The by-election was held on 16 June 1910, and was precipitated by the death of sitting Liberal member of parliament Frederick Baume.

The election was won by Baume's cousin and former Mayor of Auckland, Arthur Myers who stood as an independent Liberal.

He opposed moves the Ward administration was making claiming it was working "hand in glove" with the liquor industry.

[2][3] Another opposition candidate was Reginald Walter Hill, who ran as an independent supporter of the Reform Party who only registered candidacy at the last minute.

George Irving McKnight was originally chosen by the Labour Party, but proved unsatisfactory.