Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1918 No. 139, titled "Regulation Under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916," was enacted to amend the Post and Telegraph Regulations of 1913, addressing specific issues regarding the operation of private mail bags within the postal service system. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Governor-General in Council, and it was brought into effect immediately upon its creation on 29 May 1918. The regulation specifically targets the conditions under which private mail bags can be made and delivered, ensuring that these bags are not made for delivery within a mile of any office other than the one at which they are created, with an exception for public institutions. This amendment was aimed at refining the operational procedures and enhancing the efficiency of the postal service during a period when communication infrastructure was undergoing significant changes.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, which came into operation forthwith on May 29, 1918, pertains to the administration and management of private mail bags within the Commonwealth of Australia. Specifically, it applies to any individual or group of individuals residing on a mail route who wish to utilise private mail bags. The regulation is designed to ensure the efficient and orderly distribution of mail by specifying the conditions under which private mail bags can be prepared and delivered. Notably, the regulation stipulates that private mail bags cannot be prepared for delivery at locations within one mile of any post office other than the one at which the bag is made up, although this restriction can be waived in the case of public institutions. The regulation thus aims to streamline postal services while accommodating the specific needs of public institutions.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this amended regulation pertain to the establishment and use of private mail bags. Section 171(1) allows for the creation of a private mail bag at the most convenient post office for any individual or a group of people residing along a mail route, subject to the conditions outlined in the regulation. Section 171(2) stipulates that a private mail bag should not be used for delivery to places within one mile of any post office other than the one where the bag is made up, unless it is for a public institution. The regulation imposes specific obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, the regulation requires that any private mail bag must be created at the post office most convenient to the Department, ensuring efficiency in mail handling. Additionally, the regulation mandates that the use of a private mail bag must not overlap with the delivery areas of other post offices unless explicitly permitted, such as for public institutions. These obligations ensure a structured and organised approach to mail delivery. In terms of breaches of the regulation, the document does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. However, it is implicit that any misuse of the private mail bag system, such as using a bag for delivery within the restricted one-mile radius without proper waiver, could result in administrative action. Such actions might include revocation of the private mail bag service or other penalties as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. The precise penalties are not detailed in the document, leaving room for the Department to impose suitable measures based on the nature of the breach.