Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1915, No. 171, made under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, were enacted to amend the Post and Telegraph Regulations of 1913. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for updating the commission rates on sums collected from the addressee for postal services. The regulations were enacted by Sir Arthur Stanley, the Governor of the State of Victoria and its Dependencies, acting as the Deputy of the Governor-General, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective behind this amendment was to ensure that the commission fees for postal services were clearly defined and correctly charged, facilitating smoother and more transparent transactions involving postal services.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913 applies to all persons and entities involved in the transmission and delivery of postal items within the Commonwealth of Australia. This includes individuals, businesses, and any other entities that utilise postal services to send parcels or other items that require the payment of a commission for collection. The regulation specifically pertains to the collection of a commission for sums specified by the sender to be collected from the addressee. This applies across the entire Commonwealth, encompassing all states and territories within Australia. There are no exclusions or exemptions outlined in the Regulation itself; however, the regulation does specify the method and amount of postage stamps to be affixed to parcels for the commission, registration fee, and postage. The application of this regulation may be further extended or restricted through additional subordinate instruments or regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, specifically Regulation 264, introduces a new requirement for the prepayment of a commission fee on certain postal items. According to section 264, senders must affix postage stamps to the parcel that are distinct from the ordinary postage stamps and marked "commission." This commission is calculated at a rate of twopence for sums not exceeding ten shillings, and one penny for each additional five shillings or fraction thereof. Furthermore, the sender must also ensure that the registration fee and the appropriate postage are prepaid using postage stamps, all of which must be affixed to the parcel. Under Regulation 264, the obligations imposed on parties sending postal items are clear and specific. Senders are required to ensure that their parcels include postage stamps for the ordinary postage, the registration fee, and the commission fee. These stamps must be distinctly marked and affixed in the manner prescribed by the regulation. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the parcel not being processed or additional fees being charged upon delivery. Failure to comply with the provisions of Regulation 264 can lead to various consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, it is likely that non-compliance with postal regulations could result in the parcel being returned to the sender, delayed, or incurring additional fees. In more severe cases, persistent non-compliance might lead to further administrative actions or penalties as stipulated under the overarching Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913. The exact nature and extent of these penalties would need to be referred to within the broader legislative context.