Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (C1914L00058) were enacted in 1914 under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913. This legislation was introduced to address the need for a more streamlined and efficient means of communication within Australia by providing for the registration and notification of abbreviated telegraphic addresses. The regulations were created by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, with the intent to enhance the utility of telegraphic communication by allowing for the registration of shorter, more convenient addresses. The policy objective was to improve the ease and efficiency of telegraphic communication by reducing the length of addresses, thereby facilitating quicker and more convenient correspondence through the telegraph service.

Scope and Application

The Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, which were made under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, apply to any person or firm that has paid the required fee for the registration of an abbreviated telegraphic address. These regulations, which came into effect on 13th June 1914, allow for the inclusion of such addresses in the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Guide, contingent on the payment of an additional annual fee. The application of these regulations is geographically confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, and they do not explicitly exclude any specific persons, entities, industries, conduct, or transactions. The regulations are part of a broader legislative framework and may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, although no such extensions or restrictions are specified in this particular legislative instrument.

Key Provisions

The Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 introduce a specific provision regarding the registration and notification of abbreviated telegraphic addresses. According to section 402a, individuals or firms who have paid the requisite fee for the registration of an abbreviated telegraphic address can have this address included in the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Guide. This inclusion is contingent upon the payment of an additional annual fee of two shillings and sixpence. Entities or individuals seeking to avail themselves of this service must first ensure they have fulfilled the initial registration requirement by paying the prescribed fee. Once this is done, they are then permitted to pay the additional annual fee to have their abbreviated telegraphic address listed in the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Guide. This guide serves as a crucial directory, facilitating easier communication via telegraphic means by using abbreviated addresses instead of full, potentially cumbersome, ones. The obligations imposed by the Act are straightforward but essential for compliance. Firstly, registrants must ensure that they have paid the prescribed fee for the registration of an abbreviated telegraphic address. This ensures that the address is officially recognised. Secondly, they must pay the additional annual fee to have their address listed in the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Guide. Failure to do so will result in the address not being listed, which could potentially hinder communication efforts. Breach of the obligations outlined in the Act could potentially lead to civil or administrative consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed within the statutory rules. However, non-compliance with the fee payment requirements could result in the abbreviated telegraphic address not being registered or listed, thereby defeating the purpose of the registration. Such non-compliance might also impact the smooth operation of telegraphic communications, which could indirectly lead to operational inefficiencies or communication delays.