STATUTORY RULES.
1906. No. 110.
PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS UNDER THE DEFENCE ACTS 1903–1904.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby certify that, on account of urgency, the following Regulations under the Defence Acts 1903–1904 should come into immediate operation, and make the Regulations to come into operation forthwith as Provisional Regulations.
Dated this thirteenth day of December, One thousand nine hundred and six.
NORTHCOTE,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
T. PLAYFORD.
Regulations for the Military Forces of the Commonwealth.
Amendments.
Insert, under the heading of “Garrison and Regimental Institutes—Canteens,” (the following, as paragraph 493a:—
At all Canteens and Institutes established under these Regulations the supply of all alcoholic liquors, except ales and wines, is strictly prohibited.
Delete paragraph 501, and substitute the following paragraph there for:—
A Committee of Management shall be appointed by the Commanding Officer, consisting of a President (who shall be the Commanding Officer) and not more than two other Officers, together with two other members of the unit nominated by their comrades and approved by their Commanding Officer.
Insert, after paragraph 504, the following, as paragraphs 504a, 504b, and 504c, respectively:—
504a. The giving of credit, under any circumstances, for alcoholic liquors supplied to any one dealing at the Canteen or Institute, is strictly forbidden. All sales of alcoholic liquors will be for “spot cash” only. Credit to the money value of one fortnight’s pay may be allowed members of the Permanent Defence Force only, for Groceries and “dry goods” generally; but all
accounts in this connection must be settled on or before the first pay day following the grant of such credit. No distinction shall be made in the rates charged to Officers and soldiers.
504b. The forms, statements, and books necessary for conducting the transactions of the Canteen or Institute must be in accordance with the instructions which will be issued from time to time in Military Orders.
504c. A balance-sheet shall be prepared half-yearly, which shall be certified as correct by two auditors, one of whom shall be an officer of the unit—not on the Committee of Management—and the other a member of the District Paymaster’s Staff or some person nominated by the District Paymaster. It will be the duty of the District Paymaster to see that this Regulation is strictly observed.
By Authority: J. Kemp, Acting Government Printer, Melbourne.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1906 No. 110, Provisional Regulations under the Defence Acts 1903–1904, were enacted by the Governor-General in Council to address urgent matters concerning the military forces of the Commonwealth. These regulations were designed to implement stricter controls on the sale and supply of alcoholic liquors within military canteens and institutes, while also providing for the establishment of management committees and financial accountability measures. The enactment body was the Federal Executive Council, reflecting the urgency and necessity of immediate implementation for the proper governance and administration of military forces. The policy objective was to enhance the discipline and welfare of the military personnel by restricting the sale of alcohol and ensuring transparent financial practices within the military canteens.
Scope and Application
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Acts 1903–1904 apply to the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, specifically governing the operation of Canteens and Institutes established under these Regulations. These Regulations are applicable to all personnel within the Commonwealth's military forces, including officers and soldiers, and extend to the administration of alcoholic beverages and other goods at military canteens and institutes. Geographically, these regulations pertain to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniform governance across all military units. Notably, the Regulations explicitly prohibit the supply of all alcoholic liquors except ales and wines at these establishments, and they mandate that all sales of alcoholic beverages must be for "spot cash" only, with limited credit allowed for groceries and dry goods for members of the Permanent Defence Force. Furthermore, the Regulations outline the composition and duties of the Committee of Management, the record-keeping requirements, and the procedures for auditing the financial transactions of these institutes. The application of these Regulations is further extended and detailed through subordinate instruments, which provide additional instructions and guidelines for their implementation.
Key Provisions
The Provisional Regulations under the Defence Acts 1903–1904, particularly the provisions outlined in sections 493a, 501, 504, 504a, 504b, and 504c, lay down strict guidelines for the operation of Canteens and Institutes within the Military Forces of the Commonwealth. Section 493a prohibits the supply of alcoholic liquors at Canteens and Institutes, with the exception of ales and wines. This regulation aims to ensure discipline and prevent excessive alcohol consumption within the ranks. Section 501 introduces a new Committee of Management structure, which must include the Commanding Officer as President and not more than two other officers, along with two members of the unit nominated and approved by the Commanding Officer.
The obligations imposed by these provisions require that Canteens and Institutes adhere strictly to the outlined rules concerning the sale of alcoholic liquors. For instance, under section 504a, the giving of credit for alcoholic liquors is strictly forbidden, and all sales must be for spot cash. However, members of the Permanent Defence Force may be granted credit for groceries and dry goods, but this credit must not exceed the value of one fortnight’s pay and must be settled by the first pay day following the credit grant. Additionally, section 504b mandates that all forms, statements, and books used in the transactions of Canteens and Institutes must comply with the instructions issued in Military Orders. Furthermore, section 504c requires that a half-yearly balance sheet be prepared and certified by two auditors, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial dealings.
Non-compliance with these regulations may result in significant consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, breaches of the regulations could potentially lead to disciplinary actions against the officers and members involved, as well as financial penalties. The enforcement of these regulations ensures that Canteens and Institutes operate within the intended framework, maintaining discipline and financial integrity within the Military Forces of the Commonwealth.