Telegraph Regulations 1927 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1930, No. 1, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, were introduced by the Governor-General in Council to amend the Telegraph Regulations. This legislative instrument aimed to address the need for updating the methods of prepayment for telegrams and to provide more flexible options for subscribers, particularly those who are also telephone subscribers. The policy objective was to streamline and modernise the payment process for telegrams, ensuring efficiency and convenience for users. By allowing the use of unobliterated postage stamps, cash payments at approved telegraph offices, and the option for telephone subscribers to have telegram charges included in their telephone accounts, the regulations sought to adapt to changing communication practices and user preferences.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, as outlined in Statutory Rules 1930 No. 1, modify the existing provisions concerning the payment of charges for telegrams. The Regulations specify that charges on telegrams are to be prepaid by means of unobliterated postage stamps, which must be affixed to the telegram form by the sender or their representative and then cancelled by the Counter Officer in the presence of the sender. Additionally, the Regulations allow for the payment of telegram charges in cash at telegraph offices equipped with approved cash registers. Furthermore, telephone subscribers may apply to lodge telegrams at approved telegraph offices, with the charges being recorded and included in their telephone account. This provision requires the subscriber to accept responsibility for the payment of any charges incurred and includes a fee of twopence per telegram lodged in this manner. The Regulations thus apply to both individual senders and telephone subscribers, governing the methods and conditions under which telegram charges are paid within the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the amended Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923 include Regulation 39 (sub-regulations 1, 1a, and 1b). These provisions detail the methods by which telegram charges can be prepaid. Regulation 39(1) requires that charges on telegrams be prepaid using unobliterated postage stamps affixed to the telegram form by the sender or their representative, which are then cancelled by the Counter Officer in the presence of the sender. Regulation 39(1a) permits the prepayment of telegram charges in cash at telegraph offices equipped with approved cash registers. Regulation 39(1b) allows telephone subscribers, upon application and by giving a written undertaking, to lodge telegrams at specified telegraph offices approved by the Deputy Postmaster-General. The charges for these telegrams are recorded and included in the subscriber’s telephone account, with an additional fee of twopence per telegram. Subscribers lodging telegrams under this arrangement must include the endorsement “Charge Telephone Account” on the telegram, followed by their exchange name and telephone number. The amended Regulations impose several obligations and requirements on the parties involved. Firstly, the sender of a telegram must ensure that charges are prepaid either by affixing unobliterated postage stamps or by using cash if the telegraph office is equipped with an approved cash register. Secondly, telephone subscribers who wish to lodge telegrams under Regulation 39(1b) must apply and provide a written undertaking accepting responsibility for the charges, which will be recorded in their telephone account. These subscribers are also required to affix the specified endorsement on the telegram, including their exchange name and telephone number. The Deputy Postmaster-General is responsible for approving the telegraph offices where these telegrams can be lodged. Failure to comply with the amended Regulations may lead to civil or administrative consequences. For instance, if a sender does not prepay telegram charges in accordance with the stipulated methods, the telegram may be rejected or delayed. Similarly, if a telephone subscriber fails to comply with the requirements under Regulation 39(1b), their telegrams may not be processed, and they may be subject to additional charges. While the Regulations do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, breaches of postal and telegraph regulations typically carry potential fines or other administrative actions as determined by the relevant authorities. The exact penalties would be governed by other provisions within the broader legislative framework, but it is clear that adherence to the prescribed payment methods and procedures is mandatory.