136 THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. 
and disbursements out of the Consolidated Revenue! If 
a candidate, as already pointed out, does not poll half as 
many votes as the candidate elected, he forfeits the 200 dollars 
deposit, which will then be applied by the Dominion towards 
the expenses of the election. 
The use of flags or ribbons or favours on the day of 
election, and within eight days before such day is forbidden? 
Taverns are to be closed on the polling day’ Corrupt 
practices, such as bribery or treating, or personation, or 
paying for the conveyance of voters are forbidden under 
heavy penalties 
Return to At the beginning of each Parliament a return book 
the Writ: is furnished by the Clerk of the Crown to the Clerk of 
the Commons and is sufficient evidence of the return. In 
addition to the return book the Clerk of the Crown sends to 
the Clerk of the Commons a certificate of the return to each 
writ “deposited as of record” in the Crown Office, and this 
certificate is usually required before a member takes his 
seat. Not unfrequently members are sworn before such 
certificate is made out, but in such cases a resolution is 
passed admitting the member to take his seat, and re- 
commending an adherence to the practice of requiring the 
certificate of the Clerk of the Crown to the return of the 
writ. 
The Oath. By the British North America Act, s. 128, every member 
before taking his seat must take and subscribe before the 
Governor-General, or some person authorized by him, the 
following oath of allegiance :— 
do swear that I will be faithful and bear 
true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Victoria. 
The Clerk is the person usually authorized by the 
Governor-General to administer the oath. 
Acts for 
hidden. 
l R. 8. C. ¢. 13, ss. 121-123, 
3 Th a R3. 
2 Ib. s. 81. 
4 Tb. ss. 84-99,