 There were several people interested in standing in the electorate, including the former Heathcote MP Henry Wynn-Williams, but with Jones and the current Mayor of Christchurch, Aaron Ayers considered as the only contenders of having a chance of success, most other candidates withdrew from the contest.On nomination day on 2 February 1887, Jones and Ayers were nominated.A third person, James Arthur Williams, nominated himself, but could not find anybody to second this motion.