Coulter had been elected twice in rural electorates that usually returned United or National MPs, having previously been MP for Waikato.
In addition to the candidates, politicians of high authority on both sides campaigned throughout the electorate in the interest of canvassing more voters.
[1] The provisional results were compiled on the day of the election and had Johnstone leading Baxter by 194 votes.
[2] The full results of the election had come in by 13 March and suggested a win by Johnstone with a majority of 308 votes.
[5] Labour stayed in office in the general election later that year, albeit by a decreased margin.