Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1916 No. 10 amends the Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, this provisional regulation responds to an urgent need to modify postal note payment practices. The regulation allows purchasers of postal notes to add an additional amount up to five pence by affixing valid postage stamps to the note, providing flexibility in transactions while ensuring the stamps are affixed by the purchaser only. This adjustment aims to facilitate postal transactions and streamline the process of purchasing postal notes, reflecting the policy objective of enhancing efficiency within the postal system.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913 applies to the practice of adding a broken amount to a postal note through the affixing of valid postage stamps by the purchaser or remitter of the postal note. This regulation explicitly allows the addition of a broken amount, not exceeding 5d, by affixing unobliterated and unperforated postage stamps on the face of the postal note. Notably, this practice cannot be performed by the payee of the note, which clearly delineates the roles and limitations within the transactional process. This regulation operates nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia, reflecting the broad jurisdictional reach intended to standardise practices related to postal notes within the country. The regulation supersedes an earlier regulation (Regulation 301) and comes into immediate operation, reflecting the urgency of updating postal practices as deemed by the relevant authorities.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulation 301, replacing Regulation 301 under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, introduces new provisions concerning the purchase and remittance of postal notes. Specifically, Regulation 301 allows a purchaser or remitter of a postal note to add an additional amount of up to 5 pence by attaching valid, unobliterated, and unperforated postage stamps to the face of the note (section 301). It is crucial that these stamps are affixed by the purchaser or remitter and not by the payee. This amendment ensures that the total value of the postal note and the affixed stamps is paid out, but it must be noted that no fractional pence may be included. Under the new Regulation 301, parties involved in the purchase or remittance of postal notes must adhere to the stipulation that only the purchaser or remitter may affix valid postage stamps to the note. This provision clarifies the roles and responsibilities of different parties in the postal transaction. Furthermore, the stamps must be whole pence only, reinforcing the necessity for precise monetary increments and avoiding fractional pence. The new Regulation imposes clear obligations on the purchaser or remitter of postal notes, mandating that they are the only parties allowed to affix postage stamps to the note. This requirement ensures that the additional amount added does not exceed 5 pence and that the stamps are valid and unperforated. Conversely, it prohibits the payee from affixing any stamps to the note, maintaining the integrity and clarity of the postal transaction. Failure to comply with Regulation 301 may result in civil or administrative consequences, though the specific penalties are not detailed in the legislation provided. However, it is understood that adhering to the strict guidelines regarding who can affix the stamps and the permissible amount is critical to avoid any breaches. Any deviation from these provisions could potentially lead to disputes or financial discrepancies in postal transactions.