Nominations: Friday, 1 March 1872, Polling: Monday, 25 March 1872
Candidate
Votes
Votes %
Carey, Charles N
29
5.87
Forster, Robert Henry Mariner (Defeated)
213
43.12
Rodd, James (Elected)
252
51.01
Formal Votes
494
Informal Votes
0
0.00
Total Votes / Turnout
494
32.93
Persons Voting / Turnout
494
32.93
Source: These totals are taken from a contemporary scrapbook of newspaper clippings and transcribed results, possibly compiled by Henry Parkes or one of his supporters, Mitchell Library MSS 2182. No final result was located in a newspaper. Slightly lower totals 244 / 192 / 31 in SMH 4 April, p.3 col.1. Armidale Express had same figures, 30 March p.2 col.2, but reported as Drake result yet to be received. Maitland Mercury reported Rodd defeating Forster by 39 votes and Carey by 238, but gave no final totals.