, Percival John (Elected)
Labor Party
3,301
54.42
Doe, Brian James
Ind Labor
2,739
45.15
Evans, John Thomas
Independent
26
0.43
Formal Votes
6,066
Informal Votes
0
0.00
Total Votes / Turnout
6,066
57.39
Cause Category: Resignation - Government Job
Notes: J.H.Cann resigned to accept the position of Railways Commissioner, a move that Evatt states was part of the deal that saw Holman combine with the opposition Liberals to create the new Nationalist Party. (Evatt p318) New Labor candidate Percival Brookfield was a supporter of the radical IWW, and this was used by his political opponents in the campaign, resulting in a slashing of the Labor majority. Doe had previously been a Labor Alderman on Broken Hill Council, but was expelled from the party during the conscription split. Doe won the Murray by-election held later in the year for the Nationalists. (Rydon, Spann and Nelson)
Source: Barrier Daily Truth, 6 February 1917, p.2 col.1, published declaration by returning officer, booths published same page col.1, includes roll. SMH published totals minus two booths, 5 February, p.12 col.4.