The revision task was transferred from committees formed by MPs to a permanent Representation Commission.

[4] In the 1887 electoral redistribution, although the Representation Commission was required through the Representation Act 1887 to maintain existing electorates "as far as possible", rapid population growth in the North Island required the transfer of three seats from the South Island to the north.

[5] 1887 was the year the Independent Representation Commission was established to redraw electorate boundaries after each five-yearly population census.

Only 34 returned members supported the government, whilst 52 opposition MPs were elected as well as nine independents.

[6] This led to much confusion in Wellington in September 1887 when the members gathered to form a government.