Telegraph Lines Protection Regulations 1913 (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1914, No. 48, represents an amendment to the Telegraph Lines Protection Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913. This legislative instrument was enacted on the 8th of May, 1914, by the Governor-General, Denman, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council due to the urgency of the situation. This provisional regulation aimed to address the need for more precise monitoring and recording of telegraph line conditions to ensure efficient and effective communication services. The amendment specifically replaces Sub-Regulation (2) of Regulation 12, requiring the current indicator circuit to be closed twice daily at maximum output times, with the maximum readings and corresponding outputs to be recorded. This modification was made to provide clearer indications of the telegraph lines' operational condition and to facilitate better maintenance and service delivery.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, specifically the amendment to the Telegraph Lines Protection Regulations, 1913, applies to entities and persons involved in the operation and maintenance of telegraph lines within the Commonwealth of Australia. This amendment pertains to the technical standards and operational protocols that must be adhered to for ensuring the safety and efficiency of telegraph services. The regulation mandates that the circuit of the current indicator be closed twice daily for periods of five minutes each, with a minimum interval of six hours between the tests, and at times coinciding with the maximum output. This requirement is intended to provide a measurable indication of compliance with operational standards, with specific readings and corresponding output levels to be recorded. The amendment is a provisional regulation that comes into immediate operation as certified by the Governor-General, underscoring the urgency and significance of these operational standards in the context of the national communication infrastructure.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913 concern the Telegraph Lines Protection Regulations, specifically Regulation 12 (sub-Regulation (2)). This section replaces the previous requirement, which mandated a different procedure for indicating compliance with certain conditions. Instead, the circuit of the current indicator (as specified in Regulation 11) must now be closed twice per day for periods of five minutes each, with intervals of no less than six hours between the two tests. The tests should be conducted as close as possible to the times of maximum output. During each test, the maximum reading through the current indicator is to be recorded, along with the output at the time of the reading. This ensures that there is a clear and consistent indication of compliance with the specified conditions. The obligations imposed by these provisions include ensuring that the specified tests are performed accurately and consistently. The parties responsible for the telegraph lines must ensure that the current indicator's circuit is closed as prescribed, at the correct intervals, and that the maximum readings and corresponding outputs are recorded meticulously. This requirement aims to maintain the integrity and reliability of the telegraph lines by regularly verifying their performance. Any failure to comply with the amended Regulation could result in civil or criminal consequences. Although the specific penalties are not stated in the legislative instrument, non-compliance with regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913 could potentially lead to fines or other legal actions. The precise nature and extent of these consequences would depend on the interpretation and application of the relevant sections of the Act by the courts or relevant authorities. Ensuring adherence to these provisions is therefore crucial for avoiding potential legal repercussions.