Postal Regulations (Amendment)

Legislation au C1954L00052 Regulations Not in force Legislative Instrument

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STATUTORY RULES.

1954. No. 52.

 

REGULATIONS UNDER THE POST AND TELEGRAPH ACT 1901-1950.*

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950.

Dated this eighth day of April, 1954.

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

for and on behalf the Postmaster-General.

 

Amendments of the Postal Regulations.†

1. Part IX. of the Postal Regulations is amended by adding at the end thereof the following regulations:—

Philatelic Sections.

“123a. For the purposes of the next succeeding regulation, the Postmaster-General may establish Philatelic Sections in post offices.

Services at Philatelic Sections.

“123b.—(1.) Envelopes specially designed for philatelic purposes may be supplied by and purchased from Philatelic Sections at a charge of Twopence for each envelope.

“(2.) A person may make a request to a Philatelic Section that an envelope referred to in the last preceding sub-regulation be addressed in accordance with his instructions and, on payment by that person of a charge of Twopence, an officer of the Philatelic Section shall address the envelope accordingly.

“(3.) A person may make a request to a Philatelic Section that—

(a) postage stamps of specific values or specific new issues be affixed to—

(i) a fully addressed envelope supplied by that person; or

(ii) an envelope addressed in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation; and

 

* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on , 1954.

† Statutory Rules 1935, No. 3, as amended by Statutory Rules 1935, Nos. 53, 70, 80 and 95; 1936, Nos. 50 and 113; 1937, Nos. 13, 35, 37 and 48; 1938, Nos. 2, 55, 94 and 100; 1939, Nos.·44, 57 and 66, 1940, Nos. 1 and 232; 1942, Nos. 5, 313, 439 and 554; 1943, Nos. 57, 94, 122, 237 and 286; 1944, No. 145; 1945, No. 194; 1946, Nos. 131 and 149; 1947, Nos. 91 and 114; 1948, No. 62; 1949, Nos. 23, 30, 38 and 106; 1950, Nos. 49 and 93; 1951, Nos. 22 and 72; 1952, No. 38; 1953, No. 81; and 1954, No.              .

159.—Price 3d. 9/4.2.1954.


(b) the envelope be postmarked and impressed with cachet or such other marks as are appropriate for placing the envelope in ordinary postal circulation,

and, on payment by that person of a charge of Twopence, in addition to the value of the stamps affixed, an officer of the Philatelic Section shall comply with the request.”.

Information regarding payment.

2. Regulation 254 of the Postal Regulations is repealed.

 

By Authority: L. F. Johnston, Commonwealth Government Printer, Canberra.

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1954 No. 52, enacted under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950, were introduced by the Governor-General in Council to address the need for formal provisions regarding the establishment of Philatelic Sections within post offices. These sections were intended to cater to the specific needs of philatelists by offering services such as the sale of specially designed envelopes, the affixing of postage stamps to envelopes, and the provision of postmarking and cacheting services. The regulations were designed to formalise and regulate these activities, ensuring they were conducted under the oversight of the Postmaster-General and in accordance with prescribed charges. This legislative instrument aimed to streamline and standardise the services provided to philatelists, thereby supporting the hobby and the postal service's ancillary revenue streams.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950, as amended by Statutory Rules 1954 No. 52, introduce specific provisions concerning the establishment and operation of Philatelic Sections within post offices across the Commonwealth. These Regulations apply to the Postmaster-General who is empowered to establish Philatelic Sections, and they govern the conduct and transactions associated with the sale and preparation of philatelic materials. They are intended to facilitate the purchase and customisation of envelopes for philatelic purposes, including the affixing of postage stamps and the application of cachets or other marks. The Regulations apply nationally within the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting post offices and their operations. While the Regulations themselves establish the framework, further details and operational guidelines may be set out in subordinate instruments issued by the Postmaster-General. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in these particular Regulations, but the application may be subject to any overarching principles or conditions outlined in the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations, which are made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950, include the establishment of Philatelic Sections in post offices (Regulation 123a) and the services provided by these sections (Regulation 123b). Regulation 123a allows the Postmaster-General to set up Philatelic Sections within post offices, aimed at catering to philatelic needs. Regulation 123b outlines the services that can be provided at these sections, including the sale of specially designed envelopes for philatelic purposes, the addressing of envelopes according to the customer's instructions, and the affixing of postage stamps to envelopes, including the application of postmarks and cachets. These Regulations impose specific obligations on both the Postmaster-General and the customers who use Philatelic Sections. The Postmaster-General is required to establish Philatelic Sections in post offices as per Regulation 123a, ensuring that these sections are available for customers interested in philatelic activities. Within these sections, officers are tasked with providing the services outlined in Regulation 123b, such as supplying specially designed envelopes, addressing envelopes as per customer instructions, and affixing stamps along with any additional markings like postmarks or cachets, all for a specified fee. Customers, on the other hand, must make requests in accordance with these regulations and pay the prescribed fees for the services they require. The Regulations do not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. However, any breach of the terms and conditions set out in the Regulations could potentially be addressed under the broader provisions of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950 or other relevant legislation. For instance, if an officer fails to provide the services as per the Regulations, this could be considered a failure to comply with the duties of their position, which might result in disciplinary action as per the applicable employment laws or other relevant regulations. Similarly, customers who do not adhere to the payment terms or misuse the services could face penalties under postal regulations or related acts.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.