CHAP. VII] THE UPPER HOUSES 539
In the case of a proposed Bill, which, according to law,
must have originated in the Legislative Assembly, the Legis-
lative Council may at any stage return it to the Legislative
Assembly with a message requesting the omission or amend-
ment of any items or provisions therein ; and the Legislative
Assembly may, if it thinks fit, make such omissions or
amendments, or any of them, with or without modifications.
3. There is no legal provision for the case of differences
between the two Houses, whether in matters of finance or
of general legislation.
(9) Tasmania
The Legislative Council of Tasmania consists of 18 mem-
bers returned from 15 districts, Hobart returning 3, Laun-
ceston 2, and the remaining 13 districts sending 1 member
each. Each member of the Council holds his seat for six
years from the date of his election. Three members retire
the first Monday in May every year, except in 1905, and
every sixth year thereafter, when four retire.l
Members of Council must be male natural-born or five
years naturalized British subjects of the age of 30 years or
upwards, and must have resided continuously for five years
in Tasmania or for at least two years immediately preceding
the election. No person is qualified to be a member who
has a pension payable during pleasure or holds any office
of profit under the Government, except that of a minister,
or who is a Government contractor, unless as a member of
an incorporated company of more than six persons, or who
owes allegiance to any foreign power, holds the office of
Judge of the Supreme Court, is insane, attainted or convicted
of treason, felony, or other infamous offence, or is a member
of the Commonwealth Parliament. The following are not
deemed offices of profit or emolument : Wardens of Marine
Boards, Returning Officers under the Electoral Act, Officers
of the Defence Forces of the Commonwealth whose services
! Originally the tenure of office was nine years, altered in 1885 (49 Viet.
No. 8) to six. . The arrangement for retirement of members has varied a
good deal, and is readjusted by 8 Edw. VII. No. 12. See also 18 Vict.
No. 17; 64 Vict. No. 5; and for the franchise, the Electoral Act, 1907.
