The Representation Act 1900 had increased the membership of the House of Representatives from general electorates 70 to 76, and this was implemented through the 1902 electoral redistribution. 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. These changes proved very disruptive to existing boundaries, and six electorates were established for the first time, including Newtown, and two electorates that previously existed were re-established.[2]
The electorate was based on the inner city suburb of Newtown.
The 1905 election was contested by Barber, Thomas William Hislop, William Chapple and Alfred Hindmarsh. They received 3231, 2018, 1795, and 383 votes, respectively.[7]
Members of Parliament
Newtown was represented by one Member of Parliament, William Barber.