1953 Invercargill mayoral election

The 1953 Invercargill mayoral election was part of the New Zealand local elections held that same year. The polling was conducted using the standard first-past-the-post electoral method.

1953 Invercargill mayoral election

← 1950 31 October 1953 1956 →
Turnout7,882
 
Candidate Adam Adamson Brian Hewat
Party Independent Independent
Popular vote 4,076 3,806
Percentage 51.72 48.28

Mayor before election

Brian Hewat

Elected Mayor

Adam Adamson

Background edit

A major talking point in the lead-up to the election was the potential of a clash with the 1953 Royal Tour.[1] There were proposals to postpone local elections until early 1954 over fears of reduced turnout due to a conflicting schedule. The proposals were considered by the Minister of Internal Affairs William Bodkin, who ultimately decided against it.[2]

The one-term incumbent mayor Brian Hewat sought another term but was defeated for the position in a challenge from three-term Invercargill Borough Councillor Adam Adamson.

Results edit

The following table gives the election results:

1953 Invercargill mayoral election[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Independent Adam Adamson 4,076 51.72
Independent Brian Hewat 3,806 48.28
Majority 270 3.42
Turnout 7,882

References edit

  1. ^ "Move to Postpone Next Municipal Elections". The Evening Post. 18 October 1952.
  2. ^ "Local Elections Date Fixed". The Evening Post. 28 January 1953.
  3. ^ "Invercargill". The Otago Daily Times. No. 28, 463. 2 November 1953. p. 1.