Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1880.

Fob the first time in Nelson there is to be a contested election for the Mayoralty, Mr J. R. Dodßon, who has served the ratepayers bo well for four years having been persuaded to allow himself to be nominated again, and Messrs John Graham, and T. Harley being also candidates. The polling will take place to-morrow week. An obituary notice appears in our columns to-day which will be read by many with un. feigned regret. It announces the death of Mr Andrew Richmond, M.H.R., which occurred suddenly at his run in Marlborough last night, the cause being disease of the heart. Socially the deceased gentleman will be very much missed, for he was one of whom it might with truth be said that he had not an enemy. As a representative he served his constituents faithfully and well, aud they certainly will not be able to find as a successor to him one who will work harder on their behalf, or who will have their interests more at heart The first Show of the Nelson Horticultural Society since its reorganisation was held in the Provincial Hall yesterday. It was at once evident, upon entering the room, that a marked improvement had been effected in the arrangement of the tables. The table and other bouquetß were grouped together in the centre, the ends being filled with pot plants. The show of roses was unexpectedly good, and it was a noticeable feature in the Show that the amateurs far outnumbered the gardeners in competing for prizes in this

class, anil, as for the quality of the flowers, they very marly equalled those shown by the professionals. In tho evening there was a dense crowd of visitors, whose enjoyment was greatly enhanced by the very excellent music discoursed by the Harmonic Socicty'3 hand, to whom the Committee have dcM'rcd us to express Uicir .meat obligations. Altogether, tho Show v.as a great success, and we arc filod to henv that about £30 wks taken for mtranceß, which will recruit tho somewhat exhausted funds. The judges for pot plants and cut. flowers, &c, were Messrs ITastilow, Hood, and Wright ; and for vegetahlf>s, &c., Messrs Gamble and Atmore. Mr. and Mrs Hart gave the last of their series of entertainments at the Theatre Royal last night, when there was a large and appreciative audience. The singing of Mr E. Gilbert was received with loud applause and encored. Afc the close of the first part of tho programme Mr Hart returned thanks for the liberal support accorded the company in Nelson, and announced his intention of returning here afc the beginning of the new year, which called forlh very hearty applause. . . Regarding the West Coast; Commission the Post of last nipht says:—Owing to the appointment of Sir F. D. Bell to the AgencyGcnernl it became necessary either to appoint a new Commissioner iu his place or else to revoke the existing Commission and issue a new one. After a lengthened conference with bir W. Fox, Sir F. D Bell, and Mr Parris, the Government have decided to take the latter course. The Commission to Sir W. Fox, Sir F. L\ Bell, aurl Mr Tawhai will therefore bn revoked, and a u: w Commission issued to Sir W. Fox alone, who will thus become solo Royal Commissioner for West Coast, Native Affairs, Mr Porriu' services, however, being retained to assist in the executive part of the mission. This bus been arranged with the entire concurrence of Sir F D. Bell, whose views are wholly in accord with those of tho Government in this matter. The Parihaka survey will bo completed before any definite steps are taken under the new Commission