The by-election occurred following the death of MP Frank Findlay and was won by Hilda Ross, both of the National Party.

She had served as a member of the Hospital Board and Council in Hamilton for several years and was at the time of the election the Deputy-Mayor.

Former Hamilton MP Charles Barrell was selected as the Labour Party's nominee.

The fourth person to put their name forward was independent candidate Douglas Seymour.

The by-election was held soon after VE Day (which Walter Nash decided should be celebrated on 9 not 8 May), and a "badly-timed" gazette notice calling up more 18-year-olds for unspecified military service.