Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1919, No. 133, enacted under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, introduce amendments to the Post and Telegraph Regulations of 1913. This legislative instrument was made by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and it aims to adjust the charges for private mail-bag services, aligning them with the frequency and mode of delivery. The policy objective underpinning these amendments is to ensure that the costs associated with the postal services accurately reflect the services provided, particularly in terms of frequency and the method of transportation. By specifying charges based on the number of times mail-bags are made up and despatched, the regulation seeks to maintain efficient and equitable postal services across the Commonwealth.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 applies to private mail-bags made up and despatched from a post office, with specific charges dependent on the frequency of despatch by mailmen or private messengers. This regulation applies to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, extending the jurisdictional reach of the Act to include the fees for private mail-bags in accordance with the outlined provisions. The regulation specifies that charges for mail-bags despatched by mailmen vary from £1 per annum for those despatched not more than thrice a week, to £4 per annum for those despatched more than six times a week. Similarly, for private mail-bags conveyed by private messengers, charges range from £1 per annum for those made up not more than once daily, to £2 per annum if made up more than once daily. Additionally, for mail-bags conveyed by railway, the actual cost of conveyance must be paid in addition to the prescribed charge. These charges must be paid in advance, and the regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, thereby applying uniformly across the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions

The amended regulation, as outlined in Regulation 172, establishes the charges for private mail-bags. Specifically, it details the annual charges based on the frequency with which the mail-bags are made up and despatched from a post office. For mail-bags despatched not more than thrice a week, the charge is £1 per annum; for those despatched more than thrice but not more than six times a week, the charge is £2 per annum; and for those despatched more than six times a week, the charge is £4 per annum (Regulation 172(1)). Additionally, for mail-bags made up and conveyed by a private messenger, the charge is £1 per annum if made up not more than once daily, or £2 per annum if made up more than once daily (Regulation 172(1)). All charges must be paid in advance. These regulations impose clear obligations on the parties involved. Individuals or entities utilising private mail-bags must ensure they adhere to the specified frequency criteria to determine the correct annual charge. If mail-bags are conveyed by railway, they must also account for the actual cost of railway conveyance as required by the Postmaster-General, in addition to the annual charge outlined in the regulation (Regulation 172(2)). Compliance with these requirements ensures that the postal service can manage and charge for the service appropriately. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to various consequences. While specific offences are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of postal regulations generally could result in penalties. Historically, such breaches might have included fines or other administrative penalties. The maximum penalties would be determined based on the severity of the breach and the specific regulations contravened, but they are not explicitly stated in the provided excerpt. It is advisable for affected parties to consult relevant authorities or legal experts to understand the full implications of non-compliance within the broader legislative framework.