The by-election occurred following the death of MP Arthur Richards and was won by Warren Freer.

Arthur Richards, who was first elected to represent Roskill for the Labour Party in 1931, died on 5 August 1947.

[4][5] Richards had urged Freer to stand for the safe Labour seat of Mt Albert when he died.

[3] The National Party had five nominations which were:[6] Garland was chosen after winning a ballot of local members.

[7] Freer recalled two inspiring campaign speeches delivered by Martyn Finlay and Mabel Howard which were received well by voters.