STATUTORY RULES.
1914. No. 59.
REGULATION UNDER THE POST AND TELEGRAPH ACT 1901-1913.
(Issued provisionally as Statutory Rules 1914, No. 22.)
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, namely:—
Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913.
(Statutory Rules 1913, No. 348.)
to come into operation on the 13th day of June, 1914.
Dated this 19th day of May, One thousand nine hundred and fourteen.
R. M. FERGUSON,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
AGAR WYNNE.
_______
AMENDMENT OF POST AND TELEGRAPH REGULATIONS 1913.
(Statutory Rules 1913, No. 348.)
After Regulation 372 the following Regulation is inserted:—
Letter Telegrams.
372a. (1) Letter Telegrams shall be accepted for transmission within the Commonwealth, subject to the conditions contained in this Regulation.
(2) Letter Telegrams will be forwarded by telegraph during the night to the place of destination, and will be delivered as ordinary letters by first delivery, or dispatched by mail in the ordinary way.
(3) Letter Telegrams may be exchanged between any of the following offices:—
(a) Offices which are open for the receipt of ordinary business between 7 p.m. and midnight;
(b) Offices which are open for ordinary or press business after 7 p.m.
C.6656.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, as amended by Statutory Rules 1914, No. 59, introduced new provisions to the existing regulatory framework for postal and telegraph services within Australia. Enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations aimed to enhance the operational efficiency and flexibility of telegram services. They were designed to address the growing demand for more convenient and efficient communication methods, particularly for urgent messages that required prompt delivery. The regulations permitted the acceptance and transmission of letter telegrams under specific conditions, facilitating the exchange of these telegrams between designated offices during specified hours, thus providing a more responsive service to the public. This legislative instrument reflects an early effort to modernise communication infrastructure in response to the evolving needs of society and commerce.
The policy objective of these amendments was to streamline the process of sending and delivering telegrams, ensuring they could be transmitted and received more efficiently. By allowing letter telegrams to be sent and delivered similarly to ordinary letters, the regulations aimed to provide a more accessible and timely means of communication. This was particularly important for businesses and individuals who required urgent communication without the formality and delay associated with traditional postal services. The introduction of these regulations highlights the commitment of the Federal government to adapt and improve public services in line with technological and societal advancements.
Scope and Application
The Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, as amended by Statutory Rules 1914, No. 59, pertain to the transmission of letter telegrams within the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislative instrument applies to individuals and entities that engage in the transmission of letter telegrams, which are a form of telegram that allows for the transmission of messages in letter form. The regulation specifies that these telegrams will be forwarded by telegraph during the night to the place of destination and delivered as ordinary letters by first delivery or dispatched by mail in the ordinary way. The regulation also specifies the conditions under which these telegrams may be exchanged between offices that are open for receipt of ordinary business between 7 p.m. and midnight, or offices open for ordinary or press business after 7 p.m. The regulation extends throughout the Commonwealth of Australia and does not specify any exclusions or exemptions. The regulation may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, although such provisions are not detailed in the text.
Key Provisions
The Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, specifically introduced by Statutory Rules 1914, No. 59, include an amendment that introduces a new Regulation 372a, which governs Letter Telegrams. According to section 372a(1), Letter Telegrams are to be accepted for transmission within the Commonwealth, provided they comply with the conditions outlined in the regulation. Section 372a(2) details the transmission and delivery process, stipulating that Letter Telegrams will be forwarded by telegraph during the night to their destination and will be delivered as ordinary letters by first delivery, or dispatched by mail in the ordinary way. Section 372a(3) further specifies that these telegrams may be exchanged between offices that are open for ordinary business between 7 p.m. and midnight or for ordinary or press business after 7 p.m.
The obligations imposed on parties and entities governed by this legislation include ensuring that Letter Telegrams are transmitted according to the specified conditions and hours. Offices involved in the exchange of Letter Telegrams must adhere to the operational hours mentioned, ensuring they are open for business during the designated periods. Additionally, the regulation necessitates that the price for sending Letter Telegrams is set at 3 pence, as stated in C.6656.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this regulation can lead to civil or criminal consequences. Although specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of regulations concerning postal and telegraph services typically carry penalties that can include fines or other sanctions as prescribed by the applicable laws. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any additional provisions or amendments that may have been introduced in subsequent legislation.