[1] Such ministerial by-elections were usually uncontested and on this occasion, Peter Faucett (Yass), William Forster (East Sydney) and Arthur Holroyd (Parramatta) were unopposed.
Of the other two contested elections, Geoffrey Eagar (West Sydney) was easily re-elected, with more than 90% of the vote, while James Martin was defeated at the Orange by-election.
[4] He was initially at Kiandra, however an inquiry had found he had committed errors, including illegal acts, as a result of his inexperience.
Wilson, as member for Goldfields South, had been critical of the response of the then Secretary for Lands, John Robertson, in moving Cooper to Araluen rather than dismissing him.
[5] Cooper resigned as sub-commissioner shortly after Wilson had been appointed Secretary for Lands.