Telegraph Regulations 1927 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1928 No. 88, under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, was enacted to address the need for more efficient and transparent practices in the handling of telegrams sent through the postal service. This legislative instrument was issued by the Deputy of the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation on 1 September 1928. The policy objective behind these amendments was to enhance the accountability and administrative efficiency in the processing of multiple telegrams lodged simultaneously by a single sender by requiring the provision of a detailed receipt upon request. This amendment aimed to improve record-keeping and transparency in the transactional processes associated with telegram services.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923 applies to any individual or entity sending multiple telegrams at the same time within the Commonwealth of Australia. The amendment, effective from 1st September 1928, pertains specifically to the requirement for the postal authority to issue a receipt for telegrams sent in bulk. This receipt must detail the total payment made and the official serial numbers of the telegrams, with an additional fee of three pence applied for this service. The regulation does not specify exclusions or exemptions, but it is designed to operate within the geographic and jurisdictional reach of the Commonwealth, ensuring uniform application across the nation. Subordinate instruments may further extend or refine the application of these regulations, providing more detailed guidance on implementation and enforcement.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923 introduces a significant change to Regulation 40 (C1928L00088). Specifically, it now mandates that when a sender lodges multiple telegrams at the same time, they must be provided with a receipt upon request. This receipt must show the total amount paid and the official serial numbers of the telegrams. This requirement is subject to an additional fee of three pence, on top of the existing one penny fee for each telegram (Regulation 40). Under these amended regulations, both the senders and the postal service must adhere to the new stipulations. Senders are obligated to request a receipt if they lodge multiple telegrams at once, while postal service employees must ensure that such receipts are provided when requested, accurately detailing the payment and serial numbers. This new provision aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the transaction process, ensuring that senders have a clear record of their communications and payments. Failure to comply with these regulations could potentially result in administrative consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text. Given the nature of the amendment, breaches might primarily be administrative in nature, such as fines or other corrective measures. The text does not provide explicit details on the penalties, but historically, such regulatory breaches might result in fines or other administrative actions as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. While the specific penalties are not outlined in this particular statutory rule, it is generally understood that non-compliance with postal and telegraph regulations could lead to civil or criminal consequences, depending on the severity and intent of the breach. Historical precedents under similar regulatory frameworks suggest that penalties could range from fines to more severe administrative actions, ensuring compliance with the legislative intent to maintain orderly and transparent postal and telegraph services.