1953 Invercargill mayoral election

1953 Invercargill mayoral election

← 1950 31 October 1953 1956 →
Turnout	7,882
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

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.

Background

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

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

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.