Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1915, No. 239, introduced under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, represents a legislative instrument designed to address the logistical needs arising from the enactment of the War Census Acts 1915. The regulation was made by the Governor-General in Council, reflecting the urgency and importance of ensuring that statistical data collection during wartime could proceed unhindered. The primary objective was to facilitate the free postage of papers provided for by the War Census Acts 1915, specifically allowing the Commonwealth Statistician in Melbourne to send and receive these documents without incurring postal charges. This was achieved by permitting the free dispatch of postal articles bearing the designation "War Census" on the envelope, ensuring that the census data collection could be efficiently managed amidst the challenges of wartime.

Scope and Application

This Statutory Rule, numbered 239 of 1915, constitutes a regulation made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, which was enacted to provide for the establishment and management of postal and telegraph services within the Commonwealth. This particular regulation, effective immediately upon its publication, amends the existing Post and Telegraph Regulations of 1913. It introduces a new provision, specifically Regulation 110a, which allows for the free transmission of postal articles containing papers as stipulated by the War Census Acts 1915. The regulation applies to such papers being sent by or addressed to the Commonwealth Statistician in Melbourne, provided the envelopes are clearly marked on the outside with the words “War Census.” This amendment is aimed at facilitating the efficient and cost-free exchange of census-related materials, thereby supporting the national effort during wartime. The regulation extends to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, aligning with the national scope of the Post and Telegraph Act, and it does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions beyond the conditions specified.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this statutory regulation are straightforward and specific, focusing on the handling of postal articles containing papers associated with the War Census Acts 1915. Regulation 110a, newly inserted, allows for the free posting of such papers under certain conditions. Specifically, these papers can be sent free of charge if they are sent by or addressed to the Commonwealth Statistician in Melbourne. The regulation also stipulates that the envelopes used for posting must bear the words “War Census” on the outside. This regulation is designed to facilitate the collection of census data during wartime by reducing the financial burden on the senders and ensuring the priority handling of these important documents. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily on the Commonwealth Statistician and the postal service providers. The Commonwealth Statistician is tasked with receiving and sending out the census papers, ensuring that they are sent free of charge as stipulated. Postal service providers, on the other hand, are required to prioritise and handle these envelopes with the specific marking “War Census” differently from regular mail, thereby ensuring their timely and efficient delivery. This regulation ensures that the necessary data for the War Census can be collected smoothly and effectively during the war period. The regulation does not explicitly state any specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches. However, any failure to comply with the stipulated conditions, such as not marking the envelopes correctly or attempting to send the papers without the free postage privilege, could be interpreted as contravening the intent of the regulation. While the regulation itself does not outline specific penalties, breaches could potentially lead to administrative actions or other consequences as deemed necessary by the authorities responsible for enforcing the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913. This could include financial penalties or other corrective measures to ensure compliance with the regulation.