Postal, Telegraphic and Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1906, No. 27, issued under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901, introduced specific regulations concerning private mail bags. This legislative instrument was enacted to address the need for clear guidelines on the costs associated with the use of private mail bags, ensuring consistency and fairness in postal charges across the country. The regulations were made by the Governor-General in Council, reflecting the legislative authority vested in the Federal Executive Council at the time. The policy objective was to establish transparent and structured postal charges, thereby facilitating efficient postal service operations and providing clarity to users of private mail bags. These regulations were designed to come into effect on the 28th of April, 1906, following their provisional issuance as Statutory Rule No. 11 of 1906.

Scope and Application

The Post and Telegraph Act 1901, through the General Postal Regulations, applies to the use of private mail bags by individuals and entities. The regulations govern the charges associated with the use of these bags, which vary depending on the frequency of dispatch and whether the bags are used in country post offices or urban areas. Specifically, the regulations establish that a private mail bag made up and despatched not more than three times a week incurs an annual charge of £1, while those despatched more frequently are subject to an annual charge of £2. However, private mail bags made up in country post offices and conveyed by a private messenger, even if despatched daily, are subject to an annual charge of £1. These charges must be paid in advance and are applicable across the Commonwealth, ensuring a uniform postal service across Australia. The regulations do not specify exclusions or exemptions, applying broadly to all users of private mail bags within the defined scope.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the regulation (Regulation 1) detail the charges for private mail bags based on their usage frequency. Specifically, if a private mail bag is made up and despatched not more than three times a week, the annual charge is £1 (section 1). However, if the mail bag is despatched more frequently than three times a week, the annual charge increases to £2 (section 1). An exception is made for mail bags made up in Country Post Offices not more than once daily and conveyed by a private messenger, where the annual charge remains at £1 (section 1). In all cases, the charge is payable in advance. The obligations imposed by the regulation require users of private mail bags to pay the specified charges according to their usage frequency. For bags despatched not more than three times a week, users must pay £1 per annum. For more frequent despatch, the charge is £2 per annum. For those using Country Post Offices to make up bags not more than once daily and conveying them via a private messenger, the charge is £1 per annum. Payment must be made in advance for each case. Offences and penalties for non-compliance with these regulations are not explicitly stated within the regulation itself. However, breaches of postal regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901 generally carry penalties, which can include fines and potential criminal charges for more severe violations. The exact penalties would depend on the specific nature and severity of the breach, as outlined in other sections of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901.