Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1916, No. 332 amends the Post and Telegraph Regulations, 1913, under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901. This legislative instrument addresses the need to refine the delivery procedures for telegrams within Australia, particularly focusing on ensuring they reach their intended recipients accurately and securely. The regulation was enacted by the Governor-General in Council, which underscores the federal legislative authority involved in the amendment process. The policy objective outlined in the text is to ensure telegrams are delivered according to their address, with specific provisions to handle situations where the delivery cannot be completed at the first attempt, thus aiming to enhance the efficiency and reliability of telegram delivery services. This regulation serves to formalise the operational guidelines for the delivery of telegrams, ensuring that they are either delivered to the addressee or to an authorised representative at designated postal or telegraph offices. Additionally, it introduces a provision prohibiting the acceptance of telegrams related to horse racing or betting at telegraph offices if they are addressed to post offices, poste restante, or telegraph offices, thereby aiming to address potential issues arising from gambling-related communications.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916 applies to the delivery of telegrams within the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically modifying the mode of delivery outlined in Regulation 355. This regulation applies to telegrams, dictating that they must be delivered to the addressee or to someone at their residence unless contrary instructions have been provided. Additionally, telegrams concerning horse racing or betting are explicitly prohibited from being accepted at any telegraph office if they are addressed to a post office, poste restante, or another telegraph office. The regulation also includes provisions for the scenario where a telegram is not delivered upon first attempt due to the absence of the recipient, stipulating that a notice should be left and the telegram returned to the telegraph office for a second delivery attempt. The regulation’s application is comprehensive within the geographical jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing all post and telegraph offices.

Key Provisions

The key operative section of this statutory regulation is Regulation 355 (paragraph 1), which outlines the mode of delivery for telegrams. According to this regulation, telegrams are to be delivered to the addressee or, in the absence of the addressee, to someone at the residence of the addressee (355(1)(a)). Alternatively, telegrams can be delivered to the addressee or their duly appointed representative at the post office or telegraph office (355(1)(b)). However, telegrams related to horse racing or betting on races or sports should not be accepted at any telegraph office if they are addressed to any post office, poste restante, or telegraph office (355(1)(b)). If the addressee is not available to receive the telegram, a notice must be left at the address, and the telegram will be returned to the telegraph office to await collection by the addressee or their nominee (355(2)). If no application is made for the telegram within a certain period, it will be sent out again when a messenger passes the address. The regulation imposes specific obligations and requirements on both the senders and recipients of telegrams, as well as the postal and telegraph service providers. The senders must provide accurate and complete addresses for the delivery of their telegrams, while the recipients must be available to receive the telegram or have a duly appointed representative to collect it. Additionally, the postal and telegraph service providers must adhere to the stipulated delivery procedures and ensure that telegrams are not accepted for delivery if they pertain to horse racing or betting on races or sports. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in Regulation 355 may result in civil or criminal consequences. However, the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach are not explicitly stated in the regulation. The regulation primarily focuses on outlining the delivery procedures for telegrams and does not provide information on potential penalties or consequences for non-compliance. It is essential for postal and telegraph service providers, as well as senders and recipients of telegrams, to familiarise themselves with the regulation to ensure adherence to the stipulated requirements.