Telegraph Lines Protection Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1921 No. 151, made under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, was enacted to address the issue of potential interference between newly installed electric wiring and existing telegraph lines, particularly in premises where both types of installations coexist. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, to provide a regulatory framework ensuring that electric authorities take necessary precautions before supplying electricity in such environments. The overarching objective of this regulation is to safeguard the integrity and functionality of telegraph lines from possible damage caused by electrical installations, thereby maintaining effective communication services and preventing disruptions in telegraph services.

Scope and Application

The regulation made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 applies to electric authorities responsible for the supply of electricity in premises where both post and telegraph lines and electric supply lines are installed. This regulation mandates that these authorities must ensure the installation of electric wiring does not adversely affect the lines or wires connected to the Postmaster-General’s lines. The regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing all territories and states. It specifically targets the conduct and installations involving electric authorities in premises with dual installations of post and telegraph lines alongside electric supply lines, ensuring they do not interfere with each other. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the regulation itself, and it operates nationally as a statutory rule issued by the Governor-General and the Postmaster-General. The regulation is part of a broader legislative framework and may be subject to further amendments or specifications through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this regulation (47a) require that electric authorities must ensure their wiring installations do not adversely affect any telegraph lines or wires connecting with the Postmaster-General's lines when these are present in the same premises. Specifically, before supplying electricity, the responsible electric authority must confirm that the electric wiring installation has been executed in a way that prevents any harm to the telegraph lines or wires (47a). This provision underscores the need for careful coordination and planning when installing electrical systems in areas where telegraph lines are also present. The obligations imposed by this regulation (47a) primarily fall on electric authorities. They must undertake a thorough assessment to ensure that their wiring installations do not cause any detrimental effects on the Postmaster-General’s telegraph lines or wires. This involves a pre-installation inspection or verification process to confirm that the electric wiring is installed in a manner that maintains the integrity and functionality of the telegraph lines. This requirement is intended to prevent potential interference, damage, or disruptions to the telegraph services provided by the Postmaster-General. Failure to comply with the obligations set forth in regulation 47a could result in various consequences. Although the regulation does not explicitly detail specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance, it can be inferred that any harm caused to the Postmaster-General’s lines or wires due to negligent or improper installation of electric wiring could lead to legal action. The severity of the repercussions would depend on the extent of the damage and the resultant impact on the telegraph services, potentially involving civil liability for damages and possibly criminal charges if gross negligence is established. The maximum penalties, however, are not specified within this regulation itself but would be determined in accordance with broader legislative frameworks and case law.