STATUTORY RULES.
1915. No. 106.
REGULATION UNDER THE POST AND TELEGRAPH ACT 1901-1913.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the undermentioned amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913 to come into operation forthwith.
Dated this twenty-first day of June, One thousand nine hundred and fifteen.
R. M. FERGUSON,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
W. G. SPENCE,
Postmaster-General.
Amendment of the Post and Telegraph Regulations, 1913.
(Statutory Rules 1913, No. 348.)
Regulation 396 is repealed, and the following Regulation is inserted in its stead:—
396. (1) Telegrams in plain language shall mean those of which the text is entirely written in language which offers an intelligible sense in one or more of the languages authorized for international telegraphic correspondence, viz., English, French, or Latin, or in any language notified by any Administration which is a party to the International Telegraph Union, as authorized for international telegraphic correspondence in plain language, when such language is that of the country of destination; and shall also include code addresses, commercial marks, exchange quotations, letters representing signals of the International code of signals employed in maritime telegrams, abbreviated expressions currently used in ordinary or commercial correspondence, as fob., cif., caf., svp., or any other analogous expression.
(2) The Postmaster-General may require the sender to produce such evidence as to the meaning and the admissibility of any word, and the ordinary usage of any language, and as to any other particular as will satisfy him that the Regulations in respect of plain language are duly observed.
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.4161.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1915 No. 106, enacted by the Governor-General in Council under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, amends the Post and Telegraph Regulations, 1913. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for clearer and more consistent communication standards in international telegrams. The problem it sought to resolve was the potential for ambiguity in the language used in telegrams, which could lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. By specifying that telegrams in plain language must be written in an intelligible language authorised for international correspondence, such as English, French, or Latin, and by allowing for the use of specific codes and abbreviations currently in ordinary use, the regulation aims to enhance clarity and efficiency in international telegraphic communication. This policy objective is to ensure that telegrams are transmitted and received with the intended meaning, thereby improving the reliability of international correspondence.
Scope and Application
The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913 applies to telegrams in plain language, specifying that the text of these telegrams must be intelligible in one or more authorised languages such as English, French, or Latin, or any other language authorised for international correspondence by a party to the International Telegraph Union. The regulation also includes certain codes and abbreviations that are permissible in the context of international telegraphic correspondence. It applies to individuals or entities sending telegrams that fall within the scope of the Regulation, ensuring that the content adheres to the specified linguistic standards. The regulation extends nationally, as it is an amendment to Commonwealth legislation, thereby affecting all states and territories within Australia. Any deviation from these requirements could prompt the Postmaster-General to request evidence from the sender to confirm compliance, thereby ensuring adherence to the standards set forth in the amended regulation.
Key Provisions
The key operative sections of this amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913 revolve around the definition and requirements for telegrams in plain language. Section 396(1) defines telegrams in plain language as those written in an intelligible sense in authorised international languages, such as English, French, or Latin, or any language approved by a member of the International Telegraph Union. It also includes code addresses, commercial marks, exchange quotations, and abbreviated expressions currently used in commercial correspondence. Section 396(2) empowers the Postmaster-General to request evidence from the sender regarding the meaning and admissibility of any word, the ordinary usage of any language, and any other particulars to ensure compliance with the regulations.
The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act primarily concern the sender of telegrams. They must ensure that the telegrams they send are written in plain language as defined in Section 396(1). This means their messages must be intelligible in the relevant authorised languages and should not include ambiguous or coded expressions unless they fall within the exceptions outlined. Additionally, the sender must be prepared to provide evidence to the Postmaster-General to substantiate the meaning and admissibility of any word or phrase used in their telegrams, as stipulated in Section 396(2).
Regarding the consequences of non-compliance, the Regulation does not explicitly detail specific offences or penalties for breaching the requirements of telegrams in plain language. However, the authority given to the Postmaster-General to request evidence suggests a mechanism for enforcement. Non-compliance could potentially lead to the rejection or delay of telegrams, which could have significant implications depending on the urgency and importance of the message. The absence of explicit penalties in the Regulation implies that the primary enforcement mechanism is administrative, focusing on ensuring compliance through evidence and communication rather than punitive measures.