Postal, Telegraphic and Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1913, No. 230, were enacted under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910. This legislative instrument, issued provisionally as Statutory Rules 1913, No. 156, was created to address specific issues related to the handling and delivery of mail through the postal service. The enactment was executed by the Governor-General in Council, thereby reflecting the legislative process in place at the time. The amendment to the General Postal Regulations concerning poste restante aimed to ensure compliance with postal regulations by prohibiting the posting of correspondence addressed to be collected after a prescribed period. This measure was intended to streamline postal operations and maintain the efficiency of mail delivery services. The policy objective of this amendment was to provide a clear framework for the management of mail that is addressed for collection at a post office, ensuring that such correspondence is handled according to established guidelines and timeframes. By setting a definitive period within which correspondence must be collected, the regulation sought to prevent the accumulation of uncollected mail, thereby facilitating better postal service management and compliance with postal regulations. This legislative action underscores the importance of maintaining orderly and efficient postal services in the early years of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument pertains to the General Postal Regulations concerning the service of poste restante under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910. The Regulation applies to any individual or entity utilising the postal service for the purpose of sending or receiving correspondence via the poste restante system. The scope of the Act is national, extending across the Commonwealth of Australia and governed by the federal legislative framework established by the Post and Telegraph Act. The Regulation specifies that once correspondence is addressed to a post office for pickup via the poste restante service, it cannot be collected by the intended recipient after a prescribed period has elapsed, with such correspondence being treated as posted in contravention of the Regulations if collected beyond this period. This legislative instrument does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and its application is confined to the specific context of the poste restante service.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, specifically within the General Postal Regulations concerning Poste Restante, introduces a significant restriction on the mailing of correspondence to post offices for future collection by individuals who have already received such correspondence (Section 1). The new provision states that correspondence must not be posted to a post office for someone who has already been addressed in such a manner if it is sent beyond the prescribed period. If such correspondence is received after the stipulated period has elapsed, it is to be treated as if it was posted in violation of the Regulations (Section 2). The Act imposes clear obligations on individuals and entities involved in the postal service. Firstly, it mandates that any correspondence intended for Poste Restante must adhere to the specified timeframes to avoid being deemed in contravention of the Regulations. Postal service providers, including post offices, must ensure that they do not accept or forward correspondence that violates these provisions. This includes verifying the timeliness of the correspondence and taking appropriate action if it is received beyond the allowed period. Failure to comply with the provisions of the amended Regulation can lead to significant consequences. The Act stipulates that correspondence received after the prescribed period will be treated as if it was posted in contravention of the Regulations. This can result in the non-delivery of the correspondence and potential administrative or legal action against the sender. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the excerpt, it is common for such breaches to attract fines or other civil remedies under postal regulations. The penalties serve as a deterrent to ensure adherence to the established postal practices and maintain the integrity of the postal service.