Story: Referendums

Dry electorates, 1894–1908 (2nd of 2)

This map shows the spread of 'no-licence districts' or 'dry electorates' from 1894 to 1908.

In 1894 one electorate, Clutha, voted to go dry. In 1902 two more electorates went 'dry', followed by three in 1905, and six in 1908. In 1918, a new 'dry' electorate, Roskill, was created from 'dry' Eden. Of the dry electorates, Ōhinemuri voted out 'no-licence' in 1925, becoming 'wet' again. In 1922 the 'dry' Bruce electorate was abolished and split between 'dry' Clutha and 'wet' Chalmers and Tuapeka. 1927 saw Ashburton abolished and split between two wet electorates. Boundary changes made both Wellington East and Auckland Suburbs 'dry' and created a new 'dry' seat, Auckland East. Changes in 1937 saw both Grey Lynn and Wellington Suburbs become 'wet', and the creation of a new 'dry' Wellington West electorate.

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Source: NZHistory

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How to cite this page:

Nigel Roberts, 'Referendums - Prohibition referendums', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/36947/dry-electorates-1894-1908 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Nigel Roberts, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 30 Aug 2016, updated 1 Dec 2020