The by-election was caused by the resignation of the incumbent, Samuel Shrimski, who was appointed to the Legislative Council, and was won by Thomas William Hislop.

[7] In the 1884 general election, Shrimski was challenged by Viscount Reidhaven (who later became the Earl of Seafield when he succeeded his father).

[16] A large meeting was held on Friday evening of 10 April for "liberal electors only" to choose a representative for the upcoming by-election.

Hislop was eventually proposed by one of the attendees, with three quarters of the electors supporting his nomination, and nobody voting against the motion.

A man who has filled representative public positions with credit is the most eligible candidate.Hislop won the by-election with a majority of 61 votes (7.47%).