[2] The 1905 general election was held on Wednesday, 6 December in the general electorates and on Wednesday, 20 December in the Māori electorates, respectively.

[4] 476,473 voters were enrolled and the official turnout at the election was 83.3%.

[5] The Liberal Government of New Zealand had taken office on 24 January 1891.

Joseph Ward would normally have been acting Premier, but he was also overseas.

[9][10] Upon Ward's return from overseas, the leadership was offered to him, which he accepted.