Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Post and Telegraph Regulations 1916 (Statutory Rules 1916, No. 99) were enacted to amend the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913, specifically addressing the allowance of additional amounts on postal notes through the affixing of valid postage stamps. This legislation was issued provisionally as Statutory Rules 1916, No. 10, and came into operation forthwith. It was made under the authority of Sir Arthur Stanley, the Governor of the State of Victoria and its Dependencies, acting as the Deputy of the Governor-General in the Commonwealth of Australia, with advice from the Federal Executive Council in accordance with the Constitution. The objective of the regulation was to clarify and update the method by which purchasers could add extra value to postal notes using postage stamps, replacing the previous regulation to ensure compliance with the current postal practices.

Scope and Application

The Post and Telegraph Regulations 1916, specifically Regulation 301, amends the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 and applies to any individual or entity purchasing or remitting postal notes within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation pertains to the practice of adding additional value to postal notes by affixing unobliterated and unperforated postage stamps, with a limit of 5d and no fractions of a penny. The regulation is explicit in stating that the postage stamps must be affixed by the purchaser or remitter, and not by the payee, to ensure that the total value of the postal note and the stamps combined is paid. The regulation is applicable throughout the Commonwealth and its provisions are enforced as part of the overarching Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1913. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but the limitation on the amount that can be added implies a de facto threshold. The regulation does not extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments as it is a direct amendment of the existing regulation.

Key Provisions

The amended regulation, section 301, introduces a specific provision regarding the purchase and addition of value to postal notes. Essentially, it allows the purchaser of a postal note to increase its value by affixing valid postage stamps to the face of the note, provided the total value of the note and stamps does not exceed the required amount. The regulation specifies that the additional amount cannot exceed 5d, and it must be in whole pence, with no fractions allowed. Importantly, the regulation also clarifies that postage stamps should not be affixed by the payee but only by the purchaser or remitter of the postal note. This regulation aims to provide flexibility in how postal notes can be purchased and their values adjusted while ensuring that the process is controlled and secure. The obligations imposed by this regulation primarily rest on the purchasers or remitters of postal notes. They must adhere strictly to the guidelines provided, ensuring that only valid postage stamps are used and that these stamps are affixed by the purchaser themselves. The regulation aims to maintain the integrity and value of postal notes, so purchasers must be diligent in verifying the validity of the stamps and their total value. Furthermore, the regulation explicitly prohibits the payee from affixing any stamps, reinforcing the separation of roles between the purchaser and the payee to prevent any potential misuse or fraudulent activity. Failure to comply with the provisions of this regulation could result in penalties. Although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, under general legislative principles, any breach of regulations could lead to fines or other administrative actions. The exact consequences would depend on the interpretation of the regulation by the relevant authorities and the specific nature of the breach. Given the historical context, penalties might have included fines or other monetary sanctions, reflecting the seriousness with which regulatory compliance was regarded at the time.