Postal, Telegraphic and Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1912, No. 70, represents an amendment to the regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-10, specifically targeting the Postal Regulations concerning Money Orders. Enacted by the Governor General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, this legislative instrument seeks to streamline the process for transferring telegraphic money orders by imposing certain conditions on such transfers. The primary aim is to ensure that these transfers are conducted efficiently and securely while maintaining the integrity of the communication and financial transactions involved. The regulation, effective from 13 April 1912, underscores the need for clear guidelines in the evolving landscape of postal and telegraphic services during that period.

Scope and Application

The Postal Regulations, Money Orders Regulation 18, as amended under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, governs the procedures and conditions under which telegraphic money orders can be transferred by telegraph. These regulations apply to individuals and entities that utilise the postal service for money transfers through telegraphic means. The amendment pertains specifically to the conditions for the transfer of telegraphic money orders, allowing for such transfers provided the application is made by post and is accompanied by the private telegram received by the payee, which must be endorsed by the payee. The regulation outlines the associated charges for such transfers, including the cost of the official telegram of advice, the cost of the telegram to the payee at the new address, and the usual commission, with provisions for these charges to be deducted from the order amount if not prepaid. These regulations are applicable on a national level under the Commonwealth of Australia, and they extend to the entire territory governed by the Commonwealth, ensuring a uniform approach to postal money order transfers across the country.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of this legislative instrument pertain to the amendment of Regulation 18 under the Postal Regulations for Money Orders, specifically concerning the transfer of telegraphic money orders by post (Regulation 18). The amendment modifies the conditions under which such transfers can be made and stipulates the associated charges. Under the new conditions, a telegraphic money order can be transferred by post if the application is made by post and is accompanied by the private telegram received by the payee, which must be endorsed by the payee (Regulation 18(c)). The charges for this transfer include the cost of the official telegram of advice, the cost of the telegram to the payee at the new address, and the usual commission (Regulation 18(c)(i)-(iii)). If these charges are not prepaid, they are to be deducted from the amount of the order (Regulation 18(c)(iv)). The Act imposes certain obligations on parties involved in the transfer of telegraphic money orders. Firstly, the applicant must submit the transfer application by post. This application must be accompanied by the private telegram received by the payee, which the payee must endorse (Regulation 18(c)). The applicant must ensure that the charges for the transfer, including the cost of the official telegram of advice, the cost of the telegram to the payee, and the usual commission, are either prepaid or are to be deducted from the amount of the order (Regulation 18(c)(i)-(iv)). Breaches of the provisions outlined in this Act may result in various civil or administrative consequences. However, the specific consequences for non-compliance are not explicitly stated in the text. It is implied that failure to adhere to the stipulated conditions for transferring telegraphic money orders by post could lead to complications in the transfer process or financial deductions as per Regulation 18(c)(iv). The maximum penalties for such breaches are not specified in the provided text, but they would typically be determined based on the severity of the non-compliance and the specific regulations governing postal services.