Postal, Telegraphic and Telephone Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1911 No. 197, enacted as Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, address the need for amendments to the General Postal Regulations, specifically concerning private boxes. This legislative instrument was introduced to ensure that the provisions could come into immediate operation due to urgency, as certified by the Governor-General in accordance with advice from the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective, while not explicitly stated in the text, can be inferred as enhancing the efficiency and security of postal services by introducing regulated procedures for the handling and security of private boxes. The Regulations were made to come into operation forthwith to meet the urgent needs of the postal service during that period.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, specifically the amended General Postal Regulations regarding Private Boxes, apply to individuals and entities that utilise private postal boxes within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations pertain to the secure handling and transportation of contents within private boxes, detailing the process by which a box-holder can opt for their mail to be placed in a locked bag and delivered to their messenger. The amendment stipulates that an additional annual fee of £2 must be paid by the box-holder, alongside the rental fee for the private box, to avail this service. This service requires the box-holder to provide a bag equipped with a lock and two keys, one for the Postmaster and one for the owner. These regulations extend across the entire Commonwealth, ensuring uniformity in the handling of private postal boxes. The application of these regulations is immediate and enforced as Provisional Regulations, underscoring their urgency and necessity in the postal service framework.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of the amended General Postal Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, specifically concerning private boxes, are outlined in Regulation 1 (Gazette No. 26 of 5th June, 1902, as amended by Statutory Rules 1908, No. 107). Regulation 1 allows a box-holder to pay an additional fee of £2 per annum to have the contents of their private box placed in a locked bag. This bag, which must be provided by the box-holder and furnished with a lock and two keys—one for the Postmaster and one for the owner—is then handed to the box-holder’s messenger. This provision is designed to enhance the security and convenience of handling private box contents. Under these regulations, the box-holder bears the responsibility of providing a locked bag, ensuring that it meets the specified requirements, and paying the additional fee for this service. The Postmaster’s role is to ensure that the bag is properly locked and handed to the box-holder’s messenger, maintaining the integrity of the postal service. The box-holder is also required to keep one key secure and accessible to the Postmaster, while retaining the other key for their own use. Failure to comply with these provisions may result in various consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the regulations, breaches of postal regulations could lead to administrative or legal actions. The severity of these consequences may depend on the nature and extent of the non-compliance, and could potentially involve fines or other enforcement measures as prescribed by the overarching Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910. It is important for all parties involved to adhere strictly to the regulations to avoid any adverse outcomes.