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

Overview

The Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, numbered Statutory Rules 1912, No. 157, was enacted to address the need for streamlined communication between the Department of Public Instruction in Brisbane and schools across Queensland. This regulation was issued with urgency and came into immediate operation, reflecting a timely legislative response to a specific administrative requirement. The enactment was certified by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, underscoring the federal government's role in ensuring efficient postal services for official correspondence. This legislative instrument aimed to facilitate the transmission of postal articles without immediate prepayment of postage, provided they bore a specific endorsement and address. The regulation specifically allowed for the exemption of postage for certain official correspondence from the Department of Public Instruction to schools in Queensland, with the condition that the postage would be subsequently paid by the recipient upon delivery. This measure was intended to enhance communication efficiency and operational fluidity within the educational sector in Queensland.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, specifically the General Postal Regulations, applies to the State of Queensland and pertains to the payment of postage for official correspondence. This regulation allows for the exemption of prepayment of postage for postal articles enclosed in envelopes bearing a specific endorsement and address, which must be printed on the envelope. The regulation specifies that such envelopes must bear the endorsement "O.H.M.S." along with the address of the Under-Secretary, Department of Public Instruction, Brisbane, followed by details such as the school number and year. However, it mandates that the postage at prepaid rates must be paid by the recipient upon delivery. This regulation came into immediate operation on the 18th of July, 1912, as certified by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and it represents an amendment to the previous regulation numbered 47 of 1910. The regulation's application is geographically confined to Queensland, addressing the postal needs of educational institutions within that state while ensuring that postage is ultimately settled by the recipient.

Key Provisions

The General Postal Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1912, No. 157, introduce a specific provision (1) concerning the postage requirements for official correspondence within the State of Queensland. This amendment allows for the sending of postal articles without prepayment of postage, provided they are enclosed in envelopes with specific endorsements and address details printed thereon. The endorsement "O.H.M.S." must be present along with the address to the Under-Secretary of the Department of Public Instruction in Brisbane, including the school number and year. While these articles may be sent without prepaying postage, the recipient is required to pay the postage at prepaid rates upon delivery (2). The obligations imposed by this regulation primarily concern the sender and the recipient of the postal articles. The sender must ensure that the postal articles are enclosed in envelopes with the correct endorsements and address, specifically indicating "O.H.M.S." and the Under-Secretary of the Department of Public Instruction. This ensures that the articles qualify for the special postage arrangement. Upon delivery, the recipient must then pay the postage at the prepaid rates, which is a straightforward requirement aimed at ensuring the postal service provider is compensated for their services. The regulation thus shifts the responsibility of postage payment from the sender to the recipient, provided the criteria are met (3). The regulation does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, non-compliance with the specified conditions for postage exemption could result in the postal articles not qualifying for the special arrangement. This means that if the envelopes do not bear the correct endorsements or address details, the sender may be required to prepay the postage, and the recipient might face unexpected charges. While the regulation does not detail a formal penalty, the practical consequence is the failure to benefit from the intended arrangement, potentially leading to financial implications for the parties involved (4).