In 1938, elections were held for the Mayor of Auckland plus other local government positions including twenty-one city councillors.

The incumbent mayor Sir Ernest Davis accepted the wishes of a deputation of citizens led by William R. Fee, the president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

[2] Prior to the election several long serving Labour members of the city council were unexpectedly denied re-nomination.

Ted Phelan, Arthur Rosser and George Gordon Grant were de-selected in the party selection process.

[4] The Citizens & Ratepayers regained their majority on the city council and Sir George Richardson was appointed deputy mayor.