Postal Regulations (Cth)

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STATUTORY RULES.

1935. No. 3.

 

REGULATIONS UNDER THE POST AND TELEGRAPH ACT 1901-1934.*

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1934.

Dated this twenty third day of January, 1935.

(Sgd.) ISAAC A. ISAACS.

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

Postmaster-General.

 

POSTAL REGULATIONS.

Part I.—Preliminary.

Short title.

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Postal Regulations.

Parts.

2. These Regulations are divided into Parts as follows:—

Part I.—Preliminary.

Part II.—Air Mail, Mail Notice and Late Fees, Addressing and Withdrawal of Postal Articles, Grouped Articles.

Part III.—First Class Mail Matter.

Part IV.—Second Class Mail Matter.

Part V.—Third Class Mail Matter.

Part VI.—Packing and Prohibitions.

Part VII.—Postage.

Part VIII.—Delivery and Re-direction of Mail Matter and Treatment of Undelivered Mail Matter.

Part IX.—Postage Stamps.

Part X.—Private Posting Receptacles.

Part XI.—Private Boxes.

Part XII.—Private Mail Bags.

Part XIII.—Registered Post.

Part XIV.—Cash on Delivery Post.

Part XV.—Parcels (Fourth Class Mail Matter).

Part XVI.—Insurance of Parcels.

Part XVII.—Money Orders.

Part XVIII.—Postal Notes.

Part XIX.—Miscellaneous.

 

* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on  1935.

5736.—6/9.1.1935. —Price 2s. 6d.

Definition.

3. In these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—

“The Act” means the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1934 as amended from time to time.

“The Rates Act” means the Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902-1931 as amended from time to time.

Part II.—Air Mail, Mail Notice and Late Fees, Addressing and Withdrawal of Postal Articles, Grouped Articles.

Air mail fee.

4. The fee payable on an article posted for transmission by air mail within the Commonwealth of Australia shall be Threepence per half ounce or part thereof (in addition to postage) irrespective of number of air routes in the Commonwealth over which the article is to be conveyed.

Addressing of postal articles.

5.—(1.) Every postal article shall be legibly addressed in writing or printing running parallel to the length of the cover, leaving a clear space above the address sufficient to accommodate the postage stamps and postmarks.

(2.) Nothing shall be written, printed, or placed on the address side of a postal article which is likely to impede its treatment by postal officials. A postal article may be deemed to contravene this regulation if matter such as advertisements, pictorial representations, ornamentations, and such like additions (other than headings which leave sufficient space for the postage stamps and postmarks) extends beyond the left half of the envelope cover or wrapper.

(3.) An article shall not be accepted for transmission by post if it is enclosed in an envelope, wrapper or cover bearing cancelled postage stamps, postmarks or other evidence of previous transmission through the post.

Provided that this regulation shall not apply to an article which has been re-directed in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations relating to re-direction.

Grouped articles.

6. An article other than a parcel containing enclosures liable to different rates of postage shall be treated as if the whole contents were in the same category as the portion to which the highest rate is applicable, and if the postage has not been fully prepaid at the rate prescribed for such portion the article shall be surcharged at such rate:

Provided that on a letter and article of the second class posted in a dual envelope in accordance with the requirements of the Postmaster-General, the postage charged shall be that applicable respectively to the letter and the second class article.

Late fees.

7.—(1.) The late fee on all unregistered postal articles, except parcels posted in the Commonwealth, for any destination, shall be One penny each.

(2.) The late fee on all registered articles, except parcels, for any destination, 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 Twopence for each article.

(3.) The late fee on registered, cash on delivery, and insured parcels, for any destination, posted at any post office at which “late fee” parcels are accepted shall be Twopence for each parcel. The late fee system does not apply to ordinary parcels.

Withdrawal of postal articles.

8.—(1.) Except as otherwise provided in these Regulations, a postal article shall not be returned to the sender, nor withheld from due transmission to its destination according to the address appearing thereon, nor delivered to any person other than the addressee, 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.

9.—(1.) One copy of the Departmental Mail Notice which is published periodically by the Deputy Director, shall be supplied on payment of a subscription as follows:—

(a) If placed in the subscriber’s private

box or called for at the General

Post Office .............................................. 5s. per annum.

(b) If delivered by postman ................................ 10s. per annum.

(2.) Subscribers shall pay in advance the subscription, calculated at the annual rate from the first day of the month in which the supply will commence to the end of December following. Thereafter the annual renewal subscription shall fall due on the first day of January in each year, and shall be paid within fourteen days from that date.

Part III.—First Class Mail Matter.

What constitutes first class mail matter.

10. First class mail matter shall consist of letters, letter cards, and post cards.

Letters.

11. Any article of convenient shape and size which is eligible for transmission through the post may be accepted for transmission as a letter.

Certain articles transmissible only as first class matter.

12. Except as is expressly permitted under the conditions relating to the several classes of mail matter, any postal article which bears or contains any communication having the nature of actual or personal correspondence, or which is closed against inspection, shall be transmitted by post only as first class mail matter.

Post cards.

13.—(1.) A post card to be eligible for transmission at the rate prescribed for post cards shall comply with the following conditions:—

(a) It shall be posted without envelope or wrapper;

(b) The name and address of the addressee shall appear on the front;

(c) Nothing beyond the name and address of the addressee shall appear on the right half of the front;

(d) Any attachment shall consist of paper or other very thin substance, and adhere completely to the card. Stamps (other than those in prepayment of postage) liable to be mistaken for postage stamps, may be affixed only to the back.

(e) Nothing in the nature of samples of merchandise or similar articles shall be affixed or attached;

(f) It shall be made of cardboard or paper stout enough to be easily handled in the post;

(g) Its dimensions shall be not less than 4 inches long and 2¾ inches wide, and not more than 5½ inches long and inches wide; and

(h) A reply post card shall not be closed up in any manner whatsoever.

(2.) A post card not fulfilling the prescribed conditions shall be treated as a letter.

Certain cards to be enclosed.

14. Cards of the varieties known as “tinselled” and “beaded,” and cards with “pearling” decorations, shall not be transmissible through the post unless enclosed in envelopes.

Part IV.—Second Class Mail Matter.

What constitutes second class mail matter.

15. Second Class Mail Matter shall comprise Commercial Papers; Printed Matter (including printed papers, circulars, and catalogues, and books, periodicals, and newspapers not registered at a General Post Office); Patterns; Samples; and Merchandise.

Personal correspondence and articles closed against inspection, surcharged.

16.—(1.) Except asis expressly permitted under the conditions relating to Second Class Mail Matter, an article having the character of actual or personal correspondence or bearing or containing anything of such character or which is closed against inspection shall not be eligible for transmission as Second Class Mail Matter. Any such article bearing postage less than that required for First Class Mail Matter shall be treated as an insufficiently prepaid letter.

(2.) In the case of an article exceeding two ounces in weight, which has been surcharged as an insufficiently prepaid letter owing to its being closed against inspection, if the addressee opens it in the presence of the Postmaster and it is found to contain nothing of the nature of actual or personal correspondence, the surcharge imposed on account of its being closed against inspection may be remitted.

Packages prepaid at letter rate to be specially marked.

17. The sender of an unregistered postal article in respect of which postage at letter rate is paid shall, if the article is made up in such a manner that it might be mistaken for an article of the second class, endorse the article on the address side with the words “Letter Post” and mark it by drawing lines across the front and back, in colour other than red, in the following manner:—

Limits of dimensions.

18. Postal articles classified as Second Class Mail Matter shall not exceed 2 feet in length, or 1 foot in depth or breadth, or, if in the form of a roll, 2 ft. 6 in. in length and 4 inches in diameter, or be of inconvenient form.

Articles not transmissible as second class mail matter.

19.—(1.) The following articles shall not be accepted for transmission as Second Class Mail Matter. They shall be enclosed in sealed covers, and the rates and conditions prescribed for letters shall apply:—

(a) Except when enclosed in bankers’ packets—cheques, money orders, postal notes, bank drafts, bills of exchange, acceptances, promissory notes payable to order, bank notes, interest coupons, revenue stamps, and negotiable instruments representing a monetary value;

(b)Treasury bonds payable to bearer except when sent from one bank to another within the Commonwealth, or when sent from the Commonwealth Treasury or a bank to a Registrar of Inscribed Stock or vice versa;

(c) unobliterated adhesive postage stamps, except when affixed to an enclosed post card, letter card, or envelope;

(d) notices or information relating to lotteries (not including art unions) and schemes of chance.

(2.) Perishable substances, such as game, fish, flesh, fruit, and vegetables are not eligible for transmission as Second Class Mail Matter. The rates and conditions prescribed for parcels shall apply.

Commercial papers.

20.—(1.) Commercial Papers comprise formal business documents and communications of a routine character, consisting of—

(A) routine communications or formal documents, for which a printed form is used;

(B) formal documents (not in the form of correspondence) wholly prepared by hand;

and shall be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage stipulated for Commercial Papers, subject to compliance with the relative conditions.

(2.) Postal articles transmissible at the rate of postage prescribed for Commercial Papers shall not exceed 5 lb. in weight.

Printed matter.

21.—(1.) Matter which is wholly printed and complies with the relative conditions shall be eligible for transmission as Printed Matter.

(2.) The limit of weight of any article transmissible as Printed Matter shall be 5 lb.

Permit mail.

22.—(1.) Subject to the permission of the Postmaster-General having first been obtained and the prescribed conditions being complied with, printed circular letters posted for delivery within the Commonwealth may be transmitted under sealed cover at Printed Matter rate of postage. When, however, a pattern, sample, or article of merchandise is enclosed with the printed circular, the rate of postage, and the maximum weight prescribed for patterns, samples, and merchandise shall apply.

(2.) In addition to the prescribed postage a fee of One halfpenny shall be paid in respect of each postal article posted under the provisions of this regulation.

(3.) The envelope of each article so posted shall bear on the address side, in print, as a symbol of the permit issued, the letters P.M.G.—P., together with a letter indicating the capital city in which the permit is issued and the number of the permit, e.g., P.M.G.—PS.246.

(4.) In common with other Second Class Mail Matter, the articles shall be subject to the right of the Postmaster-General to open for the purpose of inspecting the contents.

(5.) A permit to post printed circular letters under the provisions of this regulation shall continue in force for a period of one year from the date of issue, and shall be renewable on application at the discretion of the Postmaster-General. The permit shall, nevertheless, remain in force only during the pleasure of the Postmaster-General, and shall be subject to immediate cancellation in the event of the holder failing to strictly observe the conditions laid down in regard to the posting of mail matter under this regulation, and such cancellation shall be without prejudice to any action taken under the provisions of the Post and Telegraph Act or under sub-regulation (6.) of this regulation.

(6.) Any person who—

(a) avails or attempts to avail himself of the provisions of this regulation without having first obtained the authority of the Postmaster-General; or

(b) posts in an envelope bearing the symbol of a permit issued under this regulation an article other than that covered by such a permit; or

(c) having been authorized to post mail matter under the provisions of this regulation fails to comply with the conditions set out in the permit; or

(d) posts an article in an envelope bearing the symbol of a permit issued under this regulation when such permit has been cancelled or having expired has not been renewed within the time determined by the Postmaster-General

shall be guilty of an offence. Penalty £50.

Permit mail postings contravening regulations.

23. Notwithstanding that the sender may have been granted a permit to post mail matter under regulation 22, the Postmaster-General may at any time refuse to accept postings under such regulation if, in his opinion, the articles tendered for posting contravene the provisions of the Act or of any relative postal regulation or rule, and may immediately return such articles to the sender, without prejudice to any action taken under the Act or Regulations.

Patterns, samples and merchandise.

24. Articles eligible to be transmitted as Patterns, Samples, or Merchandise shall consist of manufactured articles and substances, raw material, seeds, patterns, samples, specimens, and the like, sent in packages not exceeding 1 lb. in weight.

Part V.—Third Class Mail Matter.

What constitutes third class mail matter.

25. Third Class Mail Matter shall comprise books, periodicals, and newspapers registered at a General Post Office for transmission as such.

Penalty for false inscription.

26. Any person who places or causes to be placed in or upon a publication which has not been registered at a General Post Office for transmission through the post as a book, as a periodical, or as a newspaper, as the case may be, an inscription likely to give the impression that such publication has been so registered, shall be guilty of an offence. Penalty £50.

Personal correspondence and sealed articles not transmissible as third class mail matter.

27.—(1.) An article bearing or containing anything of the character of actual or personal correspondence, or which is closed against inspection, shall not be eligible for transmission as Third Class Mail Matter, and any article which is posted contrary to the provisions of this regulation shall be treated as an insufficiently prepaid letter.

(2.) If on receiving an article which has been surcharged as an insufficiently prepaid letter owing to its being closed against inspection the addressee opens it in the presence of the postmaster, and it is found to contain nothing of a nature of actual or personal correspondence, the surcharge imposed on account of its being closed against inspection may be remitted.

Dimensions.

28. Postal articles classified as Third Class Mail Matter shall not exceed 2 feet in length or 1 foot in depth or breadth, or, if in the form of a roll, 2 ft. 6 in. in length and 4 inches in diameter.

Books transmissible as third class mail matter.

29.—(1.) Books transmissible as Third Class Mail Matter shall consist of printed or printed and illustrated publications of a literary or educational character, written by one or more Australian authors and printed in Australia. They shall be in book form, and be registered at a General Post Office 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.

(2.) To be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for Third Class Mail Matter, packages of books shall not exceed 5 lb. in weight.

(3.) A publication which is not in book form nor of the character specified in the conditions governing the classification of books, or is published for the purpose of advertisement, shall not be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for Third Class Mail Matter.

Book form.

30. In order to be in book form, a publication shall 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 ordinary binding material.

Advertisements in books.

31. 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, other advertisements may appear on the permanent cover, but not on any of the pages of the book.

Periodicals transmissible as third class mail matter.

32.—(1.) Periodicals transmissible as Third Class Mail Matter shall consist of magazines, reviews and other similar publications registered at a General Post Office for transmission through the post as a periodical.

(2.) To be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for Third Class Matter packages of periodicals shall not exceed 5 lb. in weight.

(3.) To be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for periodicals posted by the proprietors thereof or by news-vendors or agents, packages of periodicals shall not exceed 28 lb. in weight.

Evidence of compliance with Rates Act.

33. Persons who post periodicals at the rate of postage prescribed for postings by proprietors of periodicals and news-vendors or agents may be called upon to satisfy the Department that the conditions prescribed by the Rates Act to secure that rate are complied with. For this purpose they may be required to produce forthwith such documentary evidence as the Postmaster or other departmental officer considers necessary.

Inscription on cover of registered periodicals.

34. The publisher of a registered periodical shall print on the outside of the front cover (or page where the periodical has no cover) of each copy issued the words “Registered at the General Post Office, for transmission by post as a periodical”.

Supplements to periodicals.

35.—(1.) A publication which is printed upon paper and issued as a supplement to a periodical and which—

(a) consists in substantial part of reading matter other than advertisements, or of engravings, prints or lithographs, and is enclosed in each copy of the relevant issue of the periodical;

(b) is enclosed in each posted copy of the periodical with which it is issued;

(c) has the date of publication and title of the periodical with which it is issued printed at the top of each page, or when in the form of an engraving, print or lithograph at the top of each sheet; and

(d) does not exceed the periodical itself in size or weight.

shall be deemed to be a supplement and to be a part of that periodical.

(2.) A publication designed primarily for advertising purposes shall not be deemed to be a supplement to a periodical within the meaning of this regulation.

Change in form, title, &c., of periodical.

36. The publisher, printer, or proprietor of a registered periodical shall notify the Deputy Director of any proposed change in the form, title, frequency of issue, or proprietorship of such periodical; and a copy of the first issue of the periodical under the changed form, title, frequency of issue, or proprietorship shall be immediately furnished to the Deputy Director.

Newspapers transmissible as third class mail matter.

37.—(1.) Newspapers transmissible as Third Class Mail Matter shall consist of publications coming within the prescribed definition of a newspaper and registered at a General Post Office for transmission through the post as a newspaper.

(2.) To be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for Third Class Matter packages of newspapers shall not exceed 5 lb. in weight.

(3.) To be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for newspapers posted by the proprietors thereof or by news-vendors or agents, packages of newspapers shall not exceed 28 lb. in weight.

Evidence of compliance with Rates Act.

38. Persons who post newspapers at the rate of postage prescribed for postings by newspaper proprietors and news-vendors or agents, may be called upon to satisfy the Department that the conditions prescribed by the Rates Act to secure that rate are complied with. For this purpose they may be required to produce forthwith such documentary evidence as the postmaster or other departmental officer considers necessary.

Supplements to newspapers.

39. A supplement to a newspaper shall not exceed in size or weight the newspaper with which it is issued.

Inscription on registered newspapers.

40. 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”.

Change in form, title, &c., of newspaper.

41. The publisher, printer, or proprietor of a registered newspaper shall notify the Deputy Director of any proposed change in the form, title, frequency of issue, or proprietorship of such newspaper; and a copy of the first issue of the newspaper under the changed form, title, frequency of issue, or proprietorship shall be immediately furnished to the Deputy Director.

Publications not eligible for registration as books.

42. 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 registration as a book.

Registration of books.

43.—(1.) A printed or printed and illustrated publication of a literary or educational character written by one or more Australian authors, and printed in Australia, may be registered as a book, subject to the following conditions:—

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

(b) The application for registration shall be made in the form required by the Department to a Deputy Director, and shall be accompanied by a copy of the relative publication in proof or complete form, bearing the imprint referred to in paragraph (c) of this regulation.

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

(2.) When registration is granted, the words “Registered at the General Post Office,...................., for transmission, through the post as a book” shall be printed or stamped on the title leaf of the publication.

Definition of periodical.

44.—(1.) For the purposes of this regulation, a publication shall be deemed to be a periodical if it is printed and published within the Commonwealth for bona fide sale at the advertised price, and is a publication which:—

(a) is originated and published for the dissemination of information of public interest, or is devoted to literature, the sciences, arts, or religious, technical, or practical subjects;

(b) is regularly published in numbers at intervals not exceeding three calendar months;

(c) has the full title and date of publication printed on the cover and at the top of each page, and has each page consecutively numbered; and

(d) is formed of printed paper sheets without board, cloth, leather, or other substantial binding.

(2.) The provisions of this regulation in regard to sale, and the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of sub-regulation (1.) shall not apply to school magazines or to periodical publications consisting in substantial part of articles on scientific, technical, or educational subjects issued by Australian scientific, technical, or educational institutions or societies.

(3.) A publication designed primarily for advertising purposes, or for free circulation, or for circulation at nominal rates, shall not be deemed to be a periodical within the meaning of this regulation.

Application for registration of periodical.

45. The proprietor, printer, or publisher of a periodical publication may, subject to the following conditions, apply to have it registered as a periodical at the General Post Office of any State:—

(a) The application for registration shall be made in writing, and shall contain a description of the periodical to be registered, and show at what interval the periodical is published.

(b) Three copies of the latest issue of the periodical, and one copy of the last preceding issue, shall accompany the application.

(c) A statutory declaration by the applicant declaring—

(i) that the periodical is printed and published within the Commonwealth for bona fide sale at the advertised price, and is not designed primarily for advertising purposes or for free circulation, or circulation at nominal rates;

(ii) that at least 75 per centum of the copies issued are sold to bona fide purchasers, or to bona fide subscribers; and

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

shall accompany the application.

Registration of periodical.

46. If upon receipt of the application the Deputy Director is satisfied that the publication is a periodical within the meaning of these Regulations, and that the requirements of the regulations have been complied with, he may register it accordingly, and any publication for the time being on the register of periodicals shall be deemed a periodical registered at a General Post Office:

Provided that no publication which contains profane, blasphemous, indecent, obscene, immoral or seditious matter shall be registered in accordance with this regulation.

Deregistration of periodical.

47. If in the opinion of the Postmaster-General any posted copy of a registered periodical contains profane, blasphemous, indecent, obscene, immoral or seditious matter, or if in the opinion of the Postmaster-General a registered periodical has ceased to conform to the definition of a periodical contained in these Regulations, he may, by notice, call upon the proprietor, printer, or publisher of the periodical to show cause within the time specified in the notice why the periodical should not be removed from the register, and if within that time sufficient cause has not, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, been shown, he may direct the Deputy Director to remove the periodical from the register, and upon such removal the periodical shall be deemed not to be registered.

Evidence of compliance with regulations.

48. The Deputy Director of the State in which the periodical is registered may at any time call upon the proprietor, printer, or publisher of a periodical to furnish evidence by statutory declaration as to the total percentage of copies issued which are sold to bona fide purchasers or to bona fide subscribers, and any other particulars which are in his opinion necessary to show whether in respect of the periodical the requirements of these Regulations are being complied with.

Registration of newspapers.

49.—(1.) The proprietor, printer, or publisher of any newspaper, as defined by section 28 of the Act, 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 shall be made in writing, and shall 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 shall be forwarded with the application, together with a fee of Five shillings.

(4.) The following statutory declarations shall 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 bona fide purchasers or to bona 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 or 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 recognizes 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 recognized 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, recognized 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.

Deregistration of newspapers.

50. The Deputy Director of any State may, when revising the register, as provided by section 29 of the Act, 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 bona fide purchasers or to bona fide subscribers, 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.

Part VI.—Packing and Prohibitions.

Packing of postal articles.

51. To be eligible for transmission by post an article shall be packed in such manner as the Postmaster-General considers is necessary to prevent—

(a) damage to the article arising from the handling and pressure it may receive, and from climatic and other conditions to which it may be subjected, in the course of transmission; and

(b) injury to any person; and

(c) damage to other postal articles.

Damage caused by liquids.

51a. The sender of a postal article which contains a liquid or a semi-liquid substance or any substance likely to damage other postal articles while in transit through the post shall, in the event of the liquid or substance escaping and damaging other postal articles, be liable to pay to the Postmaster-General such reasonable compensation as he requires.

Bacteriological and pathological specimens.

52. Any person who sends by post bacteriological or pathological specimens otherwise than in accordance with the conditions governing the transmission of these articles shall be guilty of an offence. Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Boxes containing bees.

53. On payment of a fee of Sixpence for each box, in addition to postages the sender may have boxes containing bees for delivery within the Commonwealth placed in separate mail bags containing no postal articles other than the bees. In cases where such special treatment is required the box shall be endorsed “Separate bag”.

Prohibited articles.

54. Articles mentioned in the Act as being prohibited from transmission through the post, articles in “cut-out” envelopes, entirely transparent envelopes, or envelopes having a transparent panel which does not comply with the conditions laid down, or any postal article the importation, transmission, or delivery of which is prohibited under the laws of the Commonwealth, or of the country to which such article is addressed, shall not be transmitted to the addressee by post in any form.

Part VII.—Postage.

Certain stamps not valid.

55. Impressed stamps cut from stamped envelopes, letter cards, post cards or wrappers, or duty stamps, mutilated postage stamps, postage due stamps, or the postage stamps of any country other than the Commonwealth shall not be accepted as valid for the prepayment, or part prepayment of postage.

Newspaper wrapper.

56. The stamped wrappers (bearing the words “Newspaper only”) sold by the Department may not be used for the wrapping of articles other than newspapers registered in the Commonwealth for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for newspapers, and any article other than a newspaper so registered posted in any such wrapper shall, whether the words “Newspaper only” have been obliterated or not, be treated as an article upon which the postage is wholly unpaid.

Affixture of stamps on postal articles.

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

Postage not payable in cash, except in certain cases.

58. Except as hereinafter provided, a postal official shall not take cash in prepayment of postage when postage stamps are available or affix postage stamps to any article posted at any post office:

Provided that if a postmaster has not sufficient stamps on hand he may receive the amount of postage and fees in cash, in which case he shall acknowledge its receipt by endorsement on the address side of the article.

Prepayment of postage in cash.

59.—(1.) The postage on large quantities of registered or unregistered articles (other than parcels) for transmission within the Commonwealth, or to the United Kingdom, New Zealand, or Fiji, and on large quantities of printed matter for transmission to any place beyond the Commonwealth may be prepaid in cash.

(2.) The amount of postage and registration fee (if any) on such postal articles, posted at one time, shall not be less than One pound.

(3.) The articles shall be posted at a General Post Office or at any office at which the acceptance of postal articles under this regulation is permitted.

(4.) Postmasters other than those at the offices referred to in the last preceding sub-regulation shall not receive cash in prepayment of postage under this regulation unless the authority of the Deputy Director has first been obtained.

(5.) Postal articles shall 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. they shall be subject to detention if their despatch interferes with the despatch of other postal matter.

(6.) Articles of the same weight shall be tied in bundles of ten or any multiple thereof up to 100, with the addresses in the same direction; but this requirement may be waived in cases where the articles are posted arranged in groups to facilitate sorting or despatch by mail.

(7.) This regulation shall not apply to—

(a) registered newspapers or registered periodicals posted by proprietors or publishers thereof or newsvendors, who may post such newspapers or periodicals at hours other than those prescribed, and may post at one time a quantity of newspapers or periodicals on which the amount of postage payable is less than One pound;

(b) mail matter posted by authorized users of franking machines under the regulations relating to franking machines.

(8.) Sub-regulation (2.) of this regulation shall not apply to any Commonwealth or State Government Department which posts on an average postal articles bearing postage to the total amount of not less than One pound per day.

Payment of postage by the addressee.

60.—(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 20 per cent. of the amount of postage shall be paid by the addressee to cover the extra services of accounting and collection.

Provided that in the case of Business Reply Cards and postal articles contained in Business Reply Envelopes, the charge payable shall be one half-penny in respect of each card or article.

(3.) Any person who posts or aids, abets, counsels or procures the posting of any article bearing an inscription to the effect that postage will be paid by the addressee, shall, unless the Postmaster-General has, in pursuance of this regulation, allowed payment by that addressee, instead of by the sender, of the postage payable on the article, be guilty of an offence. Penalty: Five pounds.

Electoral papers transmissible free of postage.

61.—(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 endorsements 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 1906-1926 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.

(5.) The sender of articles which, under this regulation, are entitled to transmission by post free of charge, shall pay the prescribed registration fee on all such articles when sent by registered post.

Braille and moon articles transmissible free of postage.

62. 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 or Moon) articles only”, together with the signature and address of the sender, are printed or written on the outside of the envelope or wrapper.

Insufficiently prepaid postal articles.

63.—(1.) If a Deputy Director has reason to believe that any person posts wholly unpaid or insufficiently prepaid postal articles, he may give notice in writing calling upon that person to desist and advising him of the consequences of non-compliance with the notice.

(2.) 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 insufficienly prepaid postal article he shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Five pounds.

(3.) For the purposes of this regulation—

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

(b) the person from whom the postal article purports to have come shall be deemed to be the sender of the article.

(4.) Wholly unpaid postal articles, except newspapers, and postal articles bearing postage at a rate lower than that prescribed for the class to which they belong by reason of their nature or the nature of any enclosure or endorsement they contain or bear, posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein or transmission to Papua, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, New Guinea (formerly German New Guinea), and Nauru, shall, except in the cases where the Postmaster-General has allowed payment of the postage payable to be made by the addressee instead of by the sender, or where there is an evident attempt to defraud, be surcharged double the deficiency and transmitted to the office of destination. Wholly unpaid newspapers shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office.

(5.) The postage on all postal articles other than letters, letter cards, and single post cards posted in Australia for places beyond the Commonwealth other than the places mentioned in sub-regulation (4.) of this regulation shall be fully prepaid. If the postage be not fully prepaid the article shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office.

(6.) The amount of the surcharge to be made on wholly unpaid or insufficiently prepaid letters, letter cards, and single post cards, transmitted to places beyond the Commonwealth, shall be double the deficiency in postage and such surcharge 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, 1d. = 10 centimes; and

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

(7.) The amount to be collected on postal articles surcharged in French currency received from places beyond the Commonwealth shall be calculated as follows:—

(a) In the case of articles from places within the British Empire, New Hebrides, Banks and Torres Islands, at the rate of 10 centimes = 1d.; and

(b) in the case of articles from other places beyond the Commonwealth—by application of such formula as is approved by the Postmaster-General.

Franking machines.

64. In regulations 64 to 81 (both inclusive) of these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—

“Franking machine” means a machine for making impressions indicating the value of the postage prepaid on postal articles or for postmarking postal articles;

“Person” includes a firm and company;

“User” means a person to whom a licence is granted under these Regulations to use a franking machine;

“Authorized officer” means an officer of the Postmaster-General’s Department authorized by the Postmaster-General.

Postmaster-General may authorize selling or letting on hire.

65. Subject to the provisions of these Regulations, the Postmaster-General may authorize any person to sell, let on hire, or use a franking machine.

Franking machines must incorporate meter and locking device.

66. Any franking machine which may be sold, let on hire, or used in pursuance of these Regulations shall have attached to or connected with it—

(a) a meter capable of being set at a figure indicating the value of the impressions paid for in advance at the time of the setting and which will accurately record the value of the impressions made by the machine;

(b) a device which will automatically operate so as to effectually prevent the use of the machine being continued after impressions to the total value paid for have been made; and

shall be of such dimensions and weight as to enable it to be conveniently conveyed to the post office by the user for the purpose of having the meter reset from time to time.

Vending of franking machines.

67.—(1.) Application for the authority of the Postmaster-General to vend franking machines shall be made in writing.

(2.) The applicant shall—

(a) submit for inspection by the Postmaster-General a sample of the franking machine in respect of which approval is sought; and

(b) give an undertaking in the form required by the Postmaster-General that he will sell or let on hire only franking machines conforming in all respects with the sample approved by the Postmaster-General and that he will sell or let on hire such machines only in accordance with these Regulations and the conditions set out in the undertaking; and

(c) give security by bond with two sureties, or alternatively with an approved guarantee company as surety, to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General, in regard to the faithful observance of the provisions of these Regulations and the terms of the undertaking referred to in the last preceding paragraph.

(3.) If at any time the Postmaster-General be not satisfied with the sufficiency of any security he may require a fresh security, and a fresh security shall be given accordingly.

Application for authority to sell or let or hire.

68. Application for the authority of the Postmaster-General to sell or let on hire any franking machine shall be made in writing and shall—

(a) state the name, address, and occupation of the person to whom it is proposed to sell or hire the machine; and

(b) contain a description of the machine in such detail as may be required by the Postmaster-General.

Dies to be of approved design.

69. Any die, which may be used in franking machines for making impressions indicating the value of the postage prepaid on postal articles or for postmarking postal articles, shall be of a design approved by the Postmaster-General and shall include in its design such identification number or markings as may be required by the Postmaster-General.

Meters to be set before delivery.

70. No person shall deliver to a user or an agent of the user any franking machine or meter unless and until an authorized officer has set the postage meter at a figure indicating the amount prepaid by the user and has sealed the machine or meter.

Impressions to be paid for before meter set.

71. No meter shall be set for the purpose of recording the value of impressions made by a franking machine unless and until the user has paid to the Postmaster-General the amount representing the number of impressions for which it is to be set.

Withdrawal of machine for repair.

72.—(1.) No person to whom a franking machine or meter is tendered by the user for the purpose of repair or any other purpose shall accept it unless and until the meter has been read by an authorized officer.

(2.) The person to whom a franking machine or meter is delivered by the user shall not return it to the user unless and until he has obtained the authority of an authorized officer.

Application for licence to use franking machine.

73.—(1.) An application for a licence to use a franking machine shall be made in writing, and shall contain a description of the machine in such detail as may be required by the Postmaster-General.

(2.) Upon an application under this regulation being accepted, the applicant shall give security by bond with two sureties, or alternatively with an approved guarantee company as surety, to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General, that he will make good to the Postmaster-General any loss to the revenue of the Commonwealth arising from the improper use of any franking machine or meter used by him or the failure of the postage meter to accurately record the value of the impressions made by the machine.

(3.) If at any time the Postmaster-General be not satisfied with the sufficiency of any security he may require a fresh security, and a fresh security shall be given accordingly.

Granting of licence to use.

74.—(1.) The Postmaster-General may, upon security being given by the applicant in accordance with the last preceding regulation, grant to the applicant a licence to use the machine, subject to these Regulations and to such conditions as the Postmaster-General thinks fit.

(2.) A licence granted under this regulation shall be signed on behalf of the Postmaster-General by an authorized officer.

Revocation of licence.

75.—(1.) The Postmaster-General may forthwith revoke any licence if—

(a) the licensee commits any breach of these Regulations or of the conditions of the licence;

(b) the franking machine in respect of which the licence is granted proves to be mechanically unsatisfactory; or

(c) the franking machine is improperly used.

(2.) The Postmaster-General may determine the licence, after giving the licensee fourteen days’ notice of his intention to do so, if, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, any alteration of the conditions governing the use of franking machines or any other circumstance renders the determination necessary.

Refunds in respect of defective impressions.

76.—(1.) The Postmaster-General or an officer authorized in that behalf may, upon application in writing by the user, make a refund of the amount representing the value of defective impressions, impressions made in error or impressions made on envelopes, covers, wrappers or labels which for adequate reason were not transmitted through the post, but a deduction of five per centum of the face value of the impressions shall be made.

(2.) The application for refund shall be made at or before the time of the first setting of the meter after the date of the impression, and the envelopes, covers, wrappers, or labels bearing the impressions in respect of which refund is claimed shall accompany the application.

(3.) Refund shall be made only when the entire envelopes, covers, wrappers, or labels are produced and only when they bear evidence of the franking impression having been made thereon. In cases where the denomination of the franking impression is illegible, refund shall be made only in respect of the amount of the lowest denomination of impression which the applicant’s machine is capable of making.

Purpose for which franking machines may be used.

77. Subject to these Regulations a franking machine may be used for—

(a) making impressions indicating the value of the postage prepaid on all postal articles (except parcels) posted in the Commonwealth for delivery within or beyond the Commonwealth,

(b) postmarking postal articles upon which the value of the postage is impressed by the machine; and

(c) impressing upon postal articles such additional matter as the Postmaster-General approves.

Articles impressed with franking machine irregularly posted.

78. Any postal article impressed by a franking machine and posted in contravention of the conditions specified in the licence may be deemed to be a postal article on which the postage is unpaid and surcharged accordingly.

Breach of franking machine user’s licence.

79. Any person who commits a breach of any condition of a licence granted under these Regulations shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Breach of regulations.

80. Any person who commits any breach of regulation 70 or regulation 72 of these Regulations, or—

(a) uses a franking machine to which a meter set and sealed by an authorized officer is not attached or connected; or

(b) uses a franking machine the meter attached to or connected with which is not set and sealed by an authorized officer,

shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Notices to users of franking machines.

81. Any notice to the user under these Regulations or under any licence granted in pursuance of these Regulations shall be sufficiently given if notified to the user in a letter or writing left at or sent by post addressed to the address specified in the licence or the user’s last-known place of abode or usual place of abode or business.

Part VIII.—Delivery and Re-direction of Mail Matter and Treatment of Undelivered Mail Matter.

To whom unregistered postal articles delivered.

82. An unregistered postal article, other than a parcel, shall be delivered to the addressee or, in the absence of instructions in writing to the contrary, to any responsible member of the addressee’s houshold, or, upon production of a power of attorney, to the person named therein, or to a person authorized in writing by the addressee to receive it:

Provided—

(a) That, in the case of a postal article, delivered by postman, delivery shall be made by depositing the article in a suitable receptacle or letter-box provided at the address for the purpose;

(b) that a postal article addressed to a person at an institution hotel, club, lodging-house, or any house at which lodgers are received, or to the care of a firm, company, or other body shall be delivered to the manager or proprietor thereof or to his representative;

(c) that 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 calls for it or at the address of the person in whose care it is directed; or

(d) that, in the case of a postal article addressed to a person, firm, company, institution, or other body renting a private box at a post office, or directed to a private box, the depositing of the article in the private box shall be deemed delivery to the addressee.

Delivery at post offices.

83.—(1.) The privilege of having correspondence delivered at a post office shall be restricted to—

(a) visitors and tourists;

(b) private box holders;

(c) persons who do not reside within the area of a delivery by postmen; and

(d) others who in the opinion of the postmaster cannot for good and sufficient reasons conveniently receive their correspondence by postman or through a private box.

(2.) The persons referred to in the last preceding sub-regulation other than private box holders or persons who reside beyond the limits of a delivery by postman shall not, except as provided in the next succeeding sub-regulation, be entitled for a longer period than six months to have correspondence delivered at a post office or addressed to a post office to be called for.

(3.) Where an addressee has, for a period of six months, had his correspondence addressed to a post office to be called for, he may, upon making application to that effect, have his correspondence redirected to one address for a further period of six months, but, upon the expiration of such further period, a further application for redirection shall not be granted, and the correspondence shall be deemed to be insufficiently addressed and shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office.

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

84. Correspondence addressed to a post office to be called for shall bear the name of the addressee. The use of initials, figures, Christian names, fictitious or assumed names, or conventional marks of any kind instead of the name of the addressee is not permissible, and correspondence so addressed shall be deemed to be insufficiently addressed and shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office.

Delivery by mailman.

85.—(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 shall cancel the stamps, by crossing them with ink, or in some other effective manner.

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

(4.) All correspondence so received shall bear an endorsement by the mailman, indicating the particular point on the road at which it was received.

Carriage of articles by mail contractors.

86. Mail contractors shall not carry, or permit their servants or passengers to carry, any letter or packet to the prejudice of the post office revenue.

Postal articles addressed to minors.

87.—(1.) Where directions in writing have been given to a postmaster by the parent or guardian of a minor having 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 direction, 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.

Postal articles addressed to deceased persons.

88. Postal articles addressed to deceased persons may, on production of the probate or letters of administration, be delivered to the executors or administrators of the deceased person’s estate; but until such production the Deputy Director may cause such postal articles to be delivered to some near relative of the deceased person:

Provided that registered postal articles posted within the Commonwealth 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.

Postal articles “in dispute.”

89.—(1.) When any member of a firm or partnership or of a dissolved firm or partnership, or any person who claims to be entitled to receive the correspondence of a firm or partnership, or of a dissolved firm or partnership and who satisfies the Postmaster that he has reasonable grounds for such claim gives notice to the postmaster not to deliver to any person other than himself any postal article addressed to the firm or partnership), 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 delivery.

(2.) In default of any such agreement, the postmaster shall mark the postal articles “In Dispute,” and shall 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.) A postal article shall not be sent to the Dead Letter Office in accordance with this regulation until the expiration of 30 days from the date of the receipt of the above-mentioned notice.

Postal articles addressed to the householder.

90.—(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 permit) be delivered by postman at each house within the limits of delivery.

(3.) Such postal articles shall be posted in bulk, and all articles for the same towns shall be tied by the sender in separate bundles. The postage may, subject to regulation 59, be prepaid in cash.

Delivery in transit.

91. 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 person authorized to receive them upon personal or written application if the delivering officer is satisfied as to the identity of the applicant.

Letters containing dutiable or prohibited articles.

92.—(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.

(4.) Any letter received from a place beyond the Commonwealth bearing on its cover a label affixed by the sender indicating that the letter contains an enclosure which is or may be subject to Customs duty, and also that the letter may be officially opened, shall be opened by a postal official for examination by an officer of the Customs, and the duty thereon as assessed by the officer of the Customs shall be paid before the letter is delivered to the addressee.

Mail matter other than letters containing dutiable or prohibited articles.

93. 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.

Articles contravening Customs Act.

94. 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.

Proceedings and seizure.

95. 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.

Fee in respect of articles having dutiable contents.

96. A postal charge of Threepence shall be collected from the addressee on delivery of each letter, small packet, or article by sample post received from a place beyond the Commonwealth having contents on which Customs duty is payable.

Redirection of postal articles.

97.—(1.) An application to the Postmaster-General for the redirection of a postal article shall be complied with only in cases where the addressee has actually changed his address permanently or temporarily and in the latter case only when the redirection cannot be undertaken by a person at the address at which the addressee resided or carried on business prior to his temporary removal therefrom.

(2.) An application for the redirection of any postal article addressed to an address at which the applicant has not previously resided or carried on business shall not be complied with. Unless delivery of such postal article can be made to the addressee or his agent at the address to which it is directed, it shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office for return to the sender.

(2a.) Redirection shall not be effected in the case of a postal article which bears on the address side an instruction from the sender that the article is not to be redirected. In such a case, however, the article must bear an endorsement to the following effect:—

Not to be re-addressed.

If the addressee has left the address hereon return to................................................

In the absence of the request for return to the sender the instruction shall not be complied with.

(3.) A charge shall not be made for the redirection of a prepaid postal article (other than a parcel), whether redirected by a postal official or by an agent of the addressee after delivery, if—

(a) the postage originally paid would have been sufficient if the postal article had originally been addressed to its new destination;

(b) the article redirected by an agent of the addressee is reposted not later than the day (any Sunday or public holiday excepted) after being left at the original address, and does not appear to have been opened or tampered with.

(4.) If the postage originally prepaid on the redirected article is 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.

(5.) Fresh postage shall be charged for the redirection of an article when—

(a) the article has not been reposted within the prescribed period; or

(b) the article has the appearance of having been opened or tampered with; or

(c) the article is redirected to a person other than the original addressee.

Redirected registered articles.

98.—(1.) Registered articles redirected by an agent of the addressee shall be handed in at the counter of a post office for reregistration, and shall not be posted in a letter receiver.

(2.) Additional postage or registration fee shall not be charged upon such articles if they are presented for re-registration not later than the day (Sunday and public holidays not being counted) after being left at the original address; but if 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 redirected, 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.

Applications for redirection.

99.—(1.) An application for redirection shall be signed by the person to whom the correspondence is addressed, and shall state the places from which correspondence is expected:

Provided that an order from the head of a household shall be accepted for the redirection of the correspondence of all the members of such household unless separate instructions are given by other members.

(2.) Unless renewed, redirection orders shall be acted on for a term of six months only.

Articles addressed to private boxes, hotels, &c., redirection not undertaken by Postmaster-General.

100. Notwithstanding anything contained in these Regulations, the Postmaster-General will not undertake to intercept and redirect a postal article at any office other than that to which it is addressed, or to intercept and redirect a postal article addressed to the care of a private box holder, or of a private mail-bag holder, or to an institution, hotel, club, lodging-house, or such like place, or to a residential flat comprising one of a group, the correspondence for the occupants of which is delivered by postman into a common letter-box or to a common agent.

Inquiries respecting postal articles.

101.—(1.) Inquiries concerning the alleged non-delivery of any postal article may be undertaken provided (a) sufficient time has elapsed to enable the postal article to reach its destination in the ordinary course of post; and (b) the person desiring the inquiry to be made furnishes reasonable evidence that the article was posted and has not yet been delivered.

(2.) The person requesting that the inquiry be made shall enter on the form provided for the purpose the particulars required in connexion with the article.

(3.) Where the inquiry relates to a registered postal article or parcel addressed to or posted in a place beyond the Commonwealth, the person requesting that the inquiry be made shall affix to the form referred to in sub-regulation (2) of this regulation a postage stamp in payment of a fee of 3d. If it is found that delay in delivery is attributable to the Department, the inquiry fee shall be refunded:

Provided that, if the inquiry relate to a registered postal article or parcel upon which a fee has been paid for acknowledgment of delivery, an inquiry fee shall not be chargeable under this regulation.

Undelivered articles bearing request for return to the sender.

102.—(1.) A postal article other than a newspaper may bear on the cover an endorsement requesting that if undeliverable it be returned to the sender. The endorsement shall be in the following form:—“If not delivered with days return to ”

(2.) The request for return shall specify a number of days not fewer than seven nor more than 30. The endorsement shall contain the sender’s name and address unless he be a private box holder, in which case the private box number should be given instead of the sender’s street address.

(3.) If a postal article bearing such endorsement be undelivered at the expiration of the time specified or at the expiration of the time prescribed in the next succeeding regulation, whichever is the lesser, it shall thereupon be returned direct to the sender.

Undelivered postal articles generally.

103.—(1.) An undelivered postal article (except a parcel or an article referred to in sub-regulation (2.) of this regulation) shall—

(a) if posted within the Commonwealth for delivery therein, be retained at the office of destination, as follows:—

(i) if addressed to a fixed address, i.e., to a street, road, institution, farm, station, &c.—eight days; Provided that the article shall be retained for one calendar month when the postmaster knows that the addressee is residing in the locality served by his office, or has good reason to believe that the article will be called for during that period;

(ii) if addressed only to a post town, i.e., when only the name of the addressee and that of the post town appear in the address—fourteen days;

Provided that the article shall be retained for one calendar month when the Postmaster knows that the addressee is residing in the locality served by his office, or has good reason to believe that the article will be called for during that period:

Provided further that when the article is addressed to a person who previously resided in the locality and the Postmaster knows that such person has permanently left the district, the period of retention of the article shall be eight days;

(iii) if addressed to a post office, i.e., when the name of the addressee, the words “Post Office” and the name of the post town appear in the address—one calendar month;

Provided that when the article is addressed to a person who previously resided in the locality and the Postmaster knows that such person has permanently left the district the period of detention of the article shall be eight days;

(iv) if addressed to a person on board a ship—one calendar month.

(b) if received from a place outside the Commonwealth, be retained at the office of destination for one calendar month.

and if still undelivered at the expiration of such period shall be transmitted to the Dead Letter Office unless the article bears an endorsement on the cover as prescribed in regulation 102, in which case it shall be returned direct to the sender.

(2.) A postal article which—

(a) bears no address;

(b) bears an illegible address;

(c) is for any reason refused by the addressee;

(d) is addressed to a deceased person and the provisions of regulation 88 do not apply;

(e) is returned to the post office as undeliverable by the proprietor of an hotel, lodging house, &c., or by a consul;

shall not be retained at the office of destination, but shall without delay be transmitted to the Dead Letter Office unless the article bears an endorsement on the cover, as prescribed in regulation 102, in which case it shall be immediately returned to the sender.

(3.) Undeliverable postal articles, other than newspapers, transmitted to the Dead Letter Office in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation shall—

(a) if they were posted in the Commonwealth, be returned to the sender if such be practicable;

(b) if they were posted in another country, be dealt with in accordance with the arrangement made with the country of origin.

(4.) Except as provided in the next succeeding sub-regulation, undelivered newspapers shall not be returned to the senders.

(5.) Provided the cover or wrapper bears in print the inscription required by the Postmaster-General, an undelivered newspaper posted by the proprietor, publisher, or vendor thereof, shall be returned to the sender on payment of postage at the ordinary rate for newspapers.

Express delivery services.

104.—(1.) Delivery of postal articles in advance of the ordinary delivery may, upon payment of the prescribed fee, be obtained in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations. Such special delivery service shall be hereinafter referred to as “Express Delivery”.

(2.) Post offices from which express delivery is effected shall be hereinafter referred to as “Express Delivery Offices”.

(3.) Express delivery of postal articles may be obtained—

(a) by messenger all the way;

(b) by messenger immediately upon arrival of the mail at the post office of destination—at the request of the sender;

(c) by messenger immediately upon arrival of the mail at the post office of destination—at the request of the addressee; or

(d) from travelling post office vans at railway stations.

Express delivery restricted to certain articles, &c.

105. Express delivery shall—

(a) be restricted to postal articles of the First and Second Classes not exceeding 8 oz. in weight;

(b) be effected only from post offices at which telegraph messengers are employed and from travelling post office vans at railway stations where the trains to which such vans are attached are scheduled to stop;

(c) be limited to 2 miles from a General Post Office and 1½ miles from a suburban or country post office;

(d) be made only during the hours the office is open to the public for transaction of telegraph business and messengers are on duty:

Provided that express delivery shall not be effected on Sundays or holidays; and

(e) be effected by messengers on foot or otherwise at the discretion of the Postmaster-General. If the sender or addressee desires a cab or other special conveyance to be used, the actual fare shall be paid in addition to the express delivery fee and postage.

Marking of express delivery articles.

106. A postal article the express delivery of which is desired by the sender shall be boldly and legibly marked on the address side by the sender with the words “Express Delivery”, or words indicating that express delivery is required.

Payment of express delivery fees.

107. On a postal article the express delivery of which is desired by the sender, the express delivery fee and the postage shall be prepaid by means of postage stamps affixed to the article.

Express delivery by messenger all the way.

108. The fee for the service referred to in paragraph (a) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104 and the special conditions applicable to such service shall be:—

Fee: For the first mile or part of a mile from the office of delivery to the address—4d. per article in addition to postage.

For each additional half-mile or part of a half-mile—2d. per article in addition to postage.

Conditions: The article shall be handed in at the counter of an express delivery office:

Provided that during such time as the office is closed the article may be posted at the office in the ordinary manner, and any article so posted shall be delivered the following morning.

Await reply service.

109. The sender of an express delivery article to be delivered by means of the service referred to in paragraph (a) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104 may arrange for the messenger to wait for and deliver a reply as directed. The fees payable for such additional service and the special conditions applicable thereto shall be as follows:—

Fee: if the reply is to be delivered to an address on the messenger’s homeward route—3d. in addition to postage.

If the reply is to be delivered to an address not on the messenger’s homeward route—the fee prescribed by the last preceding regulation.

Conditions:

(a) The sender shall endorse on the front of the cover of the article, in addition to the words” Express Delivery,” the words “Await Reply” in prominent characters, and affix to the article postage stamps in payment of the fee and postage on the reply, in addition to the fee and postage on the article itself;

(b) The messenger shall wait not longer than ten minutes for the reply; and

(c) The reply shall be delivered after the messenger has delivered all the express delivery articles entrusted to him when setting out from the express delivery office.

Express delivery article handed to telegraph messenger.

110. The addressee of a telegram may hand to the delivering messenger a postal article for express delivery by means of the service referred to in paragraph (a) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104; but in such case the article shall be taken by the messenger to the post office to which he is attached, and the fee to be paid for express delivery shall be calculated as from the residence of the sender by way of the post office to the residence of the addressee.

Express delivery after transmission by post.

111. The fee for the service referred to in paragraph (b) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104 shall be 4d. per article in addition to postage.

Express delivery at request of addressee.

112. The fee payable for the service referred to in paragraph (c) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104, and the special conditions applicable to such service, shall be:—

Fee: For each mile or part of a mile from the office of delivery to the address, 4d. for one article, and ½d. for each additional article delivered at the same time.

Conditions:

(a) The addressee shall make written application for the service to the officer in charge of the post office from which the addressee’s postal articles are ordinarily delivered, and such application shall reach the office at least one hour before the time of delivery by postman commences:

Provided that where a regular express delivery is required, one application to that effect shall be sufficient.

(b) The aggregate weight of the articles shall not exceed 4 lb.

(c) The express delivery fee on at least one article shall, except where a regular service is desired, be prepaid in postage stamps affixed to the application, and any additional fee shall be paid to the messenger on delivery. In the case of a regular service, all fees shall be paid to the messenger on delivery.

(d) If no postal articles for the address given are received, a messenger shall, except where a regular service has been applied for, be sent to inform the applicant to that effect, and the express fee shall be retained as payment for this service.

Express delivery from travelling post office.

113. The fee for the service referred to in paragraph (d) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104 shall be 4d., in addition to postage and late fee, and the special conditions applicable thereto shall be as follow:—

Information relating to lotteries.

201. The transmission by parcels post of notices or information relating to lotteries, schemes of chance, unlawful games, fraudulent, obscene, indecent, or immoral business or undertakings, and other matters coming within the provisions of section 57 of the Act, is prohibited. If a parcel containing any such prohibited article be posted in contravention of this regulation, or be received by post from any place outside the Commonwealth, it shall be sent to the Dead Letter Office for disposal.

Examination of parcels.

202.—(1.) Parcels may be opened by postal officials for the purpose of examination of the contents.

(2.) In the case of a parcel from a place beyond the Commonwealth, the contents shall be subject to examination by Customs officials, and, where duty is payable, such duty shall be paid before the parcel is delivered.

Customs clearance charge.

203. A postal charge of Sixpence shall be collected from the addressee on delivery of each parcel received from a place beyond the Commonwealth having contents on which Customs duty is payable.

Delivery.

204.—(1.) In the case of a parcel delivery of which will not be effected by the Department at its address, the addressee shall be notified of the arrival of the parcel, and delivery shall be made to the addressee or his agent at the post office mentioned in the notice.

(2.) A receipt in the form required by the Postmaster-General shall be given by the addressee or his agent upon delivery of a parcel.

Demurrage.

205.—(1.) Any parcel or other postal article from a place beyond the Commonwealth—

(a) on the contents of which Customs duty is payable; or

(b) having contents imported through the post for commercial purposes (whether liable to Customs duty or not)

which remains undelivered at the Chief Parcels Office or any post office at which duty is assessed by an officer of Customs for more than 72 hours (exclusive of Sundays and holidays) after the posting to the addressee of a notification of its arrival shall be subject to demurrage at the rate of Twopence for every 24 hours or portion thereof during which it remains undelivered after such 72 hours:

Provided that, if in the ordinary course of the circulation of mail matter the notification cannot reach the addressee within 24 hours, for each additional 24 hours that elapse before the notification can reach the addressee a corresponding period of 24 hours shall be allowed without any charge of demurrage:

Provided further that demurrage shall not be chargeable for any period in respect of which it can be shown that the detention of a parcel or other postal article was not due to the fault or negligence of the sender or the addressee or any person acting on behalf of the sender or the addressee; but this proviso shall not relieve the addressee from payment of demurrage in the event of delay in producing invoices, descriptions, or contents, or any similar information required by the Department of Trade and Customs.

(2.) The date from which demurrage shall be charged shall be indicated in the notification.

(3.) No parcel or other postal article on which demurrage is chargeable shall be delivered until all demurrage due thereon has been paid.

(4.) No demurrage shall be charged on parcels or other postal articles addressed to persons on board ship.

(5.) In the case of parcels or other postal articles returned to the country of origin as undeliverable, the charge for demurrage shall be cancelled.

Return of parcel to sender.

206.—(1.) If the sender of a parcel makes written application, in the required form, for the return of the parcel to him prior to its despatch from the office at which it was posted, such parcel shall, upon payment of a fee of One shilling, be handed back to the sender, and, subject to surrender to the Department at the time the parcel is so returned of the stamps affixed to the parcel in prepayment of postage, the postage paid shall be refunded to the sender.

(2.) If the sender of a parcel which has been posted for delivery within the Commonwealth applies for its return after it has been despatched from the office at which it was posted, but before it has been delivered to the addressee, the request shall, if possible, be compiled with, subject to payment by the sender of the charges prescribed by this regulation.

(3.) If the sender of a parcel which has been posted for delivery beyond the Commonwealth applies for its return after it has been despatched from the office at which it was posted, but before it has been despatched from the State in which it was posted, the request shall, if possible, be complied with, subject to payment by the sender of the charges prescribed by this regulation.

(4.) At the time of making application for the return of a parcel in accordance with sub-regulations (2.) and (3.) of this regulation, the sender shall pay the cost of any telegram or telegrams which it is necessary to send in order to secure the return of the parcel, and before the parcel is handed back the sender shall also pay a fee amounting to half the original postage on the parcel at the fully prepaid rate, but not less than Sixpence, together with any other charges due on the parcel.

Redirection of parcels.

207.—(1.) On receipt of a properly signed authority from the sender or addressee a parcel shall be redirected, subject to the following conditions:—

(a) If the redirection be to an address within the same delivery as the original address, no charge shall be made for redirection;

(b) if the redirection be to another delivery or post town within the Commonwealth, the charge for redirection shall be a half the original postage on the parcel at the fully prepaid rate, but not less than Sixpence. A fresh charge shall be made for each such redirection;

(c) if the redirection be to a country beyond the Commonwealth, the parcel shall be subject to additional postage at the fully prepaid rate; and

(d) if after delivery a parcel be redirected, it shall be subject to additional postage at the fully prepaid rate.

(2.) The sender or addressee, or the person presenting a parcel for redirection, shall either prepay the additional redirection charges or give a written guarantee that payment of those charges (if any) will be made by the addressee on delivery. A guarantee will be accepted only from a person who is known to the officer in charge. In cases where it is not practicable for a guarantee to be given, the parcel may be redirected to another address within the Commonwealth, provided the

contents thereof would, in the opinion of the officer in charge, if sold by public auction, return an amount sufficient to defray the fees and charges due.

Parcels posted in Commonwealth undelivered.

208.—(1.) Any parcel posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein which is undeliverable shall be dealt with as follows:—

(a) A parcel refused by the addressee shall, if possible, be at once returned to the sender;

(b) a parcel bearing a request for return to the sender if not delivered after the expiration of seven or more days (but not exceeding one month) shall be so returned; and

(c) parcels other than those referred to in the last preceding paragraph shall be retained at the office of address for one calendar month from the date of receipt, after which they shall be forwarded to the Chief Parcels Office for return to the sender.

(2.) Half the original postage on the parcel at the fully prepaid rate, but not less than Sixpence, shall be paid by the sender in respect of each parcel returned in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.

(3.) Parcels which cannot be delivered to the addressees or returned to the senders shall be retained at the Chief Parcels Office of the State of origin for a period of three months, after which they shall be sold by public auction or destroyed, as determined by the Deputy Director.

Parcels received from abroad not delivered.

209.—(1.) A parcel received from a place beyond the Commonwealth which cannot be delivered shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Parcels Post Agreement in operation between the Commonwealth and the country from which the parcel was received.

(2.) In cases where the Parcels Post Agreement does not provide for undeliverable parcels to be returned to the country of origin, the contents of the parcel shall be sold by public auction or destroyed, as determined by the Deputy Director.

Accrued charges on parcels returned from abroad.

210.—(1.) If the sender of a parcel addressed to a place beyond the Commonwealth does not indicate on the relative Customs Declaration and on the relative Despatch Note (if any) that he desires the parcel abandoned in the event of its being undeliverable in the country of destination, the parcel, when so undeliverable, may, without previous notification, be returned to him.

(2.) Upon the return of a parcel in pursuance of the last preceding sub-regulation or in pursuance of instructions given by the sender, the sender shall pay to the Postmaster-General any charges which shall have accrued in respect of the return of the parcel from the place to which it was addressed, and, upon refusal to do so, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding Forty shillings.

Despatch of parcels.

211.—(1.) Parcels intended for despatch by the first outgoing mail shall be posted not later than the hour stipulated by the Department.

(2.) Parcels shall be subject to detention at the office of posting or retransmission for later despatch if their transmission by the first outgoing mail would involve delay in the despatch or delivery of letters.

Payment of customs duty by sender.

212.—(1.) The senders of parcels to countries with which the necessary arrangements have been made may undertake to pay the Customs and other charges ordinarily paid by the addressees. In such cases the sender shall pay a fee of Sixpence, sign an undertaking to pay on demand the amount due, and make a deposit on account of the charges at the rate of Two shillings for each Five shillings or fraction of Five shillings of the declared value of the parcel. A final settlement shall take place as soon as the amount of the charges due has been ascertained from the country of destination.

(2.) Parcels upon which Customs and other charges are paid under the provisions of this regulation shall be handed in at an official post office or at a post office (which is also a money order office) conducted at a railway station.

Rates of postage.

213.—(1.) The following rates of postage shall be charged on parcels addressed to places within the Commonwealth:—

On a Parcel Weighing.

Rates.

Over—

Up to -

Scale 1.

Scale 2.

Scale 3.

Scale 4.

lb.

lb.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

..

1

0

6

0

9

1

0

1

3

1

2

0

9

1

0

1

6

2

0

2

3

1

0

1

3

2

0

2

9

3

5

1

3

1

6

2

6

3

6

5

8

1

6

2

0

3

6

5

0

8

11

1

9

2

9

5

0

7

3

Scale 1.—Applies to parcels addressed to places within a radius of thirty (30) miles of the office of posting, irrespective of whether the office of address is in the same State or Territory as the office of posting.

Scale 2.—Applies to parcels, other than those to which Scale 1 applies, addressed to places within the same State or Territory as the office of posting.

Scale 3.—Applies to interstate parcels, other than those to which Scale 1 applies, as set out hereunder—

From places in New South Wales within the area lying between the South Australian border and a line running from the junction of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers northwards to the Queensland border at a point 170 miles from the South Australian border to—

South Australia.

From New South Wales to—

Queensland.

Victoria.

Tasmania.

From Victoria to—

New South Wales.

Federal Capital Territory,

South Australia.

Tasmania.

From Queensland to—

New South Wales.

Federal Capital Territory.

North and Central Australia.

From Birdsville, Queensland, to South Australia.

From South Australia to places in New South Wales within the area lying between the South Australian border and a line running from the junction of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers northwards to the Queensland border at a point 170 miles from the South Australian border.

From South Australia to—

Victoria.

Western Australia.

North and Central Australia.

Birdsville, Queensland.

From Western Australia to—

South Australia.

North and Central Australia.

From Tasmania to—

New South Wales.

Federal Capital Territory.

Victoria.

From North and Central Australia to—

Queensland.

South Australia.

Western Australia.

From Federal Capital Territory to—

Queensland.

Victoria.

Tasmania.

Scale 4.—Applies to other interstate parcels as set out hereunder—

From places in New South Wales (other than those to which Scale 1 or Scale 3 applies) to—

South Australia.

From New South Wales to—

Western Australia.

North and Central Australia.

From Victoria to—

North and Central Australia.

Queensland.

Western Australia.

From Queensland to—

Western Australia.

Victoria.

Tasmania.

From Queensland (except Birdsville) to South Australia.

From South Australia to places in New South Wales (other than those to which Scale 1 or Scale 3 applies).

From South Australia to—

Federal Capital Territory.

Queensland (except Birdsville, to which Scale 3 applies).

Tasmania.

From Western Australia to

Victoria.

Tasmania.

New South Wales.

Federal Capital Territory.

Queensland.

From Tasmania to—

Western Australia.

South Australia.

Queensland.

North and Central Australia.

From North and Central Australia to—

New South Wales.

Federal Capital Territory.

Victoria.

Tasmania.

From Federal Capital Territory to—

South Australia.

Western Australia.

North and Central Australia.

(2.) In respect, of parcels posted in or addressed to the Federal Capital Territory, Norfolk Island, and Lord Howe Island, the postage chargeable shall be the same as that applicable to a parcel posted at or addressed to a place in New South Wales.

(3.) In respect of parcels addressed to Papua and the Territory of New Guinea, the rates set out in Scale 4 in sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation shall be charged.

(4.) Double the prescribed rates shall be charged on a parcel which the sender requires to be specially protected in transit through the post.

Part XVI.—Insurance of Parcels.

Parcels for certain other countries may be insured.

214.—(1.) A parcel which complies with the regulations relating to parcels, and which is addressed to—

(a) a country with the proper authorities of which the Postmaster-General has entered into an arrangement for the exchange of insured parcels; or

(b) a country to which parcels are ordinarily sent through the intermediary of one of the countries referred to in the last preceding paragraph,

may be insured against loss or damage whilst in transmission through the post.

(2.) The fee for insurance shall be that provided for in the relative Parcels Post Agreement, and shall be prepaid in postage stamps which the sender of the parcel shall, in addition to the stamps in prepayment of postage, affix to the parcel.

(3.) A certificate of insurance, the necessary particulars in which shall, as far as practicable, be inserted by the sender or his representative, shall be issued to the sender of an insured parcel.

Parcels must not be over insured.

215. A parcel shall not be insured for a sum in excess of the real value of the contents, and an invoice, or description of such contents, showing the value of each article contained in the parcel, shall be enclosed therein.

Packing.

216.—(1.) To be eligible for insurance a parcel shall be packed as prescribed in Part VI. of these Regulations, and shall be secured in such a manner that it cannot be tampered with without leaving obvious traces of violation. Any label affixed shall be so placed that it does not serve to conceal injury to the cover, and shall not be folded over two sides of the cover so as to hide the edge.

(2.) Jewellery and other valuable articles shall be enclosed in a strong box or case which must be covered in an efficient manner with a wrapper of linen, canvas, strong paper, or other substantial material and be securely fastened with a strong adhesive. Coin shall be packed so that it cannot move about. The address shall be written on the cover of the parcel.

(3.) If a parcel tendered for insurance does not, in the opinion of the officer to whom it is presented, fulfil the conditions prescribed by this regulation, the officer shall refuse to insure it.

Compensation.

217.—(1.) Where the Postmaster-General is satisfied that an insured parcel was lost or the contents or portion thereof were lost or damaged while the parcel was in course of transmission through the post, compensation shall be paid for such loss or damage to an amount representing the actual loss or damage sustained, but not exceeding the amount for which the parcel was insured:—

Provided that compensation shall not be payable—

(a) where, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, the loss or damage arose wholly or in part from an act of God, or the King’s enemies, or from causes beyond control (e.g., tempest, shipwreck, earthquake, &c), or from any defect in the packing or fastening (and in this regard the acceptance of a parcel for insurance shall not be construed as an admission by the Postmaster-General that such parcel was properly packed at the time of acceptance);

(b) where the parcel was insured for an amount in excess of the value of its contents;

(c) unless application for compensation be made within twelve months after the date of posting of the insured parcel;

(d) in respect of an insured parcel containing anything prohibited from transmission through the post; or

(e) in respect of an insured parcel which has been delivered without external trace of injury or which has been accepted by the addressee without remark or complaint as to its condition.

(2.) Notwithstanding anything contained in this regulation, compensation in respect of insured parcels containing liquids or semi-liquids, perishable articles such as eggs, butter, fruit, flowers, or confectionery, and fragile articles such as glassware, phonograph records, or millinery shall be payable only in the event of the loss of the entire parcel.

(3.) The application for compensation may be made to the Postal Administration of either the country of origin or delivery.

(4.) An applicant for compensation shall, when required, produce the certificate of insurance of the parcel in respect of which compensation is applied for.

Decision of Postmaster-General final.

218. The final decision on all questions of compensation shall rest with the Postal Administration of the country in which the loss or damage has taken place.

Redirection of insured parcels.

219.—(1.) Insured parcels shall be redirected only to places within the Commonwealth or to countries to which insured parcels may be sent.

(2.) When an insured parcel is redirected from one country to another, a fresh insurance fee shall be payable in respect of each fresh transmission.

Reports regarding losses, &c.

220. In the event of the addressee desiring to report that the contents or portion of the contents of an insured parcel delivered to him have been lost or damaged in the post, he shall forthwith submit the parcel, as nearly as possible in the condition in which it was received from the office of delivery, for examination by the postmaster or some other responsible officer at the office of delivery.

Invalid insurance.

221. Any insurance effected under these Regulations contrary to the provisions thereof shall be invalid.

Provisions regarding uninsured parcels apply.

222. Where not repugnant to the provisions of this part, the regulations relating to uninsured parcels shall also apply to insured parcels.

Part XVII.—Money Orders.

Definitions.

223. In this Part of these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—

“the remitter” means the person who remits money by means of a money order or a telegraph money order;

“the payee” means the person to whom a money order or money remitted by means of a telegraph money order is payable.

Hours.

224. Money orders shall be issued and paid at post offices at which money-order business is transacted at such hours as are determined by the Postmaster-General.

Authority for issue and sale.

225. Money orders shall be issued and sold only by persons authorized in that behalf by the Postmaster-General.

Commission.

226.—(1.) The rate of commission chargeable for the issue of Money Orders shall be as follows:—

(a) For orders payable in—

The Commonwealth: 6d. for each £5 or fraction of £5 Papua, Rabaul (New Guinea), Nauru, New Zealand, New Caledonia: 3d. for each £1 or fraction of £1 with minimum of 6d.

(b) For orders payable in or through Fiji: 3d. for each £1 or fraction of £1 with minimum of 6d.

(c) For orders payable in or through Gilbert and Ellice Islands, North Borneo, Solomon Islands, Tonga: 4d. for each £1 or fraction of £1 for the first £6, and 3d. for each additional £1 or fraction of £1 with minimum of 9d.

(d) For orders payable in or through Canada, Ceylon, Dutch East Indies, Egypt, Federated Malay States, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Irish Free State, Italy, Malta, Mauritius, Norway, Straits Settlements, Union of South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America (including Hawaii and Pago Pago), Philippine Islands: 4d. for each £1 or fraction of £1 for the first £6, and 3d. for each additional £1 or fraction of £1 with minimum of 9d.

(e) For Maternity Allowance Money Orders: 2d. for each order.

(2.) In addition to the commission specified in paragraphs (b) and (d) of sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation, the remitter of a money order drawn on any of the countries specified in those paragraphs shall pay the sum required by the Department to cover exchange on the amount remitted.

Fractions of a penny.

227. A money order shall not be issued for an amount which includes a fraction of a penny.

Applications.

228. Applications for issue of money orders shall be made in the form required by the Postmaster-General and shall contain such information as the Postmaster-General considers necessary.

Telegraph money orders.

229. Remittances may be made by telegraph money orders from post offices in the Commonwealth at which money order and telegraph business is transacted—

(a) for payment at other post offices in the Commonwealth at which such business is transacted; and

(b) for payment in countries with the postal administration of which the Postmaster-General has concluded an arrangement for the exchange of telegraph money orders.

Charges for telegraph money orders.

230. The charges for a telegraph money order payable by the remitter shall be—

(a) the commission prescribed by regulation 226 of these Regulations;

(b) the charge for the official telegram of advice; and

(c) any delivery, notification, or other fee provided for in an arrangement made between the Postmaster-General and the authorities controlling the issue and payment of money orders in the country or territory in which the telegraph money order is payable.

Telegram to payee.

231.—(1.) A remitter of money by means of a telegraph money order payable within the Commonwealth shall hand to the officer receiving the money for remittance a telegram for transmission to the payee, at the cost of the remitter, stating the amount remitted and the name of the office at which such amount is payable.

(2.) Where such telegram is to be delivered at a post office, the delivering officer shall satisfy himself, as far as is practicable, that the person applying for the telegram is the person for whom it is intended.

(3.) The person to whom such telegram is delivered shall give a receipt for the telegram by writing his name and address in a book kept at the post office for the purpose.

(4.) The procedure prescribed by sub-regulations (2.) and (3.) of the regulation shall also be observed in connexion with the departmental notification to the payee of a telegraph money order issued at a place beyond the Commonwealth when such notification is delivered at a post office.

Payments.

232.—(1.) Payment of a money order shall be made only to—

(a) the payee; or

(b) a person presenting the money order signed by the payee: Provided that a money order not so signed may be paid to a person presenting the money order, together with a written authority to receive payment signed by the payee.

(2.) Such written authority shall bear—

(i) the signature and address of a witness to the payee’s signature;

(ii) the name and address of the person authorized to receive payment; and

(iii) the date upon which the authority was given.

(3.) A person receiving payment of a money order shall give a receipt therefor in the form required by the Postmaster-General.

Identification of payee.

233.—(1.) A person applying for payment of a money order shall state the name of the remitter and, if he is not personally known to the paying officer, his own name.

(2.) In the case of a telegraph money order, if the person applying for payment is not known to the paying officer, such officer shall by inquiry satisfy himself as to the identity of such person, and, if necessary, may require the person applying for payment to produce proof that he is the person entitled to receive payment of the money order.

Personation of payee.

234.—(1.) Any person who—

(a) personates any other person for the purpose of obtaining any money order or for the purpose of obtaining payment of any money order;

(b) makes any untrue statement to an officer for the purpose of obtaining payment of a money order; or

who, without lawful authority (proof whereof shall lie upon him)—

(i) receives or retains in his possession any money order to which he is not entitled;

(ii) produces to an officer for the purpose of obtaining payment thereof any money order to which he is not entitled;

(iii) obtains payment of a money order to which he is not entitled;

(iv) signs the name of any other person on any money order or to any receipt for the money payable in respect of any money order; or

(v) issues or sells a money order,

shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: £50.

(2.) This regulation shall not affect the liability of any person to be proceeded against for any other offence either against Commonwealth law or State law, but so that such person shall not be liable to be punished twice in respect of the same offence.

(3.) In this regulation “money order” means any money order or postal note issued under the Act and includes any telegram or document by means of which money may be transmitted and paid through the Postmaster-General’s Department.

Crossed money orders.

235. Money orders, other than telegraph money orders exchanged with the United Kingdom, may be crossed for payment through a bank, in which case they shall not be paid unless besides being signed by the payee they be presented by a bank official, and bear an impression of the bank’s stamp:

Provided, however, that should a bank refuse to accept without charge a crossed money order, such order may, on presentation at the post office on which it has been issued, be paid if signed by the person or firm to whom it is made payable.

Money orders cannot be cancelled.

236. A money order once issued shall not be cancelled.

Repayment, &c.

237.—(1.) Upon application in writing by the remitter and upon payment of the prescribed fee—

(a) repayment may be made to the remitter;

(b) an error in the name of the remitter or payee may be corrected; or

(c) payment may be transferred to an office other than that upon which the money order was originally drawn.

(2.) The fee, which shall be paid at the time the application is lodged, shall in the case of an alteration or correction of the name of the payee or remitter be Sixpence, and in the case of repayment of the money order or transfer of payment be a sum equivalent to the commission chargeable on a money order for the same amount:

Provided that in the case of alteration of the name of the payee on two or more orders from the same remitter to the same payee, issued at the same time and bearing consecutive numbers, only one fee of Sixpence shall be charged in respect of the whole amount remitted by means of such orders.

(3.) Where the remitter of money by means of a telegraph money order requires an alteration in the name of the remitter or payee to be made by telegraph, he shall either produce the receipt issued by the Department at the time the money was accepted for remittance or be identified as the remitter to the satisfaction of the postmaster. He shall also pay the cost of the necessary telegram in addition to the prescribed fee.

Transfers.

238. Transfer of payment of a money order from the post office on which such money order was originally drawn to another post office in the Commonwealth at which money order business is transacted may be arranged at the request of the payee on the following conditions:—

(a) Application for the transfer shall be made by the payee in writing and shall contain the names of the payee and the remitter.

(b) The application shall be accompanied—

(i) in the case of a money order, other than a telegraph money order, by the money order correctly receipted by the payee, and by a sum equivalent to commission at the prescribed rate for a money order of the same amount; or

(ii) in the case of a telegraph money order, payment of which it is desired to transfer by telegraph, by the telegram from the remitter to the payee duly endorsed by the payee; the cost of the official telegram of advice; the cost of a telegram to the payee at the new address, and a sum equivalent to the commission at the prescribed rate for a money order of the same amount:

Provided that the charges prescribed by this regulation shall, if not prepaid, be deducted from the amount of the money order at the time of payment:

Provided further that in cases of urgency an application for transfer by telegraph of a telegraph money order may be made by telegraph.

Stoppage of payment.

239. Upon application being made in writing to the Postmaster at the office at which the order is payable and upon payment of a fee of Sixpence, payment of a money order payable in the Commonwealth may be stopped.

Duplicates.

240. If a money order payable in the Commonwealth be lost or destroyed a duplicate may be obtained upon application being made to the Chief Money Order Office in the State of payment and upon payment of a fee of Sixpence.

Compensation not payable.

241.—(1.) Compensation shall not be payable for any alleged loss or injury arising from the non-payment of a money order at the expected time.

(2.) After a money order has been paid by the Department, the Postmaster-General shall not be liable for any further payment whatsoever.

Period of validity.

242. If payment of a money order, whether issued in the Commonwealth or elsewhere, be not obtained before the expiration of twelve calendar months after the month in which it was issued, all claim to the money shall be lost:

Provided that when good reason can be given for delay in presenting the order for payment, an application for payment, subject to a reduction at the rate of Sixpence for every Five pounds or fraction of Five pounds, may be granted.

Exchanges with other countries.

243. The conditions other than those prescribed in these Regulations under which money orders shall be exchanged between the Commonwealth of Australia and other countries or territories shall be those provided for in the arrangements concluded between the Postmaster-General and the authorities controlling the issue and payment of money orders in such other countries or territories.

Part XVIII.—Postal Notes.

Offices and hours of issue.

244. Postal notes shall be issued and paid at such post offices in the Commonwealth and during such hours as are determined by the Postmaster-General.

Authority to issue and sell.

245. Postal notes shall be issued and sold only by persons authorized in that behalf by the Postmaster-General.

Penalty for unlawful issue or sale.

246. Any person who without lawful authority (proof whereof shall lie upon him) issues or sells a postal note shall be guilty of an offence. Penalty: £50.

Denominations and poundage.

247. The denominations of postal notes issued, and the poundage chargeable thereon, shall be as follow:—

Denomination.

Poundage.

Denomination.

Poundage.

Denomination.

Poundage.

s. d.

d.

sd.

d.

s. d.

d.

1 0

1

4 0

10 0

3

1 6

1

4 6

11 0

3

2 0

1

5 0

2

15 0

3

2 6

1

5 6

2

20 0

3

3 0

6 0

2

3 6

7 6

2

Name of payee, &c., to be inserted.

248.—(1.) The purchaser of a Postal Note shall insert, in the spaces provided therein for the purpose, the name of the Post Office at which payment is desired and the name of the person to whom the amount is to be paid.

(2.) Except as hereinafter provided, a Postal Note shall be paid only at the Post Office and to the person named by the purchaser. The payee shall sign the receipt on the face of the Note before payment is made.

(3.) If a Postal Note be made payable to a firm or company the ordinary business stamp of the firm or company shall, when request to that effect has been made in writing and approved by the Deputy Director, be accepted as a sufficient receipt.

(4.) In the event of the removal of the payee to another district, payment may be made at a Post Office other than that specified by the purchaser, subject to the payee producing satisfactory evidence of change of address to the paying officer.

(5.) When a Postal Note is made payable in a Capital City and the payee is a resident of a suburb thereof, payment may be made at the Suburban Post Office nearest to the residence of the payee.

Postal Regulations.

(6.) If a Postal Note be presented for payment by a person other than the payee, the person presenting the Note shall sign his name on the back thereof. In such case the payee shall, however, have first receipted the Note in the space provided for the purpose.

Repayment.

249. Repayment of a Postal Note (but not the poundage thereon) may be made to the purchaser at the office of issue, subject to his identity being established to the satisfaction of the paying officer. The purchaser shall, in such event, sign his name in the space provided on the Note for the payee’s signature and write the word “Remitter” thereunder.

Crossed postal notes.

250. A Postal Note may be crossed for payment through a bank, in which case it shall not be paid unless it be presented by a bank official and bears an impression of the bank’s stamp in addition to the receipt of the payee:

Provided that, should a bank refuse to accept without charge a crossed Postal Note, the Postal Note shall be paid at the office named by the purchaser on presentation by the payee.

Postmaster-General not liable after payment.

251. After a Postal Note has been paid by the Department the Postmaster-General shall not be liable for any further payment whatsoever.

Payment after six months.

252.—(1.) A Postal Note presented for payment after six months from the last day of the month of issue shall not be paid until reference has been made to the Chief Money Order Office of the State of issue, and shall then be paid only on payment by the payee of a fee equivalent to the amount of the original poundage.

(2.) Such fee shall be paid in postage stamps affixed to the face of the Note.

Mutilated postal notes.

253. If a Postal Note contain any alteration or erasure, or be cut, defaced, or mutilated, payment may be refused.

Information regarding payment.

254. Subject to an inquiry being instituted within a period not exceeding two years following the date of issue, information regarding the payment of Postal Notes shall, where the denominations and numbers of the Notes are given, be furnished on payment of a fee of 3d. in respect of each note:

Provided that where the inquiry relates to two or more Notes of the same denomination with consecutive numbers, only one fee shall be payable.

Part XIX.—Miscellaneous.

Information not divulged.

255. Information shall not be given respecting postal articles which pass through a post office except to the persons to whom they are addressed, and in no way shall information of a private character coming to the knowledge of a postmaster or other employee in the course of his official duties be made public:

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

Re-posting by Postmaster.

256. If a postal article be forwarded under cover to a postmaster with a request that he will repost it at his office, the article, on being reposted, shall be endorsed with the words “Posted at................ under cover to the postmaster at................”.

POST AND TELEGRAPH—

Weighing of postal articles.

257. It shall not be compulsory for post office officials 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.

Payments to masters of vessels.

258. 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 harbours 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.

Notices by masters of vessels.

259. The notices required to be given by masters of vessels pursuant to sub-section (2.) of section 71, and to section 72 of the Act, shall be in writing.

Repeal.

260. Regulations 1 to 254a (both inclusive) of the Postal Regulations (Statutory Rules 1927 No. 144) as amended to the date of this regulation are repealed.

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