Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1915, No. 240, amends the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913. This legislative instrument, issued by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council's advice, introduces revised regulations concerning letter telegrams, aiming to streamline their transmission and handling within the Commonwealth. The policy objective appears to be ensuring efficient communication services, particularly during nighttime hours, by specifying conditions and processes for the acceptance, exchange, and delivery of letter telegrams, while also setting clear guidelines for their content and charges. The enactment by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, underscores the importance of these regulations in maintaining orderly postal and telegraphic services. The amendments focus on ensuring that letter telegrams are handled consistently and transparently, while also setting forth specific rules to govern their transmission, including time constraints, language requirements, and delivery expectations. This regulation seeks to address the practicalities of night-time communication by establishing a framework that balances operational efficiency with user convenience.

Scope and Application

The Post and Telegraph Regulations 1915 pertain to the transmission of letter telegrams within the Commonwealth of Australia, as amended by Statutory Rules 1915, No. 240. This regulation applies to all persons and entities wishing to send letter telegrams within the geographic boundaries of Australia. The regulation stipulates that letter telegrams can be accepted for transmission under specific conditions, such as being handed in between the hours of 7 p.m. and midnight, or up to the hour of closing if the office remains open beyond 7 p.m. Letter telegrams must be written in English, bearing the word "Letter" before the address, and must follow the same format and manner as ordinary telegrams with certain exceptions. The regulation also details how letter telegrams are to be forwarded and delivered, either by telegraph during the night or by mail, and notes that express delivery at the destination is not permitted. Additionally, the regulation outlines the pricing and refund policies, stating that charges will only be refunded if the letter telegram is lost or significantly delayed due to negligence by the Department's officers. The regulation provides a comprehensive framework for the acceptance, transmission, and delivery of letter telegrams across Australia.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulation 372a under the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 governs the acceptance, transmission, and delivery of letter telegrams within the Commonwealth of Australia. Regulation 372a (1) specifies that letter telegrams are to be accepted for transmission subject to certain conditions outlined in the Regulation. Regulation 372a (2) stipulates that these telegrams are to be forwarded by telegraph during the night and delivered as ordinary letters by first delivery, or dispatched by mail in the ordinary way. Regulation 372a (3) allows for the exchange of letter telegrams between specified offices that are open for ordinary business between 7 p.m. and midnight, or for ordinary or press business after 7 p.m. Regulation 372a (4) permits the acceptance of letter telegrams for further transmission by post within the Commonwealth, provided the place of posting is indicated in the address. The obligations imposed by these provisions include the requirement that letter telegrams must be handed in between the hours of 7 p.m. and midnight, or up to the hour of closing if the office closes after 7 p.m. and before midnight. Subscribers to a telephone exchange with service between these hours can transmit messages by telephone to the nearest telegraph office for further transmission as letter telegrams, provided they pay the usual cost and additional rates for telephone transmission. Letter telegrams must be written in English, must bear the word “Letter” before the address, and must conform to the regulations governing ordinary telegrams. The use of terms like “Urgent”, “Reply paid”, “Collation”, “Acknowledgment of Receipt”, “Multiple”, and “Registered Addresses” is prohibited in letter telegrams. The Regulation also outlines the consequences of breach. There are no specific offences or penalties mentioned in the Regulation, but it does note that no guarantee can be given for the due arrival of the letter telegram or against mutilation or delay. Charges are only refunded if the letter telegram goes astray through fault or negligence of the Department’s officers, or if it is delayed to such an extent that it arrives later than it would have if posted as an ordinary letter. Additionally, if multiple letter telegrams are lodged on the same evening addressed to the same person or firm, and the text indicates that one is a continuation of the other, they will be treated as one letter telegram and charged accordingly.