Andrews was challenged by his predecessor, Robert Macfarlane, of the Labour Party, who had returned from active war service.

He was discharged from the army after serving in the Middle East for two and a half years due to ill health.

[3] When Andrews' nomination was announced, the local newspaper The Press stated that the Labour Party had yet to make its selection, but that "it is said to be certain" that Macfarlane would be their candidate.

He had studied at Canterbury University College and had been a school teacher in various parts of the country before settling in Christchurch with a printing business in 1907.

In addition, there were a total of 8 polling booths in Riccarton and Sumner for the North Canterbury Catchment Board election.

[15][16] Andrews was installed on 7 June 1944 at a ceremony held at the municipal offices in Manchester Street, with councillor Melville Lyons chosen as his deputy.

[18] The election saw the Labour Party gain just one seat on the city council, with three of their sitting members (John Septimus "Jack" Barnett, Teresa Green, and Harold Denton) defeated.

Four councillors for the Citizens' Association were elected for the first time (James Hay, Leslie George Amos, Ron Guthrey, and John Edward Tait).