STATUTORY RULES.
1924. No. 107.
REGULATION UNDER THE POST AND TELEGRAPH ACT 1901–1923.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the undermentioned amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1923, to come into operation on and from 1st September, 1924.
Dated this twenty-third day of July, 1924.
FORSTER,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
THOS. W. CRAWFORD,
for the Postmaster-General.
Amendment of the Post and Telegraph Regulations.
(Statutory Rules 1913, No. 348, as amended to this date.)
Regulation 378 of the Post and Telegraph Regulations is amended—
(a) by omitting from sub-regulation (1) there of the words “upon payment of a fee of 2s. 6d. for the first hour or portion thereof and 1s. 6d. for every subsequent hour or portion thereof,” and inserting in their stead the words “upon payment of a fee of one shilling and sixpence for each thirty minutes or portion thereof”;
(b) by inserting in sub-regulation (2) thereof after the words “one shilling” the words “and sixpence”; and
(c) by omitting sub-regulation (4) and inserting the following sub-regulation in its stead:—
(4) Similar arrangements may be made at a semi-official or non-official office, where the person in charge is willing to give the necessary attendance, on payment of a fee not exceeding one shilling and sixpence for each thirty minutes or portion thereof during which it is desired that the office shall be kept open, in addition to the ordinary departmental charges for the transmission of telegrams.
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by H. J. Green, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.9785.—Price 3d.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1924 No. 107, enacted on 23 July 1924, amends the Post and Telegraph Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1923. The Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, introduced this regulation to update the fees for telegram transmission services, replacing the previous fee structure with a more simplified and uniform rate. This legislative instrument aimed to streamline the payment process for telegram services, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for users of postal and telegraph services. The amendment was designed to address the need for clearer and more straightforward fee structures, reflecting the evolving nature of communication services in the early 20th century.
Scope and Application
This legislative instrument constitutes an amendment to the Post and Telegraph Regulations, which fall under the purview of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1923. The regulation pertains to the adjustment of fees for the use of postal and telegraph services, specifically modifying the fee structure for the duration of service provided, such as the time for which an office is kept open for telegram transmission. The amended regulation applies to any person or entity utilising postal or telegraph services in the Commonwealth of Australia. The revised fee structure is now based on a payment of one shilling and sixpence for each thirty minutes or portion thereof, replacing the previous structure of a higher initial fee followed by reduced hourly fees. The regulation further allows for similar fee arrangements to be made at semi-official or non-official offices, provided the person in charge is willing to attend, subject to the same fee cap. This legislative instrument directly affects individuals and businesses engaged in the transmission of telegrams within Australia, thereby impacting the communication industry, and is applicable nationally across the Commonwealth.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the amended Post and Telegraph Regulations (Statutory Rules 1924, No. 107) concern changes to the fees for telegram services. Regulation 378 is specifically amended to modify the payment structure for telegram services. Sub-regulation (1) now requires a fee of one shilling and sixpence for each thirty minutes or portion thereof, replacing the previous fee structure of two shillings and sixpence for the first hour and one shilling and sixpence for each subsequent hour. Sub-regulation (2) also includes the addition of sixpence to the one shilling fee. Additionally, a new sub-regulation (4) allows for similar arrangements to be made at semi-official or non-official offices, provided the person in charge is willing to attend, with a fee of up to one shilling and sixpence for each thirty minutes or portion thereof, in addition to the ordinary departmental charges for telegram transmission.
The amended Regulations impose specific obligations on parties and entities involved in telegram services. Firstly, the new fee structure must be adhered to for telegram services rendered. This includes the standardised thirty-minute fee of one shilling and sixpence for both official and semi-official or non-official offices. Furthermore, any arrangements made at non-official offices require the willingness of the person in charge to attend and provide necessary services, with an additional fee for the extended opening time. These provisions ensure that all parties involved in telegram services are aware of and comply with the updated fee regulations.
The amended Regulations do not explicitly state any specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, it can be inferred that non-compliance with the stipulated fee structure or the conditions for service arrangements could result in legal repercussions under the overarching Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1923. Such breaches might lead to enforcement actions, fines, or other penalties as prescribed by the relevant legislation. The specific details regarding penalties would be governed by the overarching Act and any related provisions.