In 1902, changes to the country quota affected the three-member electorates in the four main centres.
The tolerance between electorates was increased to ±1,250 so that the Representation Commissions (since 1896, there had been separate commissions for the North and South Islands) could take greater account of communities of interest.
The electorate was represented by one Member of Parliament, William Henry Peter Barber.
[4] John Crewes had initially also contested the election, but he withdrew his nomination before polling day.
[7] Newtown was represented by one Member of Parliament, William Barber.