POST AND TELEGRAPH RATES (DEFENCE FORCES).
No. 24 of 1940.
An Act to amend the Postal Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1939.
[Assented to 31st May, 1940.]
BE it enacted by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, as follows:—
Short title and citation.
1.—(1.) This Act may be cited as the Post and Telegraph Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1940.
(2.) The Postal Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1939 is in this Act referred to as the Principal Act.
(3.) The Principal Act, as amended by this Act, may be cited as the Post and Telegraph Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1939-1940.
Commencement,
2. This Act shall come into operation on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.
Definitions.
3. Section four of the Principal Act is amended by inserting, after the definition of “member of the Forces”, the following definition:—
“‘rates for telegrams’ means charges for the transmission of the telegrams specified in the Schedule to this Act;”.
4. After section five of the Principal Act the following section is inserted:—
Rates for telegrams.
“5a. Subject to such conditions as to addressing, acceptance and transmission as the Postmaster-General determines, the rates for telegrams lodged within the Commonwealth—
(a) by a member of the Forces for transmission to any person within the Commonwealth; or
(b) by any person for transmission to a member of the Forces within the Commonwealth,
shall be as set out in the Schedule to this Act.”.
Act not to apply to Departmental communications.
5. Section six of the Principal Act is amended by inserting, after the word “posted”, the words “, or any telegram lodged,”.
The Schedule.
6. The Schedule to the Principal Act is repealed and the following Schedule inserted in its stead:—
“THE SCHEDULE.
MAILS AND TELEGRAMS TO AND FROM MEMBERS OF THE FORGES.
PART I.—RATES OF POSTAGE.
Letters and Letter-cards....... | One penny for each ounce or fraction of an ounce. |
Post-cards................ | One penny each. |
Printed matter............. | One penny for each eight ounces or fraction of eight ounces. |
Merchandise.............. | One penny for each four ounces or fraction of four ounces. |
Books, Periodicals and Newspapers | One penny for each twelve ounces or fraction of twelve ounces. |
Parcels.................. | For a parcel— |
| Not exceeding one pound in weight—Sixpence. |
Exceeding one pound but not exceeding two pounds—Ninepence. |
Exceeding two pounds but not exceeding three pounds—One shilling. |
Exceeding three pounds but not exceeding five pounds—One shilling and threepence. |
Exceeding five pounds but not exceeding eight pounds—One shilling and sixpence. |
Exceeding eight pounds but not exceeding eleven pounds—One shilling and nine-pence. |
PART II.—RATES FOR TELEGRAMS.
(a) Ordinary Telegrams—
Including address and signature— | |
Not exceeding fourteen words...................... | Sixpence. |
Each additional two words or less.................... | One penny. |
(b) Urgent Telegrams—
Including address and signature— | |
Not exceeding fourteen words...................... | One shilling. |
Each additional word............................ | One penny.”. |
Overview
The Post and Telegraph Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1940 was enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament to amend the Postal Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1939. The primary purpose of this Act was to address the need for streamlined and reduced communication rates for members of the Defence Forces and their families, both within Australia and overseas, during times of military conflict. The 1940 Act introduced specific provisions for the rates of postage and telegrams for Defence Force members, aiming to facilitate easier and more affordable communication during wartime. By defining the charges and conditions for these communications, the Act sought to support the morale and operational efficiency of the Defence Forces by ensuring that members could maintain contact with their loved ones and colleagues at reduced costs.
Scope and Application
The Post and Telegraph Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1940 amends the Postal Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1939 to establish specific postal and telegraphic rates for members of the Defence Forces and their communication with individuals within the Commonwealth of Australia. This Act applies to members of the Defence Forces and civilians communicating with them, specifically regarding the transmission of telegrams and mail within Australia. The legislation ensures that certain communications by or to Defence Force members are charged at reduced or specified rates, as outlined in the newly inserted Schedule. It excludes departmental communications from the scope of these reduced rates. This Act operates nationally across the Commonwealth, reflecting a federal approach to supporting Defence Force members and their families during times of conflict or national emergency. The application of the Act may be further refined or extended through subordinate instruments, although the primary legislation itself does not specify any such extensions or restrictions.
Key Provisions
The Post and Telegraph Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1940 primarily amends the Postal Rates (Defence Forces) Act 1939 to update and clarify the rates for postal and telegraphic communications involving members of the defence forces. The Act introduces specific rates for telegrams (section 5a) and modifies the definition of “rates for telegrams” (section 3). It also includes a new schedule that details the charges for various types of mail and telegrams (section 6). This Act is intended to streamline and standardise the postal rates for communications pertinent to defence force members.
The Act imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Members of the defence forces and their correspondents must adhere to the rates and conditions set out in the Act. The Postmaster-General has the authority to determine conditions relating to the addressing, acceptance, and transmission of telegrams (section 5a). Additionally, the Act ensures that these rates do not apply to departmental communications (section 5).
There are no specific offences or penalties outlined in the Act itself. However, non-compliance with the rates and conditions set forth by the Postmaster-General could potentially lead to disputes or challenges regarding the charges incurred for postal and telegraphic services. The Act focuses primarily on establishing clear rates and conditions rather than punitive measures for non-compliance.