Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1926, No. 93, issued under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, were enacted by the Deputy of the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. This legislative instrument addresses the administrative framework for managing private posting boxes at business premises. The primary objective is to ensure the efficient and orderly clearance of these boxes, setting forth regulations that govern the arrangement, operation, and fees associated with private posting boxes. These amendments aim to provide clear guidelines for the use of private posting boxes while maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the postal system. The regulations establish specific conditions under which these boxes can be used, the frequency of clearance, and the fees that must be paid, ensuring that the use of these boxes does not interfere with the postal service's operations.

Scope and Application

The amended Post and Telegraph Regulations 1926, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, pertain to the arrangement for the clearance of private posting boxes located at business premises, with specific attention to the types of articles that can be posted and the conditions under which such arrangements are made. These regulations apply to businesses that have private posting boxes of approved pattern placed in approved positions at their premises. The Deputy Postmaster-General is empowered to arrange for the clearance of these boxes, subject to the business submitting a written application and adhering to the conditions outlined in the regulations. The arrangements are specifically for the clearance of unregistered letters, letter cards, and postcards, with a requirement for a notice to be affixed to each box advising that the box's use does not constitute due posting under any enactment, law, or contract. The regulations also detail fees payable for clearance services, varying based on the frequency of clearance and the location of the box within the premises. Any deviation from the stipulated conditions, such as posting articles other than letters, letter cards, and postcards, can result in the arrangement being discontinued.

Key Provisions

The amended regulations, as stated in Statutory Rules 1926, No. 93, introduce several changes to the Post and Telegraph Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923. Regulation 134 permits the Deputy Postmaster-General to arrange for the clearance of unregistered letters, letter cards, and postcards from a private posting box, provided the box is of an approved pattern and placed in an approved position at business premises (Regulation 134). Regulation 135 requires a notice to be affixed to each box stating that items placed in it are not deemed to be duly posted and prohibiting the posting of items such as newspapers and packets, including circulars (Regulation 135). The prohibition on posting items other than letters, letter cards, and postcards is clearly printed in prominent letters, and the arrangement for the clearance of the box may be discontinued if these items are posted (Regulation 135(2)). Regulation 136 specifies that the arrangements for the clearance of the box, including the times of clearance, are to be determined by the Deputy Postmaster-General (Regulation 136). Regulation 137 mandates that officers of the Postmaster-General's Department have exclusive access to the box for the purpose of clearing it and hold the keys for opening it (Regulation 137). Regulation 138 outlines the fees for clearance, which must be paid in advance, with different rates based on the frequency of clearance and the location of the box, including additional fees for clearance on Sundays or holidays (Regulation 138). These regulations impose certain obligations on the parties involved. The Deputy Postmaster-General must arrange for the clearance of the approved private posting boxes and determine the times for clearance (Regulation 134, 136). The notice specified in Regulation 135 must be affixed to each box, clearly stating the conditions under which the box is to be used and warning against posting items other than letters, letter cards, and postcards (Regulation 135). The fees for clearance must be paid in advance as per the rates outlined in Regulation 138. Furthermore, the requirement for the exclusive access of Postmaster-General's Department officers to the box and their possession of the keys for opening it ensures the proper management and security of the clearance process (Regulation 137). The amended regulations do not explicitly mention any offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, the requirement to adhere to the specified conditions for the use of private posting boxes and the payment of fees suggests that non-compliance could result in the discontinuation of the clearance arrangement (Regulation 135(2)). While the regulations do not provide explicit penalties for breaches, the implications of non-compliance, such as the cessation of the clearance service, may serve as a deterrent.