Postal, Telegraphic and Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1912, No. 193, published under the authority of the Governor-General, represents a legislative instrument amending the regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910. These amendments were made to address specific issues concerning the management and usage of private mail boxes and private mail bags, ensuring a more streamlined and equitable system for users. The changes aim to provide clarity and fairness in the refund process for private box holders and to regulate the frequency and cost associated with private mail bag services. The regulations, which came into effect on 12 October 1912, were enacted by the Governor-General in Council, reflecting the policy objective to enhance the administration of postal services within the framework established by the Post and Telegraph Act.

Scope and Application

The General Postal Regulations outlined in Statutory Rules 1912, No. 193, amended under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, primarily govern the use of private boxes and private mail bags within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations apply to individuals and entities that have rented private boxes or have been issued private mail bags for their postal needs. The regulations specify conditions for refunds for box-holders who relinquish their use of a rented private box, detailing the circumstances under which a refund is granted and any additional charges for failure to return all keys. Moreover, the regulations clarify the frequency and conditions for the despatch of private mail bags, establishing a cap on the number of times per week these bags may be despatched and imposing a financial penalty for exceeding this limit. These provisions aim to ensure orderly and efficient use of postal services while providing a clear framework for refunds and penalties related to private boxes and mail bags.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910 introduce specific provisions concerning the use of private boxes and private mail bags. Regulation 3a pertains to private boxes and outlines the conditions under which a box-holder can receive a refund if they relinquish the use of their rented private box before the end of a paid subscription period. Specifically, if a box-holder has rented a private box for more than one year continuously and decides to stop using it before the end of a subsequent year for which they have paid the prescribed fee, they are entitled to a refund of the proportion of the fee paid for the period beyond the quarter in which they relinquish the box. This refund is subject to the box-holder returning all keys to the Department and paying a fee of one shilling. However, if the keys are not returned, the box-holder will incur an additional charge of five shillings for the cost of providing a new lock. The Regulations also address private mail bags, making amendments to the existing provisions. The amendments specify that private mail bags must be collected at the most convenient post office to the Department and that they should not be despatched more than six times a week, with a penalty of £4 per annum for exceeding this limit. This amendment replaces the previous requirement that bags be despatched no more than thrice a week and adjusts the frequency and associated penalty. These Regulations impose certain obligations on the parties involved. Box-holders renting private boxes must adhere to the terms set out in Regulation 3a, including the return of all keys and payment of any applicable fees. They must also be aware of the penalties for exceeding the frequency limit for despatching private mail bags, which is now capped at six times a week. The Department, on the other hand, is responsible for ensuring these Regulations are enforced and for providing the necessary services to facilitate the use of private boxes and mail bags. Breach of these Regulations can result in financial penalties. For instance, a box-holder who fails to return all keys of a relinquished private box will incur a charge of five shillings for the cost of providing a new lock. Similarly, anyone who dispatches private mail bags more than six times a week will face a penalty of £4 per annum. These penalties are intended to ensure compliance with the stipulated terms and to maintain the efficient operation of postal services.