Post and Telegraph Regulations (Amendment) (Cth)

STATUTORY RULES.

1922. No. 92.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE POST AND TELEGRAPH ACT 1901-1916.

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following amended Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, to come into operation on the 15th March, 1922.

Dated this twenty-eighth day of June, 1922.

FORSTER,

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

A. POYNTON,

Postmaster-General.

 

Amendment of the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913.

(Statutory Rules 1913, No. 348, as amended to this date.)

Regulations 1 to 217, inclusive, are repealed and the following regulations are inserted in their stead.

POST AND TELEGRAPH REGULATIONS.

Short Title.

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Post and Telegraph Regulations.

FIRST CLASS MAIL MATTER.

“2. First Class Mail Matter consists of Letters, Letter cards, and Post cards.

“3. Any article of other classification which contains anything of the nature of actual or personal correspondence or is closed against inspection (excepting those articles which under the conditions governing the transmission of Second Class Mail Matter may be closed against inspection) shall be accepted for transmission only at the rate of postage prescribed for letters.

Letters.

“4. Any article which is eligible for transmission through the post may be accepted for transmission as a letter provided that it be not of inconvenient form or dimensions and does not contain any article likely to injure any person or the contents of the mail.

“5. The provisions relating to packing made in the conditions governing the transmission of Second and Fourth Class Mail Matter shall apply to articles of those classes when sent as letters:

Provided that an article on which letter rate of postage is paid may be closed against inspection.

Letter Cards.

“6. A letter card or a reply letter card provided by a private individual and bearing an impressed or adhesive stamp, shall be allowed to pass through the post at letter rate of postage.

 

Post Cards.

“7. A post card provided by a private individual shall be accepted for transmission provided it does not exceed 5½ inches in length and 3½ inches in breadth, and is not less than 4 inches in length and 2¾ inches in breadth. It must be made of cardboard or paper of such thickness as not to hinder manipulation. It is not compulsory for the words “Post Card” to appear on a private post card.

“8. A post card may only be sent at post card rate if posted unenclosed, that is to say, without wrapper or envelope.

“9. Postage stamps must be affixed in the right top corner of the front side of a post card. The name and address of the addressee and service indications (Registered, Acknowledgment of Receipt, or as the case may be) must also appear on the front, of which the right half at least is reserved exclusively for that purpose. The sender may use the back and the left half of the front for correspondence.

“10. (1) In addition to the stamps for prepayment of postage, illustrations, photographs, stamps of any kind, address labels or slips, to fold back for address purposes, labels and cuttings of any kind may be attached to a post card, provided that those articles—

(a) are not of such a nature as to alter the character of the post card,

(b) consist of paper or other very thin substance, and

(c) adhere completely to the card.

(2) With the exception of address labels or slips, the articles mentioned in the last preceding sub-regulation may only be affixed to the back or to the left half of the address side of a post card.

(3) Samples of merchandise or similar articles shall not be joined or affixed to a post card.

(4) Cards of the varieties known as “tinselled” and “beaded,” and cards with “pearling” decorations, shall not be allowed to pass through the post unless enclosed in envelopes.

“11. The sender of a reply post card may indicate his name and address on the face of the “Reply” half, either in writing or by attaching a label as provided in regulation 10 (1). A reply post card must not be closed up in any manner whatsoever.

“12. A post card not fulfilling the prescribed conditions of transmission shall be treated as a letter.

SECOND CLASS MAIL MATTER.

13. Second Class Mail Matter consists of Commercial Papers, Printed Papers, Patterns, Samples, and Merchandise, Books, and Catalogues.

General Conditions relating to Second Class Mail Matter.

“14. (1) Second Class Mail Matter must not have the character of actual or personal correspondence, and shall not be closed against inspection except in the case of those articles which, under the conditions governing the transmission of Second Class Mail Matter, may be closed against inspection.

“(2) If any writing in the nature of actual or personal correspondence appears on any such mail matter it shall be surcharged as an insufficiently prepaid letter.

“15. The maximum weight of postal articles for transmission at the rates prescribed for commercial papers, printed papers, books, or catalogues shall be 5 lbs.; and for patterns, samples, and merchandise, 1 lb., except in the case of articles containing bonâ fide samples of wine, which may weigh, inclusive of packing, up to 20 oz. No article may exceed 2 feet in length, or 1 foot in depth or breadth, or, if in a roll, 2 ft. 6 in. in length, and 4 inches in diameter, or be of inconvenient form.

 

“16. An article containing enclosures liable to different rates of postage shall be treated as if the whole contents were in the same category, and shall be charged at the highest rate applicable to any portion of its contents.

“17. Second Class Mail Matter may be sent through the post either without a cover (when it must not be fastened with anything adhesive in such a way as to prevent the whole of the contents being easily inspected) , or in a cover entirely open at one end or side, or with the flap left unsealed, or fastened with a binder, or tied with string, so as to permit of easy withdrawal of the contents, except in the case of articles which under the conditions governing Second Class Mail Matter, may be accepted for transmission when entirely or partially closed against inspection.

“18. A postal official may open any article posted as Second Class Mail Matter, and examine the contents, in which case he shall securely refasten the article; but, if possible, the official shall satisfy himself as to the contents without withdrawing them:

Provided that no such examination shall be made in the case of Australian (Commonwealth Government) Notes, War Savings Certificates, or Treasury Bonds sent from or to the Commonwealth Treasury, or from one bank to another, within the Commonwealth, in sealed packets bearing upon the covering wrappers the words “Australian Notes only,” “War Savings Certificates only,” or “Treasury Bonds only,” as the case may be, or in the case of Queensland State Treasury Notes sent by bankers to their head offices in Brisbane in sealed packets bearing upon the covering wrappers the words “Queensland Treasury Notes only.”

“19. In any case where a postal official discovers an infringement of the provisions of these Regulations relating to the transmission of Second Class Mail Matter (except as referred to in regulation 16) he shall, if the irregularity does not appear to have been an attempt to defraud, treat the article as an insufficiently prepaid letter, and surcharge it accordingly. Should there be an evident attempt to defraud, or should the contents be such as are not allowed to pass through the post, he shall forward the article with a report of the circumstance to the Deputy Postmaster-General.

“20. Except in the case of articles which, under the conditions governing the transmission of Second Class Mail Matter, may be sent closed or partially closed against inspection, articles which are sealed against inspection, or are fastened in such a way that the whole of the contents may not be easily examined without cutting or tearing the cover or envelope, shall be treated as letters and shall be surcharged double the deficient postage at letter rate, irrespective of the nature of the contents, but if, on receiving an article so surcharged, the addressee opens it in the presence of the postmaster and it is found to contain only Second Class Mail Matter, the surcharge shall be remitted.

“21. (1) The covers, envelopes, or wrappers of articles entitled to transmission as Second Class Mail Matter may have printed matter thereon, provided—

(a) that a clear and conspicuous place be left for the address, and

(b) that such printed matter shall refer only to the business of the sender and shall be of such a character that it would be admissible if printed upon the articles enclosed in the covers, envelopes, or wrappers.

“(2) The covers, envelopes or wrappers may also bear matter produced by mechanical processes other than printing, provided that at least twenty copies in identical terms be handed in at the counter of a post office at the same time; but the condition as to identical terms shall not apply to numbers or letters of the alphabet which are placed on covers, envelopes, or wrappers for the purpose of indexing or identification by the sender, and which do not convey any communication to the addressee.

 

“22. Articles containing jewellery or other valuable enclosures, as defined in the provisions of these Regulations governing registration, must be registered.

“23. In order to secure the return of Second Class Mail Matter which cannot be delivered, the name and address of the sender must be shown on the wrapper.

Articles not Transmissible as Second Class Mail Matter.

“24. The following articles shall not be accepted for transmission as Second Class Mail Matter, viz., cheques, money orders and postal notes (except in bankers’ packets) , unobliterated adhesive postage stamps, coin, bank-notes (other than cancelled notes, bank-note forms, and such notes as are specifically allowed to be sent as commercial papers) , bullion, gold, and perishable substances, such as game, fish, flesh, fruit, vegetables, and any substance or article likely to injure any person or the contents of the mail-bags; notices or information relating to lotteries, schemes of chance (not including art unions), unlawful games, fraudulent, obscene, indecent or immoral businesses or undertakings, and other matters coming within the provisions of section 57 of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, and articles not made up in accordance with the conditions governing Second Class Mail Matter, or bearing or containing anything not allowed under those conditions or prohibited by proclamation: Nothing in this regulation shall prevent the transmission as Second Class Mail Matter of art union tickets, or printed prospectuses, and information relating to art unions.

Commercial Papers.

“25. Articles eligible for transmission at the rate of postage for Commercial Papers consist of papers and documents which have not the character of actual or personal correspondence, wholly or partly printed or wholly or partly prepared by hand or typewriting, except in the case of those articles which under the conditions governing the transmission of Commercial Papers must be partly printed or partly prepared by a mechanical process other than typewriting.

“26. In respect of Commercial Papers it shall be allowable—

(a) to indicate on the article and on the wrapper the name, business or occupation, and address of the sender and of the addressee;

(b) to make alterations, corrections, or additions by hand or by a mechanical process, or to insert Christmas and New Year greetings and other formulas of courtesy consisting of not more than five words;

(c) to strike out or erase certain parts of the text, or to make prominent certain parts of the text, by means of marks or underlining; or

(d) to colour by hand or by mechanical process fashion plates, maps, or other matters.

“27. Any writing of the nature of a personal communication, other than the remarks, trade notices, and formulas of courtesy specifically allowed under these Regulations is not permissible, and any article bearing any such writing shall be surcharged as an insufficiently prepaid letter.

 

Printed Papers.

“28. An article to be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage for Printed Papers must not have the character of actual or personal correspondence, and (with the exception of certain articles not printed which are specified in the conditions governing the transmission of Printed Papers) must be wholly printed by recognised printing process of type or stereotype although not necessarily at the one time:

Provided that bonâ fide corrections of printers’ errors shall be allowed in any printed matter.

“29. (1) A circular must not have the nature of actual or personal correspondence. That is to say, it must not be so worded as to convey the impression that it is an individual communication intended for the addressee only, but it may contain a prefix such as “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam,” and may commence with the words such as “I beg to inform you” or “We have pleasure in informing you,” and may be concluded with words such as “Yours faithfully” or “Yours fraternally.” The word “Circular” in conspicuous characters must appear at the top of the first page.

“(2) Printed circulars and post cards conveying acknowledgments of the receipt of orders or notifications of the despatch of goods in response to individual orders shall not be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage for printed papers.

“30. (1) Circulars which are printed or lithographed in characters resembling those of a typewriter, or are produced by means of any mechanical process from written or typewritten originals, may be transmitted at the rate of postage for printed papers provided they bear the word “Circular” in conspicuous characters at the top of the first page, and are handed in at the counter of a post-office, tied in bundles of ten, or any multiple thereof up to 100, and properly arranged with the addresses facing upwards, and at least twenty copies precisely identical are posted at the same time. Each cover must be marked by the sender “20 posted,” except when quantities are posted, prepaid in cash, under regulation 71.

“(2) This regulation shall not apply to circulars or post cards conveying, in identical terms, acknowledgments of the receipt of orders or notifications of the despatch of goods in response to individual orders, even although twenty copies be posted at the one time.

“31. Cards bearing the inscription, “Post Card,” may be transmitted at the rate of postage for Printed Papers, provided they conform with the conditions governing the transmission of Printed Papers.

“32. Printed matter, with additions, corrections, or alterations in writing by rubber-stamp, or any mechanical process (other than bonâ fide corrections of printers’ errors in printed matter, and the additions and enclosures allowed in the case of proofs of printing), is not eligible for transmission at the rate of postage for Printed Papers, but must be charged at the rate of postage for Commercial Papers:

Provided that if the additions, corrections, or alterations have the nature of actual or personal correspondence, letter rate of postage shall be charged.

“33. Printed matter (other than notices of meetings and reports), bearing a fac-simile signature, and circular communications, conveying instructions from banks, insurance companies and other trading concerns to officers in branch offices, are not eligible for transmission at the rate of postage for Printed Papers. Those articles shall be transmitted at the rate of postage for Letters.

 

Patterns, Samples, and Merchandise.

“34. Articles to be eligible for transmission as Patterns, Samples and Merchandise must comply with the conditions governing the transmission of those articles, and must be prepared for posting in the manner stipulated in those conditions.

“35. Patterns, Samples and Merchandise may bear the name, business or occupation, and address of the sender, the manufacturer’s or trade mark numbers, prices, and indications relative to weight, measurement or dimensions, or to quantity to be disposed of, or such as are necessary to determine the origin and the nature of the goods, also the name and address of the person for whom they are intended. It is permissible also for the sender to enclose a card bearing in manuscript or typewriting, Christmas and New Year greetings, and other formulas of courtesy, consisting of not more than five words.

“36. On payment of a fee of Sixpence for each box, in addition to postage the sender may have boxes containing bees placed in separate mail bags containing no postal articles other than bees. In cases where such special treatment is required the box must be indorsed “Separate bag.”

“37 Any person who sends by post bacteriological or pathological specimens, otherwise than in accordance with the conditions governing the transmission of those articles, shall be guilty of an offence against these Regulations and shall be liable, on conviction, to a penalty not exceeding Fifty pounds.

Books.

“38. A publication which is not in book form nor of the character specified in the conditions governing the transmission of books, or is published for the purpose of advertisement shall not be eligible for transmission as a book.

“39. In order to be in book form a publication must consist of printed or printed and illustrated pages, fastened together by stitching or stapling, and bound in covers of paper, cardboard, cloth, leather, or other material.

“40. A book may contain on the cover or on pages of the book advertisements relating to the book itself or to books written by the same author, or published by the same publisher. In addition ordinary trade advertisements may appear on the permanent cover but not on any of the pages of the book.

“41. All legitimate binding or covering, whether loose or attached, including cardboard covers in box form or otherwise, book markers of paper or other material, and articles usually appertaining to books, such as metal eyelets and loops of twine or tape, may be attached to or enclosed in a book, provided such covering markers or other articles forwarded with a book are not used for advertising purposes other than as regards the book itself or other books by the same author or publisher.

“42. A book may bear complimentary and similar remarks, together with the name and address of the sender and of the person for whom the book is intended, and the date of sending; passages to which it is desired to call attention may be marked with a single stroke. Anything in the nature of actual or personal correspondence will render the article liable to charge as an insufficiently prepaid letter.

“43. A dedication, consisting of any single expression of respect, or formula of courtesy, by the author or sender, containing not more than five words, may be written in a book. A card, bearing the printed or written name and address of the sender, may be enclosed in a book.

“44. In the case of a library book, the date of each sending may be shown on any portion of the book, or on a sheet inserted in the book for the purpose.

“45. A book is liable to examination in the post. Each book tendered for transmission by post must, therefore, be so wrapped that the book can be easily removed for the purpose of examination without it being necessary to break or cut any seal, tear any paper, or separate any adhering surfaces.

 

Books Printed in Australia.

“46. The rate of postage for books printed in Australia shall not apply to a book not written by an Australian author nor registered by the Postmaster-General for transmission through the post as a book:

Provided that the condition as to registration shall not apply to a book printed prior to 1st July, 1922.

“47. The following are the conditions under which books written by Australian authors, may be registered for transmission at the rate of postage for books printed in Australia:—

(a) Application for registration must be made by the printer or publisher of a book before it is issued to the public or to booksellers for sale or distribution.

(b) Application for registration must be made by the applicant lodging at the General Post Office, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, or Hobart, a completed form of application (which form may be obtained at the General Post Office), together with a copy of the relative publication, in proof or complete form, and bearing the imprint referred to in (d) .

(c) The publication must conform with the conditions governing the transmission of books.

(d) The publication must bear an imprint on the title leaf, showing that it was wholly set up and printed in Australia, the year of publication, and the name and address of the printer.

(e) The declaration provided for on the form of application for registration must be made in every case before the application will be considered by the Postmaster-General.

“48. If registration is granted the publication must, before admission to the post, at the rate of postage for books printed in Australia, will be permitted, have printed or stamped on the title leaf the words “Registered by the Postmaster-General for transmission through the post as a book.”

Catalogues.

“49. A catalogue is a publication consisting of a printed or printed and illustrated list of articles for sale, with or without prices. A catalogue may contain, as an integral part thereof, a printed communication to the addressee relating to the issue of the catalogue and letterpress concerning the articles enumerated in the list and the use of such articles, the business of the firm issuing the catalogue and information relating to matters such as shopping by post and the sending of remittances.

“50. Figures indicating prices may be inserted in a catalogue by hand or otherwise in spaces left blank for the purpose. An item or the price of an article may be deleted, or an alteration made by hand or other means to the prices mentioned in a catalogue. An item may be altered, or a new item may be inserted, by means of a printed slip bound or fastened in a catalogue. If so desired alterations to prices or other printed matter contained in a catalogue may also be made in the same manner.

“51 Printed order forms, self measurement diagrams, an envelope with printed address, with or without an impressed postage stamp thereon, and a form of application for a money order, shall be accepted as part of a catalogue, if bound or fastened therein in such a way that no portion of the enclosure will project beyond the leaves of the catalogue. The form of application for a money order must, prior to insertion in the catalogue, have the approval of the Deputy Postmaster-General.

“52 A catalogue may be bound in covers of paper, cardboard, cloth, leather, or other material, provided the catalogue is permanently attached to the, cover. Articles usually appertaining to a catalogue, such as metal eyelets and loops of twine or tape, may be affixed thereto.

“53. A catalogue must bear an imprint, showing that it has been wholly set up and printed in Australia, and the name and address of the printer. A catalogue not bearing such imprint shall be treated as a Commercial Paper or a Printed Paper as the case may be. The cover or wrapper in which a catalogue is posted shall be indorsed—“Catalogue, wholly set up and printed in Australia.”

“54. The cover or wrapper in which a catalogue is posted shall contain one catalogue only.

 

THIRD CLASS MAIL MATTER.

“55. Third Class Mail Matter consists of newspapers registered for transmission as such, and magazines.

“56. Third Class Mail Matter must not be closed against inspection, and must not contain any writing of the character of actual or personal correspondence.

Newspapers.

“57. Persons who post registered newspapers at the rate of postage provided for aggregate weight may be called upon to satisfy the Department that the conditions prescribed in the Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902-1920 to secure that rate are complied with. For this purpose they may be required to produce without notice any documentary evidence which the postmaster or other departmental officer considers necessary.

“58. A supplement shall not contain more pages than the newspaper with which it is issued.

Registration of Newspapers.

“59. (1) The proprietor, printer, or publisher of any newspaper, as defined by section 28 of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, may have it registered at the General Post Office of any State subject to the conditions set out in this regulation.

“(2) The application for registration must be made in writing, and must contain a description of the newspaper to be registered, and show at what intervals the newspaper is published.

“(3) Three copies of the latest issue of the newspaper and one copy of each of the two last preceding issues must be forwarded with the application, together with a fee of 5s.

“(4) The following statutory declarations must also be forwarded with the application:—

(a) a statutory declaration by the applicant, declaring—

(i) that the publication is printed and published within the Commonwealth for sale, and not for free distribution to any great extent;

(ii) that at least 75 per centum of the copies issued are sold to bonâ fide purchasers or to bonâ fide subscribers who have ordered the paper; and

(iii) whether or not any previous application has been made for registration of the publication under the same or any other title; and

(b) two statutory declarations by independent persons in the trade (such as publishers and newsagents), who are not in any way interested in the proprietorship or printing of, and are not subscribers to, the publication, declaring—

(i) that the declarant personally knows and recognises the publication as a newspaper in the generally accepted sense;

(ii) that to the best of his knowledge and belief the publication is known and recognised by purchasers thereof as a newspaper in the generally accepted sense;

(iii) that the publication is not, to the best of his knowledge and belief, recognised as a magazine, review, or other similar publication; and

(iv) that he is neither the proprietor nor the printer of, nor a subscriber to, the said publication, and is not in any way interested in the proprietorship or printing thereof.

“60. The Deputy Postmaster-General of any State may, when revising the register, as provided by section 29 of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, call upon the proprietor, printer, or publisher of any newspaper appearing therein to furnish evidence by statutory declaration as to the total percentage of copies issued which are sold to bonâ fide purchasers or to bonâ fide subscribers who have ordered the paper, and any other particulars which are, in his opinion, necessary to enable him to determine whether the newspaper should be removed from the register or not.

“61. The publisher of a registered newspaper shall print on the first page of each copy issued the words “Registered at the General Post Office, for transmission by post as a newspaper.”

“62. The publisher of a registered newspaper shall submit to the Deputy Postmaster-General any proposed change in the form of the newspaper.

General Conditions Relating to Newspapers.

“63. A newspaper may be sent either with or without a cover, but must be open at both ends. Envelopes closed at one end, and folded in at the other end, shall not be used for transmitting newspapers through the post.

“64. There shall not be in or upon any newspaper or the cover thereof any communication, character, figure, letter, or number other than the following:—

The words “Newspaper only.”

A line drawn through any report, article, or paragraph therein.

A mark to call attention to a paragraph, or any other matter.

Rates of postage.

The printed title of the newspaper.

The printed names, occupations and places of business of the printer, publisher, and vendor.

The name, occupation, and address of the addressee.

The name of the sender.

and, in the case only of newspapers posted by the registered proprietors thereof or issued from the publishing office, the following:—

The words “If not delivered, please return to Head Office,................... (name of town).”

Figures indicating the date on which the subscription will expire, such as “10/12/23.”

Figures indicating the number of papers in the package to be transmitted.

“65. If any matter other than supplements be enclosed in or with, or accompany any newspaper or the cover thereof, the newspaper shall be treated as Second Class Mail Matter unless the matter has the character of actual or personal correspondence, or is of an illegal nature, when the newspaper shall be forwarded to the Deputy Postmaster-General with a report of the circumstances.

Magazines.

“66. Printed order forms, and a printed and addressed envelope, may be treated as part of a magazine if bound or fastened therein.

 

PREPAYMENT OF POSTAGE.

“67. The stamps impressed on stamped envelopes, letter-cards, post-cards, or newspaper wrappers shall not be used for prepayment of postage on other articles. Duty stamps, mutilated postage stamps, postage due stamps, or the postage stamps of any other country are not available in the Commonwealth for prepayment of postage.

“68. Postage stamps must, except in the case of parcels and articles with tie-on labels, be placed on the front or address side of postal articles and upon the right-hand upper corner of that side.

“68. No postal official is permitted to take money in prepayment of postage (except as specified in these Regulations) when postage stamps are available, or to affix postage stamps to articles posted at any post office; but if a postmaster has not sufficient stamps on hand he may receive the amount of postage and fees in coin, in which case he shall acknowledge its receipt on the face or cover of the article.

“70. Correspondence posted on the high seas in the letter-box on board a packet, or placed in the hands of postal agents on board, or of the commander of a ship, may be prepaid by means of the postage stamps, and according to the postage rates, of the country to which the vessel belongs, or by which it is maintained. If, however, the posting takes place during the stay at one of the two extreme points of the voyage, or at any intermediate port of call, prepayment can only be effected by means of the postage stamps, and according to the rates, of the country in the waters of which the vessel happens to be.

PREPAYMENT IN CASH IN ONE SUM, OF POSTAGE ON LARGE QUANTITIES OF MAIL-MATTER.

“71. (1) The postage on large quantities of registered or unregistered articles other than parcels for transmission within the Commonwealth, or to New Zealand, or Fiji, may be prepaid in cash.

“(2) The amount of postage and registration fee (if any) on such mail-matter, posted at one time, shall not be less than £2.

“(3) The articles shall be posted at a General Post Office or at any office duly appointed for the acceptance of correspondence under this regulation.

“(4) No postmaster, other than those at the offices referred to in the last preceding sub-regulation shall receive cash in prepayment of postage under this regulation without first obtaining authority from the Deputy Postmaster-General.

“(5) The mail-matter must be handed in at the post office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., but if handed in after 3 p.m. it will be subject to detention if its despatch interferes with the despatch of other postal matter.

“(6) Articles of the same weight must be tied in bundles of ten or any multiple thereof up to 100, with the addresses in the same direction.

“(7) This regulation does not apply to newspapers posted by registered newspaper proprietors or news-vendors, who may post such newspapers at other hours than those prescribed, and may post at one time a quantity of newspapers on which the amount of postage payable is less than £2. Commonwealth and State Government Departments whose postings aggregate £2 or more daily are also exempted from the provisions of this regulation in regard to the stipulation that the postage on such mail-matter posted at one time shall not be less than £2.

PAYMENT OF POSTAGE BY THE RECEIVER.

“72. (1) The Postmaster-General may, in such cases and upon compliance with such conditions as he thinks fit, allow payment of the postage payable on postal articles by the addressee instead of by the sender.

“(2) A charge equal to 12½ per cent. of the amount of postage shall be paid by the addressee to cover the extra services of accounting and collection.

 

ELECTORAL PAPERS.

“73. (1) Postal articles containing electoral papers may be sent by post free of charge from or to electoral or police officers if—

(a) they contain only electoral papers as defined in this regulation, and the words “Commonwealth Electoral Papers only, Post Free,” are printed or written on the envelope or wrapper, or upon the papers themselves if they are eligible for transmission without envelopes or wrappers:

Provided that such articles when posted by electoral or police officers to persons who are not electoral or police officers shall also bear the signature and address of the sender, which may be printed or written on the envelope or wrapper, or upon the papers themselves; or

(b) they consist of ballot-papers sent in covers bearing the following indorsements and address printed thereon, namely:—

“O. H. M. S.

Electoral Papers Only.

Post Free.

No.

Postal Ballot-Paper,

Not to be opened until scrutiny.

The Returning Officer for the

Commonwealth Electoral

Division of

...................................... ”

“(2) This regulation shall apply only to the following electoral papers:—

(a) Electoral Papers (including Rolls) provided for by the Commonwealth Electoral Acts and Regulations thereunder.

(b) Commonwealth and joint forms (including Rolls) provided for in any joint Regulations made in pursuance of an arrangement entered into by the Commonwealth and any State for the preparation, alteration, and revision of Electoral Rolls, provided that the forms (including Rolls) are used wholly or partly for Commonwealth purposes.

(c) Referendum Papers provided for by the Referendum (Constitution Alteration) Act 1906-1919 or by Regulations made thereunder.

“(3) This regulation shall not be deemed to exempt from postage any of the following articles:—

(a) Joint and other forms not provided for in the Commonwealth Electoral Acts and Regulations, or in the Joint Regulations, which are used in connexion with the Electoral Acts of the Commonwealth and those of a State or States; and

(b) Forms (including Rolls) provided for in the Joint Regulations which are used solely for State purposes.

“(4) The privilege of free postage shall not apply to Registers of Voters, interleaved for correction, addressed to Electoral Registrars, or to packages of obsolete electoral material, such as obsolete forms and similar matter.

 

BRAILLE AND MOON ARTICLES.

“74. Braille and Moon postal articles posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein may be sent by post free of charge if—

(a) they contain only Braille and Moon articles, or either of them, and are posted in envelopes or wrappers open at one end or side or otherwise made up so as to admit of the contents being easily withdrawn for examination; and

(b) the words “Braille (or Moon, or Braille and Moon) articles only,” together with the signature and address of the sender, are printed or written on the outside of the envelope or wrapper.

LATE FEES.

“75. (1) The late fee on all unregistered postal articles, except newspapers and parcels, posted in the Commonwealth, for delivery therein, shall be 1d. each; and on such articles posted for transmission to places beyond the Commonwealth—each a single rate of postage.

“(2) The late fee on all registered articles, registered between one hour and half an hour prior to the time of closing ordinary mails, which close after 9 a.m. and before 6 p.m., shall be—for each article, an additional single letter rate of postage.

UNPAID OR INSUFFICIENTLY PREPAID POSTAL ARTICLES.

Posted in the Commonwealth.

“76. (1) Subject to the next succeeding sub-regulation all wholly unpaid postal articles and all insufficiently prepaid articles posted in the Commonwealth shall be surcharged double the deficiency. The amount of the surcharge, except in the case of articles addressed to places within the Commonwealth and Papua, shall be indicated in francs and centimes, calculated as follows:—

(a) In the case of articles addressed to places in the British Empire, New Hebrides, Banks and Torres Islands, one penny = 10 centimes.

(b) In the case of articles addressed to other places beyond the Commonwealth, by application of the formula approved by the Postmaster-General.

“(2) Wholly unpaid postal articles (other than letters, letter-cards, post-cards and newspapers) shall be transmitted only when addressed to places within the Commonwealth, Papua, New Zealand and Fiji. Such articles, when addressed to other places beyond the Commonwealth, and wholly unpaid newspapers however addressed, shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office.

“(3) If a Deputy Postmaster-General has reason to believe that any person posts wholly unpaid or insufficiently prepaid postal articles addressed to places beyond the Commonwealth, he may give notice in writing, calling upon that person to desist, and advising him of the consequence of noncompliance with the notice.

“(4) If a person who has received a notice in pursuance of the last preceding sub-regulation knowingly and without reasonable excuse posts any wholly unpaid or insufficiently prepaid postal article, addressed to any place beyond the Commonwealth, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding Five pounds.

“(5) For the purposes of this regulation:—

(a) wholly unpaid or insufficiently prepaid postal article means a postal article in respect of which no postage or insufficient postage has been paid; and

(b) the person who posts a postal article shall be deemed to be the sender of the article.

 

Received from Places beyond the Commonwealth

“(6) The amount to be collected on surcharged postal articles received from places beyond the Commonwealth (except Papua) for delivery therein shall be calculated as follows:—

(a) In the case of articles from places within the British Empire, New Hebrides, Banks and Torres Islands, 10 centimes = one penny; provided, however, that the minimum amount to be collected shall be one penny half-penny; and

(b) In the case of articles from other places beyond the Commonwealth—by application of the formula approved by the Postmaster-General; provided, however, that the minimum amount to be collected shall be threepence.

“77. Postage stamps placed on the back of any postal article shall not be recognised or cancelled, and the article to which they are so affixed shall be surcharged as insufficiently prepaid.

DELIVERY OF POSTAL ARTICLES.

“78. (1) A postal article shall be delivered to the addressee, or, in the absence of instructions in writing to the contrary, to the wife or husband of the addressee, or to any responsible member of the same family or household. Delivery to persons other than those named shall be given only on presentation of a power of attorney, or an order in writing signed by the addressee.

“(2) A postal article addressed to a person at an inn, hotel, lodging-house, or any house at which lodgers are received, shall be delivered to the manager or occupier thereof.

“(3) A postal article addressed to one person in care of another shall, in the absence of written instructions to the contrary, from the addressee, be delivered to either of the persons named who may call for it, or at the address of the person in whose care it is directed.

“79. (1) Where directions in writing have been given to a postmaster by the parent or guardian of a minor having the custody of the minor, the postmaster may deliver or cause to be delivered all postal articles addressed to the minor in accordance with the directions so given.

“(2) In the absence of any such directions postal articles addressed to minors shall be delivered in the same manner as other postal articles.

“(3) Notwithstanding any directions having been received under this regulation, the Postmaster-General may direct that postal articles addressed to a minor shall be delivered to such minor.

“(4) In this regulation “minor” means a person under the age of eighteen years.

“80. The privilege of having correspondence addressed “Poste Restante,” or to a post office to be called for, shall not be allowed for a longer period than six months at any office from which there is a delivery by postman and in cases where the addressee resides within the limits of delivery.

“81. (1) Correspondence must be not posted addressed Poste Restante or to a post office to be called for, to a person to whom correspondence has been so addressed for a period of six months, or, in cases where an application for re-direction has been granted in accordance with sub-regulation (2) of this regulation, for a period of twelve months, and shall, if received at a post office after the prescribed period has elapsed, be deemed to have been posted in contravention of these Regulations.

“(2) Where an addressee has had correspondence addressed Poste Restante or to a post office to be called for, for a period of six months he may, upon making application to that effect, have correspondence so addressed redirected to one address for a further period of six months, but upon the expiration of the further period of six months no further application for re-direction of the correspondence shall be granted.

“(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulations (1) and (2) of this regulation, in cases where any traveller or tourist satisfies the Deputy Postmaster-General as to his bona fides, the Deputy Postmaster-General may make such arrangements as will meet the necessities of the particular case.

 

“82. (1) Postal articles addressed Poste Restante must bear the name of the addressee.

“The use of initials, figures, Christian names without surnames, fictitious names, or conventional marks of any kind will not be allowed for such postal articles.

“83. The Department cannot undertake to deliver by postman bulky articles that may impede the general distribution of correspondence. The addressees of postal articles weighing over 1 lb. must take delivery thereof at the post office.

“84. Postal articles addressed to deceased persons may be delivered to the executors or administrators of the deceased persons on production of the probate or letters of administration; but until such production the Postmaster-General, or a Deputy Postmaster-General, may cause those postal articles to be delivered to some near relative of the deceased person:

Provided that registered postal articles addressed to a deceased person, and in connexion with which the sender has paid the fee for an acknowledgment of receipt, shall be returned to the sender.

“85. (1.) When a firm is dissolved and any member of the late firm gives notice to the postmaster not to deliver to any person other than himself any postal article addressed to the firm, the postmaster (unless he is satisfied as to who is entitled to delivery) may refuse to deliver all such postal articles until an agreement is arrived at between the persons interested as to their delivery.

“(2) In default of any such agreement, the postmaster may mark those postal articles ‘In Dispute,’ and send them to the Dead Letter Office, unless they bear requests for their return if not delivered within a certain time in which case they shall at the expiration of the time named on the postal article be returned to the sender.

“(3) No postal article shall be sent to the Dead Letter Office under this regulation until the expiration of thirty days from the date of the receipt of the above-mentioned notice.

“86. (1) Postal articles, other than newspapers, may be addressed to “The Householder” or any similar address at any place where there is a delivery by postman.

“(2) On arrival at the office of destination one of such postal articles shall (so far as the number posted will admit) be delivered by postman at each house within the limits of delivery.

“(3) All such postal articles must be posted in bulk, and the postage may, subject to regulation 71, be prepaid in cash.

“87. In cases where sufficient reason is shown, and where the concession can be granted without undue interference with the public business, postal articles in transit, when lying at a post office awaiting despatch, may be delivered at that office to the persons to whom they are addressed, upon personal or written application, if the delivering officer is satisfied as to the identity of the applicant.

 

RE-DIRECTION.

“88. (1) No charge shall be made for the re-direction of prepaid postal articles (other than parcels) when re-directed by a postal official, or by an agent of the addressee after delivery, if the postage originally paid would have been sufficient if the postal article had originally been addressed to its new destination, provided that, in the case of articles re-directed by an agent of the addressee, the articles are reposted not later than the day (Sunday and public holidays not being counted) after being left at the original address, and do not appear to have been opened or tampered with.

“(2) If the postage originally prepaid on the re-directed article be not sufficient for its transmission from the place of origin to the new destination, the deficient postage shall be collected on delivery at the new destination.

“(3) If articles re-directed by agents of addressees be not reposted within the period prescribed in sub-regulation (1), or if it appear that such articles have been opened or tampered with, they shall be chargeable as freshly posted unpaid articles.

“89. (1) Registered articles on being re-directed, must not be dropped into a letter-box, but must be taken to a post office to be dealt with as registered.

“(2) No additional postage or registration fee shall be charged upon those articles if they are presented for re-registration not later than the day (Sundays and public holidays not being counted) after being left at the original address; but if they are presented after that time they shall be treated as freshly posted, and fresh postage and registration fees shall be payable in respect of them.

“(3) If any registered article when re-directed, instead of being given back to the post office to be dealt with as registered, is dropped into a letter-box as an ordinary article (the word “registered” not having been erased, or having been erased in pencil only), it becomes liable on delivery to a surcharge of a single rate of postage and single registration fee.

“90. Applications for re-direction must in all cases be signed by the person to whom the correspondence is addressed, and must show whence it is expected. They will be acted on for a term of six months only, unless renewed. A printed form of application may be obtained at any post office in the Commonwealth.

“91. The Postmaster-General will not undertake to intercept and re-direct a postal article at any office other than that to which it is addressed, or to intercept and re-direct a postal article addressed to the care of a private-box holder, or of a private mail-bag holder, or to an hotel, coffee palace, lodging house, or such like place.

INQUIRY RESPECTING DELIVERY OF POSTAL ARTICLES.

“92. (1) If the sender or the addressee of a registered postal article, or of a parcel, desire inquiry made respecting its disposal, he shall enter, in a form provided for the purpose, the names and addresses of the sender and of the addressee of the registered article or parcel; and he must, also, affix to the form a postage stamp in payment of the fee of 3d., which postage stamp the postmaster, or other officer, must cancel in the ordinary way.

“(2) Where the inquiry relates to a registered article, the person making the inquiry must produce the receipt which was handed to the sender at the time of posting the article.

“(3) Should any delay in delivery be attributable to the post office, the fee shall be refunded.

“(4) If a fee has already been paid for acknowledgment of delivery, which has not been received, no charge for the inquiry shall be made.

“93. Any person making a complaint that an unregistered postal article containing coin, jewellery, gems, watches, or any other valuable enclosure has not been duly delivered to the person to whom it was addressed may be required by the postmaster of the post office at which the complaint is made to make a declaration in the form provided.

 

UNDELIVERED MAIL-MATTER.

“94. First and second class mail-matter with indorsement on the cover, ‘If not delivered within (seven or more) days, return to————’ (here the name and address of the person to whom the article is to be returned should be stated), shall, if undelivered at the expiration of the time specified, be returned by the postmaster at the office of destination to the sender.

“95. (1) Postal articles posted without addresses or bearing illegible addresses, and those which the addressees refuse to receive owing to postage being payable or other cause, must be transmitted without delay to the Dead Letter Office for disposal, except in the cases provided for in the last preceding regulation.

“(2) Postal articles posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein, other than those coming within the provisions of the last preceding regulation and the last preceding sub-regulation shall, if undelivered, be retained at the office of destination for the following periods:—

(a) First and second class mail-matter and magazines—

(i) addressed to a fixed address other than a post office—eight days.

(ii) addressed to a post office to be called for—one month.

(iii) addressed to a passenger on board a ship—one month.

(iv) addressed to a person on board a ship, not described as a passenger—four months.

(b) Newspapers, however addressed—one month.

“(3) Postal articles other than parcels received from a place beyond the Commonwealth shall be retained at the office of destination for the following periods:—

(i) if addressed to a fixed address or to a post office to be called for, or to a passenger on board a ship—two months.

(ii) if addressed to a person on board a ship, not described as a passenger—four months.

“(4) As soon as possible after the expiration of the prescribed period undelivered postal articles other than newspapers shall be returned through the Dead Letter Office, to the senders, if posted in the State of destination, and if not posted in that State, to the State or country of origin.

“(5) Undelivered newspapers, wherever posted, shall not be returned to the senders, but shall be disposed of as provided by the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916; except in the case of those which bear on the covers or wrappers in print the name of the publisher or vendor, which if so required shall be returned to the publisher or vendor on payment of postage at the prescribed rate.

“96. Undelivered correspondence addressed to the care of consuls and returned by them to the local post office must be treated in the manner prescribed for returned correspondence, and sent to the Dead Letter Office. Any charges which have been paid by consuls on such correspondence shall be refunded.

       

C.7295—2

 

EXPRESS DELIVERY.

“97. First and second class mail-matter not exceeding 8 ounces in weight may be specially delivered as follows, namely:—

(a) By special messenger all the way.—To secure this service the article must be handed in at an express delivery post office.

(b) By special messenger after transmission by post.—For this service the article may be posted at any post or receiving office, or in any letter-box or posting receptacle, and be ‘expressed’ on reaching the delivery office, provided such office is an express delivery office.

(c) By special delivery in advance of the ordinary delivery by postman.—By this means any person may make an arrangement with the postmaster of any express delivery office to secure the express delivery of his own correspondence on its arrival.

(d) By special delivery by means of travelling post office vans.—By this service an article, without awaiting local delivery, or passing through the local post office, may be delivered at any railway station where the trains to which such vans are attached are timed to stop.

“98. Express delivery shall be made only during the hours the office of delivery is open to the public for transaction of telegraph business, and messengers are on duty. There shall be no express delivery on Sundays or on holidays.

Local Service by Special Messenger all the Way.

“99. The fee for express delivery shall be, for the first mile or part of a mile, in addition to the proper postage, 4d. (provided that the minimum rate, including postage, shall not be less than 5d.); for every additional half-mile or part of half-a-mile, up to 2 miles, 2d.

“100. Delivery of express articles may be effected by foot-messengers, or by messengers travelling by other means at the discretion of the Department. If the sender desires a cab or other special conveyance to be used, the actual fare must be paid in addition to the express fee and postage.

“101. At suburban and country post offices the express delivery shall be limited to 1 mile from the post office.

“102. All charges, including both postage and fee, must be fully prepaid by postage stamps affixed to the article.

“103. Any article intended for express delivery must not be posted in a letter-box during the hours when the post office is open for ordinary business, but must be handed in at the counter; after the office has closed, such articles may be posted in the letter-box in the ordinary manner, but will not be delivered until the following morning. The words ‘Express Delivery’ must be boldly and legibly written by the sender above the address in the left-hand corner of the cover. When posted in a letter-box there must be in addition a broad perpendicular line drawn from top to bottom both on the front and the back of the cover.

“104. When a reply is required to an express delivery article the words ‘Wait reply’ must be legibly written by the sender immediately under the words ‘Express Delivery,’ and the postage and fee required for the reply must be affixed in postage stamps on the article immediately under the words ‘Wait reply.’ The messenger may be allowed to wait ten minutes for the reply.

“105. When the article sent in reply, or as a further service, is to be taken to an address on the messenger’s homeward route, the express delivery fee shall be 3d. in addition to the ordinary postage, otherwise the full fee as for the original service must be prepaid.

“106. Articles in reply or further service shall be delivered after the messenger has delivered all the express delivery articles originally intrusted to him.

“107. A telegraph messenger on delivering a telegram may, if desired, take back to the post office at which he is employed a postal article for express delivery. The postage and fee must be prepaid by the sender by means of postage stamps affixed to the article. The express fee shall be charged as from the residence of the sender, and not from the office where the messenger is employed.

 

Express Delivery after Transmission by Post.

“108. (1) Postal articles intended for express delivery from the post office of destination only may be posted like ordinary articles, but they must be clearly marked ‘Express Delivery,’ and have a thick perpendicular line drawn on each side of the envelope.

“(2) The fee of 4d. in addition to the ordinary postage must be prepaid by means of postage stamps affixed to the article.

“(3) Articles marked as directed and fully prepaid shall be delivered by special messenger immediately after receipt of the mail in which they are enclosed.

“109. The conditions specified for local service by special messenger shall apply also to articles intended for express delivery after transmission by post.

Express Delivery in Advance of the Ordinary Deliveries at the Request of the Addressee.

“110. Persons or firms who desire at any time to receive first or second class mail-matter not exceeding the weight of 8 ozs. each, or in the aggregate a weight not exceeding 4 lbs., in advance of the ordinary delivery, may have them delivered by special messenger on payment of the express fee of 4d. a mile or fraction of a mile for one article, and ½d. each for every additional article.

“111. (1) Written application for such express delivery must be made by the addressee.

“(2) The application must be addressed to the officer in charge of the express delivery office from which the letters are ordinarily delivered.

“(3) If possible the application should be delivered by hand, but if posted must be prepaid as an ordinary letter.

“(4) The application must reach the office at least an hour before the time at which the delivery by postman commences.

“112. The express fee on at least one article must be prepaid in postage stamps affixed to the application. All additional fees must be paid to the messenger on delivery.

“113. If no postal articles for the address given are received, a messenger shall be sent to inform the applicant to that effect, and the express fee shall be retained to pay for this service.

“114. In cases where a regular express delivery of postal articles, arriving by any particular mail, or a regular express delivery on one or more days of the week is required, it will be sufficient if application is made accordingly and left with the officer in charge. In such cases the whole of the charges shall be collected upon delivery.

Express Delivery from Travelling Post Offices.

“115. (1) Postal articles with the ordinary postage fully prepaid, together with the usual late fee, and an express delivery fee of 4d. affixed in postage stamps, may be handed in at any travelling post office for delivery at any railway platform where the mail train is timed to stop.

“(2) The articles must be marked by the sender ‘Express Delivery,’ in the manner provided by these Regulations, and that indorsement must be covered by the date-stamp of the travelling post office to indicate that no further or local express delivery service is required.

“(3) The sender must arrange for the addressee or his agent to meet the train on arrival at the platform and apply at the travelling post office for the article. If this be not done the article must be handed loose to the person carrying the mails to the local post office, and delivery must be obtained in the usual manner.

 

PROHIBITED ARTICLES.

“116. The following articles are prohibited from transmission by post in any form:—

(a) Any article likely to injure any person or the contents of the mail.

(b) Articles having thereon or therein or on the envelope or cover thereof any words, marks or designs of an indecent, obscene, blasphemous, libellous, or grossly offensive character.

(c) Publications and articles, the importation or transmission of which is prohibited under the Customs and Quarantine Acts or by proclamation.

(d) Mail matter addressed to certain persons the delivery of which has been prohibited by order of the Postmaster-General under section 57 of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916.

(e) Opium suitable for smoking.

(f) Explosives.

(g) Any dangerous, filthy, noxious or deleterious substance, or creature.

(h) Any sharp instrument not properly protected.

(i) Articles posted in ‘cut-out’ envelopes.

(j) Articles posted in entirely transparent envelopes.

(k) Articles posted in envelopes having transparent panels not complying with the conditions laid down.

“117.—(1) Articles having thereon or therein or on the envelope or cover thereof any words, marks or designs of an indecent, obscene, blasphemous, libellous or grossly offensive character, shall not be transmissible by post within the Commonwealth and if posted for transmission by post may, by order of the Postmaster-General or a Deputy Postmaster-General, be destroyed.

“(2) No action shall be brought against the Postmaster-General or any officer of the Department for anything done under the provisions of this regulation, but any person aggrieved by anything done by the Postmaster-General or an officer of the Department under this regulation may appeal to a Justice of the High Court or to a Judge of a Supreme Court of a State by summons or petition in a summary manner.

IMPRESSING STAMPS ON LETTER CARDS, POST CARDS, ENVELOPES OR WRAPPERS SUPPLIED BY THE PUBLIC.

“118.—(1) Postage stamps shall be impressed under the following conditions on letter cards, post cards, envelopes or wrappers supplied by the public, upon written application being made to the Deputy Postmaster-General or to the postmaster at an official office, accompanied by a specimen card, envelope or wrapper, of approved colour:—

(a) Letter Cards—

Not less than 500 cards of one size, and in suitable sheets, shall be accepted at any one time for stamp impression.

(b) Post Cards—

(i) The cards shall not exceed 5½ inches in length and 3½ inches in breadth, nor be less than 4 inches in length and 2¾ inches in breadth and shall consist of cardboard or paper of such thickness as not to hinder manipulation.

(ii) Not less than 500 cards of one size, and in suitable sheets shall be accepted at any one time for stamp impression.

(c) Envelopes, Envelopes combined with Sheets of Notepaper, Wrappers or Circulars, with reply halves intended to be used as Orders for Publications, Goods, &c.—

(i) Not less than 500 envelopes, wrappers or circulars of one size shall be accepted at any one time for stamp impression.

(ii) Paper which is too thin to bear the impression of the die shall not be accepted for stamp impression.

(iii) The paper for wrappers shall be in sheets and not cut in slips.

(iv) Envelopes or wrappers provided by the Postmaster-General’s Department may be substituted for any which may be spoiled in the operation of stamp impression.

 

“(2) The charges, which must be paid in advance, shall be:—

(a) Letter Cards, Envelopes, Envelopes combined with Sheets of Notepaper Wrappers or Circulars with reply halves—

The value of the postage stamps, and Two shillings and threepence per thousand or portion of a thousand.

(b) Post Cards—

The value of the postage stamps.

SALE OF LIGHTLY POSTMARKED POSTAGE STAMPS.

“119.—(1) Postage stamps issued in the Commonwealth, lightly postmarked, may be purchased at their full face value.

“(2) Obliterated complete sets of postage stamps issued in the Commonwealth may be purchased at a charge of Ten shillings per set. The stamps of the face value of from ½d. to 5s. inclusive will be cancelled with the date stamp, and those exceeding 5s. in face value will be cancelled by having the word ‘Specimen’ embossed upon them.

REPURCHASE OF POSTAGE STAMPS AND POST CARDS.

“120.—(1) Postage stamps valid in the Commonwealth of denominations not higher than 5s. in strips of at least two, in good order and condition, may be repurchased from the public, at the General Post Office of any State of the Commonwealth at their face value, less a discount of 2s. in the £, or according to the following scale, viz.:—For stamps not exceeding in value 1s. 8d., twopence; exceeding in value 1s. 8d., but not exceeding 3s. 4d., fourpence; exceeding in value 3s. 4d., but not exceeding 5s., sixpence; and so on at the rate of twopence for every 1s. 8d. or portion of 1s. 8d.

“(2) Applications for the repurchase of stamps of denominations above 5s. must be made to the Deputy Postmaster-General.

“(3) Stamps shall be repurchased only when not perforated, soiled, or otherwise damaged.

“121. Envelopes and wrappers bearing embossed or impressed postage stamps which have not been defaced, and spoiled letter cards and post cards bearing undefaced stamps, may be repurchased at the General Post Office, subject to a discount, in the case of envelopes and wrappers, at the rate of 5 per cent., and in the case of letter cards and post cards, at the rates prescribed by Regulation 120.

“122. Postage stamps valid in the Commonwealth received by collectors of public moneys in their official capacity, and tendered at any General Post Office, may be repurchased at their face value, less a discount of 2½ per cent., provided that the stamps are not perforated, soiled, or otherwise damaged. In other respects (except that the stamps need not be in strips) the conditions as to repurchase of stamps from the public shall apply.

“123. Postage stamps of State issues will be repurchased at the General Post Office of the State of issue only.

LICENCES TO SELL POSTAGE STAMPS.

“124. Any person desiring a licence to sell postage stamps must make written application to the Deputy Postmaster-General, stating where his premises are situated, and the nature of the business carried on by the applicant.

“125. A licence shall be granted without charge, may be revoked at pleasure, and authorizes the sale of postage stamps at the premises named in the licence only.

“126. A notice must be exhibited in some conspicuous place in front of the premises licensed, with the words ‘Licensed to Sell Postage Stamps’ painted in letters at least 1 inch in height and of proportionate breadth. Stamps must be procurable at any time when the licensed vendor’s place of business is lawfully open to the public.

“127. Licensed vendors must pay cash for stamps purchased, and may be allowed a commission not exceeding 2½ per cent., in stamps, on purchases of stamps of the denominations of One half-penny, One penny, One penny half-penny, Twopence, Twopence half-penny, and Threepence of not less than £1 in value at any one time, but they must not use postage stamps for the payment of accounts, nor for remittances:

Provided that the amount of commission allowed to any licensed vendor on the stamps purchased under any licence held by him shall not exceed in the case of each licence the sum of Thirty shillings in any week:

Provided further that in cases where several licences are held by one person, the premises licensed shall be grouped, according to the localities in which they are situated, in such a way as to insure that stamps shall be supplied to the licensee from the smallest number of offices compatible with due regard to facility and promptness of supply, and the commission in such cases shall be limited to Thirty shillings per week at any one post office, and supplies of postage stamps shall only be obtainable from each post office once a day.

“128.—(1) Applications for the purchase of supplies of postage stamps must be made on the proper from.

“(2) Subject to the last preceding regulation, no licensed vendor shall be allowed to obtain, on commission, supplies of postage stamps more frequently than once a day.

“129. Any licensed vendor found dividing with the public the commission allowed by the Department on postage stamps purchased by him, or offering consideration with the view of inducing any person to purchase postage stamps at his place of business, shall be liable to have his licence cancelled.

“130. Any person selling or exposing for sale, without licence, any postage stamp, or exhibiting without authority any sign indicating that he is licensed to sell postage stamps shall be guilty of an offence against these Regulations and shall be liable, on conviction, to a penalty not exceeding £5.

“131.—(1) A licensed vendor shall not, in relation to the sale of postage stamps, appoint or employ any other licensed vendor as his agent or act as the agent of any other licensed vendor.

“(2) If a Deputy Postmaster-General is satisfied that any licensed vendor is guilty of any contravention of this regulation he shall forthwith cancel his licence.

“132. When called upon by the Deputy Postmaster-General to do so a licensed vendor must keep a book containing particulars of stamp sales, and must produce such book to an authorized officer of the Postmaster-General’s Department when required.

 

INTERFERING WITH POSTAGE STAMPS.

“133.—(1) Any person who—

(a) Treats or deals with or applies any substance to any postage stamp in any manner so as to facilitate the removal of any post-mark which is or may be placed thereon in any post office, or

(b) knowingly has in his possession any postage stamp which has been treated or dealt with or to which any substance has been applied in any manner so as to facilitate the removal of any post-mark which is or may be placed thereon in any post office, or

(c) knowingly puts off or uses for postal or telegraphic purposes any postage stamp which has been treated or dealt with or to which any substance has been applied in any manner so as to facilitate the removal of any post-mark which is or may be placed thereon in any post office,

shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable, on conviction, to a penalty of not more than Fifty pounds and not less than One pound.

“(2) Proof that a postage stamp affixed to a postal article has been treated or dealt with, or has had applied to it any substance, in contravention of this regulation, and that the defendant is the writer of the postal article or of any communication therein or of the address thereon or of any part of such address, or is the sender thereof, shall be primâ facie evidence that he is guilty of an offence against this regulation:

Provided that nothing in this regulation shall prejudice the proof of an offence against this regulation by other evidence.

PRIVATE POSTING BOXES.

“134. Arrangements may be made for the clearance, when practicable, of unregistered letters, letter cards, and post cards from private posting boxes of approved pattern at business premises, &c. If any articles other than letters, letter cards, and post cards are posted in a private posting box the box may be withdrawn.

“135. Officers of the Postmaster-General’s Department shall have access to the box for the purpose of clearing it, and they alone shall possess the keys for opening it.

“136. The clearances of the box shall be made at such times as the Deputy Postmaster-General arranges.

“137. Application with regard to the clearance of a private posting box must be made to the Deputy Postmaster-General.

“138. The boxes must be on the ground floor of the premises in which they are located, and the charges for clearance, which are payable in advance, shall be as follow, viz,:—

Twice a day (Sundays and holidays excepted)..............................	£4 per annum.
Thrice a day „	£5 per annum.
Four or more times a day „	£6 per annum.

“139. A notice shall be affixed to the boxes as follows:—

‘Any article put into this box shall not, for the purpose of any enactment, law, or contract, whereby the due posting is evidence of the receipt thereof by the addressee, be deemed to have been duly posted.’

‘Articles such as newspapers and packets (including circulars) must not be posted in this box.’

The second paragraph of the notice must be printed in prominent letters.

 

PRIVATE BOXES.

“140.—(1) Locked private boxes may be rented at the General Post Office, and, where provided, at other post offices (except those hereinafter provided for) on payment in advance of the following fees:—

For a large box...........................................................................	£3 per annum.
For a medium-sized box.............................................................	£2 per annum.
For a small box..........................................................................	£1 per annum.

A box-holder may, on payment of a fee of £2 per annum, in addition to the fee paid for renting a private box, have the contents of the private box placed in a locked bag and handed to his messenger. The bag, furnished with a lock and two keys—one for the postmaster and one for the owner—must be provided by the box-holder.

“(2) In the case of private boxes in country towns rented by persons not served by two letter deliveries by postmen on at least five days in each, week, exclusive of holidays, the fees shall be—

For a large box, £1 10s. per annum.

For a medium-sized box, £1 per annum.

For a small box, 10s. per annum.

payable in advance.

“(3) The Postmaster-General may refuse to provide private boxes at a country town in which there are not at least ten persons who are prepared to rent private boxes at the post office in that town for at least one year.

“(4) Notwithstanding the provisions in this regulation for payment of annual fees, persons who declare that they are temporary residents only, and who desire to rent a private box for a limited time, may be allowed the use of the box for a period of not less than three months and not more than six months. In those cases the fee shall be charged from the first day of the month in which the box is taken.

“(5) Every person who desires to rent a private box shall, in addition to any other fee payable under this regulation, deposit the sum of Five shillings as a guarantee for the return, in good order, of the keys of the box, which deposit shall be refunded on the keys being so returned within fourteen days from the day on which the tenancy expires; otherwise the deposit shall be forfeited to provide for the cost of fitting a new lock to enable the box to be re-let.

“141.—(1) Subject to the provisions of sub-regulation (4) of the last preceding regulation, new subscribers shall pay in advance the rental for one year, calculated from the first day of the month in which they commence.

“(2) At the expiration of the first year the renewal fee to be paid shall be calculated from the first day of the month, after the close of the first year’s service up to the end of December following. Thereafter the renewal fee shall fall due on 1st January in each year, and must be paid within fourteen days from that date.

“142.—(1) A private letter-box may be transferred to the successor in business of the original box-holder upon payment of a fee of One shilling, and upon application being made by both parties, and an undertaking being furnished by the transferee to accept all liabilities and obligations devolving upon the original box-holder at the time of transfer.

“(2) When a private letter-box is transferred to the successor in business of the original box-holder, the right to refund of the deposit, as provided by sub-regulation (5) of regulation 140; and to refund of portion of the fee as provided by regulation 144, shall pass to the transferee.

“(3) The private letter-box service of any box-holder may, if a box is available at the post office to which the transfer is desired, be transferred from one post office to another within the Commonwealth, on payment of a fee of Two shillings and sixpence.

 

“143. Two keys shall be supplied with each box, but a fee of One shilling and sixpence shall be charged for the use of each additional key supplied, and keys must not be obtained elsewhere than from the Department. On a box-holder relinquishing the use of a box he shall be required to return at once all keys supplied to him, as they are the property of the Postmaster-General, otherwise he shall be charged the rental fee for the box until they are returned.

“144. If a box-holder who has rented a private box for more than one year continuously, relinquishes the use of such box before the expiration of any subsequent year for which the prescribed fee has been paid, he shall, on return by him to the Department of all the keys of the box, and payment of One shilling, be entitled to a refund of the proportion of the fee paid for the period beyond the end of the quarter during which the box is relinquished

“145. If a key be lost, information must at once be given to the officer in charge of the local post office and the remaining key or keys returned to such officer, when a new lock, for which a charge of Five shillings shall be made, will be fitted in the box, and two keys supplied.

“146.—(1) A private box shall not be let—

(a) to any person who fails, neglects, or refuses, when required by the Postmaster-General, to furnish evidence to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General, that he is not a person, or the agent or representative of a person, who is engaged in receiving money or any valuable thing for any of the purposes or in connexion with any of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e), inclusive of sub-section (1) of section 57 of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, and that he does not intend to use the box for any such purpose or in connexion with any such matter; or

(b) except in cases where the Postmaster-General is satisfied as to the bona fides of the person, to any person using a fictitious or assumed name.

“(2) The Postmaster-General may cancel the tenancy of a private box at any time if he has reason to believe that the box—

(a) is being used for any purpose, or in connexion with any matter, mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e) inclusive of sub-section (1) of section 57 of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916; or

(b) is being used for any illegal, fraudulent, indecent, or immoral purpose whatsoever.

“(3) Where the tenancy of a box is so cancelled no portion of the fee paid for renting the box shall be refunded.

“147. Private boxes shall be let only on the conditions prescribed in these Regulations, and upon any breach thereof the Postmaster-General may at once withdraw permission for the use of the box.

 

PRIVATE MAIL-BAGS.

“148.—(1) Subject to this regulation, a private mail-bag for any person or for a number of persons residing on a mail route, may be made up at the post office most convenient to the Department.

“(2) A private mail-bag shall not be made up for delivery at a place within one mile of any office other than the office at which the bag is made up:

Provided that the provisions of this sub-regulation may be waived in the case of a public institution.

“149.—(1) The charge for aprivate mail-bag made up and despatched from a post office by mailman shall be £1 per annum if made up and despatched not more than thrice a week, or £2 per annum if made up and despatched more than thrice, but not more than six times a week, or £4 per annum if made up and despatched more than six times a week; provided, however, that the charge for making up bags conveyed from and to a post office by a private messenger instead of by a mailman shall be £1 per annum if made up not more than once daily, or £2 per annum if made up more than once daily. The charge in each case shall be payable in advance.

“(2) For private mail-bags which are conveyed by railway the actual cost of conveyance by railway must be paid where required by the Postmaster-General, in addition to the charge prescribed in the last preceding sub-regulation.

“150. In cases where a private mail-bag is required for not more than four months consecutively, and notice is given to that effect when the service is applied for, one-half only of the fees payable for a year, as prescribed by the last preceding regulation, shall be charged.

“151. Payments must be arranged so that renewal fees fall due on the 1st January in each year, and such renewal fees must be paid within one month from that date; except in the cases provided for in the last preceding regulation, new subscribers shall pay the proportion of fee at the annual rate from the first day of the month in which they commence to the end of December following.

“152. If the holder of a private mail-bag discontinues the use of such bag before the end of the term for which the prescribed fee has been paid, he shall, upon application, be entitled to a refund of the proportion of the fee paid for the unexpired portion of the term.

“153. The holder of a private mail-bag may have his service transferred—

(a) from one post office to another within the Commonwealth on payment of a fee of Two shillings, or

(b) from one mail route to another radiating from the same post office, on payment of a fee of One shilling.

“154. A private mail-bag service may be transferred to the successor in business of the original bag-holder, or to a person taking occupation of the premises of the original bag-holder, upon payment of a fee of One shilling, and upon application being made by both parties, and an undertaking being furnished by the transferee to accept all liabilities and obligations devolving upon the original bag-holder in respect of such service at the time of transfer.

“155. Private mail-bags, which must be of leather or strong canvas must be provided at the cost of the persons requiring them, and be large enough to contain all articles sent and received by post; if a bag be furnished with a lock, two keys must be provided—one for the postmaster and the other for the owner.

“156. The postmaster must lock or seal the bag for despatch, and it must be returned in like manner; if a seal is used, the impression must be made known to the postmaster.

 

“157.—(1) The bag may contain postal articles for all persons in the employ of the proprietor, or who, with the written consent of the proprietor of the bag, give written authority to the postmaster to enclose them in such bag.

“(2) The person who pays for the bag shall be responsible for the unpaid postage on all postal articles contained in the bag, and must furnish receipts for all registered articles and parcels enclosed in the bag, and forward to the post office acknowledgments of delivery, duly signed by the addressees.

“(3) The proprietor of the bag must return all correspondence for persons who have left his station or place, and also any letters, &c., enclosed in error.

“158. Every bag must have printed upon it, or upon a leather or metal label securely attached to the bag, the name of the owner, or the place where it is to be delivered, as well as the name of the post office with which it is exchanged.

“159. When a bag is made up for a number of persons, the name of one of the number, to whom the bag may be addressed, must be specified.

“160. Telegrams enclosed in a private bag may be transmitted free of postage; but other correspondence so enclosed and intended for delivery at the township where the bag is opened, or for onward despatch, must bear the correct amount of postage payable thereon. In case of non-payment of postage or detention of receipts or acknowledgments for registered articles and parcels, the postmaster may decline to forward any more articles of those classes.

“161. A contractor is bound to convey and deliver, free of charge, all private bags given him by the postmaster or under his instruction, but he is not required to deviate from the usual mail route or road, unless instructed by the Deputy Postmaster-General, and must on no account be delayed. Should the return bag not be ready at the appointed time and place, the contractor must not wait for it.

“162. Notwithstanding anything contained in these Regulations institutions, persons, or firms whose premises are not situated on a mail route may have private bags (to be conveyed only by private messenger) made up at an annual cost of £1 if made up not more than once daily, or £2 if made up more than once daily. For bags of this kind, made up at the General Post Office, lockers—in which they will be deposited after ordinary office hours—will be provided at the General Post Office for a rental of £2 per annum. The charge in each case shall be payable in advance, and the provisions of regulations 151 to 160 inclusive, shall also apply.

 

MISCELLANEOUS.

“163. No information can be given respecting letters which pass through a post office except to the persons to whom they are addressed; and in no other way is official information of a private character allowed to be made public:

Provided that a postmaster may give an address if he has no reason to believe that the person whose address it is would disapprove of his doing so.

“164. Postmasters and other officers are prohibited from supplying, other than under directions of the Deputy Postmaster-General of their State, information regarding the financial position of any person, company or firm.

“165. Postmasters are not compelled to give change; and when money is paid at a post office, whether as change or otherwise, no question as to its right amount, goodness, or weight can be entertained after it has been removed from the counter.

“166. Postmasters are not compelled to weigh postal articles for the public if their duties are impeded by so doing:

Provided that parcels shall be tested both as to weight and size before being accepted.

“167. If a letter be forwarded under cover to any postmaster with arequest that he will repost it at his office, the letter, on being reposted, must be indorsed with the words ‘Posted at——————, under cover to the Postmaster of——————.’

“168.—(1) Mail contractors are required to receive (beyond a mile from a post office) correspondence intended for delivery along their line of route.

“(2) If fully prepaid and for delivery before a post office is reached, the mailman must cancel the stamps, by crossing them with ink, or in some other effective manner.

“(3) If the correspondence be unpaid or insufficiently prepaid, it must not be delivered, but posted at the next post office on the line of route, whence it must be despatched to destination charged with double the deficiency, to be collected on delivery.

‘‘(4) All correspondence so received must bear an indorsement by the mailman indicating the particular point on the road at which it was received.

“169. Mail contractors are prohibited from carrying or permitting their servants or passengers to carry, any letter or packet to the prejudice of the Post Office revenue.

“170. All correspondence must be clearly and legibly addressed in the ordinary way, and nothing may be written or printed on the address side of correspondence which, by tending to prevent the easy and quick reading of the address, or in any other way, is likely to embarrass the postal officials in dealing with it. Contravention of this regulation may result in correspondence being withheld from delivery. The Department will not undertake to deliver correspondence bearing ‘puzzle’ addresses.

 

WITHDRAWAL OF CORRESPONDENCE.

“171. (1) Except as otherwise provided in these Regulations, postmasters shall not return any postal article to the writer or sender thereof, or to any other person, or delay forwarding it to its destination according to the address without either the consent in writing of the addressee, or the direction in writing of the Postmaster-General.

“(2) In cases where the sender applies for the withdrawal of a postal article before delivery to the addressee, the Postmaster-General may give the necessary direction in writing if he considers the reasons for withdrawal are satisfactory.

“(3) The applicant for withdrawal of a postal article in accordance with this regulation shall pay a fee of One shilling, and, in addition, the cost of any necessary telegrams.

MAIL NOTICE.

“172.—(1) One copy of the Mail Notice published twice weekly may be supplied to private box-holders, and to persons calling for same at the General Post Office on payment in advance of Five shillings per annum, or delivered by postmen, on their first round, on payment in advance of Ten shillings per annum.

“(2) New subscribers shall pay in advance the fee for one year calculated from the first day of the month in which they become subscribers. At the expiration of the first year’s service, the renewal fee to be paid shall be calculated for the period from the first day of the month after the close of the first year’s service to the last day of December following. Thereafter the renewal fee shall fall due on the first day of January in each year.

RATES OF PAYMENT TO MASTERS OF VESSELS.

“173. The rates of payment to masters of vessels for the carriage of mails in cases not provided for by contract shall be as follow:—

(a) In harbors and on rivers—

Letters and post cards..........................................................	8d. per lb.
Other articles.......................................................................	1s. 4d. per cwt.

(b) Otherwise to places within the Commonwealth—

Letters and post cards..........................................................	1s. 4d. per lb.
Other articles.......................................................................	2s. 8d. per cwt.

(c) To places beyond the Commonwealth—

Letters and post cards..........................................................	2s. per lb.
Other articles.......................................................................	4s. per cwt.

NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF DEPARTURE OF NON-CONTRACT VESSELS, AND OF NON-DEPARTURE OF VESSELS WHICH HAVE RECEIVED MAILS ON BOARD.

“174. The notices required to be given by masters of vessels pursuant to sub-section two of section seventy-one, and to section seventy-two of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, shall be in writing.

 

COLLECTION OF LETTERS BY POSTMEN.

“175.—(1) Postmen must receive all properly stamped letters that are handed to them when engaged in their deliveries for the purpose of being posted at the post office to which they are attached, or to be deposited in the nearest or most suitable pillar-box, or other receptacle provided for the reception of letters:

Provided that postmen shall not in any case be required to accept such letters within a radius of a quarter of a mile from the nearest posting place or to wait for them.

“(2) Letters received in pursuance of this regulation must be dealt with so as to insure the most speedy transmission to the post office for which they are intended.

POSTAL ARTICLES LIABLE TO CUSTOMS DUTY.

“176.—(1) Any letter—

(a) received from a place beyond the Commonwealth, or

(b) posted at any post office within the Commonwealth,

which is suspected to contain any article on which Customs duty is payable, or any article the importation of which is prohibited, shall before delivery be opened by the addressee or his representative for examination by an officer of Customs.

“(2) If it is found to contain any article on which Customs duty is payable, the duty thereon as assessed by the officer of Customs shall be paid before the letter is delivered to the addressee.

“(3) If it is found to contain an article the importation of which is prohibited, it shall be handed to the officer of Customs to be dealt with according to law.

“177. Any postal article not being a letter—

(a) received from a place beyond the Commonwealth, or

(b) posted at any post office within the Commonwealth,

which is suspected to contain any article on which Customs duty is payable, may be opened for examination, and if it is found to contain any such article the duty thereon as assessed by an officer of Customs shall be paid before the postal article is delivered to the addressee.

“178. Any postal article containing any article forwarded in contravention of any Customs Act or Regulation thereunder shall be forwarded to the Collector of Customs to be dealt with according to law.

“179 Nothing in these Regulations shall prejudice or prevent the taking of any proceedings or the seizure or forfeiture of any goods for any contravention of any Customs Act or Regulation thereunder.

LOITERING IN POST OR TELEGRAPH OFFICES.

“180. Any person who loiters in a Post Office or Telegraph Office shall be guilty of an offence against these Regulations and shall be liable, on conviction, to a penalty not exceeding £5, and any person found so loitering may be ejected.

 

PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

“181.—(1) If any person who is a party in any legal proceedings between private litigants, or the solicitor of that person, desires the production of an official document as evidence in the proceedings, the person or his solicitor may make application on Form A or Form B set out hereunder, whichever is appropriate to the circumstances, to the Deputy Postmaster-General in whose custody the document is, for the production of the document.

FORM A.

In the Court

 at

19

No.

Plaintiff.

and

Defendant.

(a) Plaintiff.

(b) Defendant.

Whereas an action is now pending in the Court of at in the State of in which is plaintiff and is defendant. And whereas it is necessary for the purposes of justice and for the due determination of the matters in dispute between (a) and (b) that the documents more particularly described in the Schedule hereunder written should be produced and shown forth on the hearing of the above action.

(c) Plaintiff or defendant.

Now therefore I , as (c) have thehonour to request, and do hereby request, that for the reasons aforesaid and for the assistance of the said Court, you, as the Deputy Postmaster-General of the State of will be pleased to cause the said documents to be produced and shown forth on my behalf at the sittings of the said Court to be holden at on the day of 19 at the hour of o’clock in the noon, and so from day to day until the above action is tried.

Dated the day of 19

Plaintiff or

Defendant.

To the Deputy Postmaster-General

of the State of

———

Schedule.

Full particulars of Documents required. Date.

FORM B.

In the Court

at

No. 19

Plaintiff.

and

Defendant.

Whereas an action is now pending in the Court of at in the State of in which is plaintiff, and is defendant.

(a) Plaintiff or defendant.

And whereas it has been represented to me as Solicitor for the above-named (a) that it is necessary for the purposes of justice and for the due determination of the matters in dispute between the parties that the documents more particularly described in the Schedule hereunder written should be produced and shown forth on the hearing of the above action.

Now therefore I as such Solicitor as aforesaid have the honour to

 

(a) Plaintiff or defendant.

request, and do hereby request, that for the reasons aforesaid and for the assistance of the said Court, you, as the Deputy Postmaster-General of the State of will be pleased to cause the said documents to be produced and shown forth on behalf of (a) at the sittings of the said Court to be holden at  on the day of 19 at the hour of  o’clock in the noon and so from day to day until the above action is tried, Dated the day of 19

(a) Plaintiff or defendant.

Solicitor (a)

and Solicitor for the (a)

To the Deputy Postmaster-General

of the State of

———

Schedule.

 

Full particulars of Documents required. Date.

“(2) If there be no objection on the part of the Department to comply with the application, a notice to that effect shall be forwarded to the person making the application, who shall thereupon pay to the Deputy Postmaster General—

(a) a fee of One guinea;

(b) a sum sufficient to meet any travelling expenses necessary for the officer searching for or producing the document.

REGISTRATION.

“182.—(1) Any postal article (other than a parcel) complying with the regulations relating thereto, shall, except as provided by sub-regulations (2) , (3) , and (4) of this regulation, be accepted for registration, upon payment, by means of postage stamps affixed to the article, of the registration fee of Threepence, in addition to the correct amount of postage.

“(2) No postal article addressed in pencil (except copying ink pencil) or to initials, shall be accepted for registration; provided that articles for delivery within the Commonwealth, addressed to initials or fictitious names, if addressed to the care of some person, shall be accepted for registration.

“(3) The reply halves of reply paid post cards cannot be registered by the original senders of such cards.

“(4) No postal article shall be accepted for registration unless the cover is in a sound condition. Under no circumstances shall an article be accepted for registration if selvedge stamp paper or other gummed paper is attached to the cover for the purpose of sealing the article, or if the article bears the appearance of having been opened and resealed.

“183. Unless the prescribed registration fee is paid thereon, no postal article which is marked on either side with red lines drawn lengthwise and across it shall be transmitted by post.

“184.—Where a postal official has reasonable cause to believe that that any unregistered postal article for delivery in the Commonwealth, Papua, Fiji, or New Zealand contains any valuable enclosure other than money orders or bills of exchange, acceptances, or promissory notes, payable to order, cheques or postal notes, or postage stamps, not exceeding five

shillings in value, he must officially register the article and surcharge it double the prescribed fee for registration, which must be paid by the addressee before delivery, unless the addressee, before delivery, opens the article in the presence of the postmaster and it is found not to contain any valuable enclosure in which case the surcharge shall be remitted.

“(2) If it is believed that an unregistered postal article, other than a parcel addressed to a place beyond the Commonwealth, other than Papua, Fiji or New Zealand contains a valuable enclosure, such article shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office.

“185.—(1) When no direction in writing to the contrary has been received, correspondence for a husband may be delivered to his wife and correspondence for a wife may be delivered to her husband, and correspondence addressed to members of the same family living in the same house may be delivered to any responsible member of the family living in the house (except young children), or to any messenger authorized to receive it.

“(2) Except as set forth in the last preceding sub-regulation, no registered postal article shall be delivered to any person other than—

(a) the addressee in person; or

(b) a person authorized by a written order from the addressee to receive delivery of registered postal articles on his behalf; or

(c) in the case of business establishments, public institutions, hotels, and lodging-houses, the proprietor, or manager, or some person authorized in writing by the proprietor or manager to receive delivery of the correspondence at such places; or

(d) a person to whose care the registered postal article is addressed,

“(3) An order under paragraph (b) of the last preceding sub-regulation must bear the date on which it was made, and the addressee’s address, and the name of the person in whose favour it is made. A specimen signature of the person in whose favour the order is made must also appear on the order, and the order must be delivered to the postmaster or other proper officer.

“(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulations (1) and (2) of this regulation in all cases where the sender pays the prescribed fee to obtain an acknowledgment of receipt of the article, as provided by section 38 (2) of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, delivery shall be made only to the addressee. In such cases the sender may indorse the cover of the article with the words ‘To be delivered to addressee only.’

Acknowledgment of Delivery of Registered Articles.

“186.—(1) The sender of a registered article may obtain an acknowledgment of its due delivery to the addressee by paying in advance, at the time of registration, a fee of 3d. in addition to the postage and registration fee.

“(2) The sender must enter, in the form provided for the purpose, both his own name and address, and the name and address of the person to whom the article is sent, and he must also affix to the form in payment of the, fee a postage stamp of the value of 3d., which the postmaster or other officer must cancel in the ordinary way. Should an application for this form be made at an office at which there are no forms on hand, the fee of 3d. should be paid by postage stamps, and a memorandum furnished, giving the name and address of both the sender of the article and the addressee; the proper form will then subsequently be made out by a postal official and forwarded with the article to its destination. The same procedure should be observed when the sender applies for an acknowledgment of delivery of a registered article after the article has been transmitted.

   

Compensation for Loss of Registered Articles.

Registered Articles posted in the Commonwealth for Delivery Therein.

“187. Except in cases beyond control (e.g., tempest, shipwreck, earthquake, war, &c) , compensation not exceeding £2 may be granted for the entire loss of registered postal articles, other than parcels, registered by the sender, posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein:

Provided that in every case it must appear that the loss did not arise wholly or in part through the fault of the sender, and that it occurred whilst the article was actually in the post.

“188. (1) Evidence in support of a claim in respect of the loss of a registered article may be given by statutory declaration as follows:—

(a) A statutory declaration made by or on behalf of the, claimant setting forth—

(i) the date when and the place where the article was posted, so far as they can reasonably be ascertained;

(ii) a description of the article and its value, so far as they are known to the claimant, and the fact of the loss; and

(iii) any other particulars required by these Regulations or tending to establish the loss of the article or to verify the claim made.

(b) A statutory declaration made by the addressee, or some person who is acquainted with the fact, that neither the registered article nor any enclosure therein has been received by the addressee.

“(2) The Postmaster-General or the Deputy Postmaster-General may, if he thinks fit, require additional evidence of the loss or value of the article.

“189. In lieu of granting compensation, the missing article may be replaced by the Postmaster-General, who, in either case, reserves the right to return, or dispose of the article, as he thinks fit, should it subsequently come into his hands.

“190. No compensation shall be given in respect of—

(a) Any article which may not be lawfully sent by post.

(b) Money, unless it be enclosed in a letter, and then only on the following conditions being complied with:—

(i) That any coins enclosed in the letter be packed in such a way as to move about as little as possible.

(ii) That the number, amount, bank of issue, and (where necessary) the date of any bank-note enclosed be supplied when required.

(iii) That the amount and number of any postal note enclosed be supplied when required.

(iv) That particulars sufficient to identify the document be supplied in the case of any bill of exchange, bond, coupon, or other order or authority for the payment of money or security for money.

(c) Injury or damage alleged to have been sustained in consequence of the loss, damage, or delay of an article.

“191. No legal liability to give compensation in respect of the loss of any registered article shall attach to the Postmaster-General, either personally or in his official capacity, and the decision of the Postmaster-General, as to whether compensation shall or shall not be granted shall in all cases be final.

Registered Articles received from a Country within the Postal Union.

“192.—(1) If it is proved to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General that a postal article received from beyond the Commonwealth, duly admitted to registration by the Administration of a country within the Postal Union which has uniform regulations, has been entirely lost while in his custody, the Postmaster-General will pay to the sender an indemnity of 50 francs (£2), except in the cases beyond control (e.g., tempest, shipwreck, earthquake, war, &c.).

“(2) No compensation shall be paid under this regulation except in the case of the loss of the entire postal article; and no claim will be admitted if made more than a year after the postal article was duly posted.

“(3) No compensation shall be paid for the loss of registered articles the contents of which are prohibited by the Universal Postal Convention for the time being in force from transmission by post.”

 

Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.