Telegraph Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1931, No. 132, are regulations made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were designed to amend the existing Telegraph Regulations and provide additional provisions for the handling and delivery of telegrams, specifically addressing the supply of multiple copies of ordinary telegrams. The regulations were introduced to formalise the process of delivering copies of telegrams to various addressees, ensuring efficiency and clarity in communication while maintaining the integrity of the original message. The underlying policy objective is to facilitate better dissemination of telegraphic communications under controlled conditions, ensuring that the service remains economical and orderly. These regulations were implemented to address the gap in existing provisions concerning the duplication and distribution of telegrams, thus providing a structured framework for such activities. They underscore the intent to streamline the delivery of telegrams to multiple recipients without compromising the established charges and operational standards of the postal and telegraph services. By setting forth specific conditions and charges, the regulations ensure that the service remains both accessible and regulated, thereby protecting the interests of both the senders and receivers of telegrams.

Scope and Application

The Regulations Under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, specifically Statutory Rules 1931, No. 132, govern the supply of copies of ordinary telegrams by the Department. These regulations apply to the senders and addressees of telegrams within the Commonwealth of Australia. The key requirement for these regulations is the sender's prior notification to the Department about their intention to lodge telegrams with a complete list of names and addresses of the intended recipients. Additionally, the number of copies for any one day must not be less than 2,500. The original telegram charge remains the same as that for ordinary telegrams, while each copy is charged at fivepence for every fifty words or portion thereof, with a minimum total charge of sixpence per copy. This regulation extends to all telegrams within the Commonwealth and does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, implying a broad application across the relevant industry and conduct. The regulations are subject to amendment and interpretation through subordinate instruments, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in governing telegram services.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, which came into effect on 1 October 1931, introduce new provisions concerning the supply of copies of telegrams (Reg. 58b). According to these provisions, the Department is authorised to prepare copies of ordinary telegrams and deliver them to addressees other than those indicated in the original telegrams, subject to certain conditions. Firstly, the sender must provide prior notice to the Department, including a complete list of the names and addresses of the intended recipients (Reg. 58b(a)). Secondly, the number of copies for any one day must not be less than 2,500 (Reg. 58b(b)). The charge for the original telegram to each office of destination is to be that prescribed for ordinary telegrams (Reg. 58b(c)). Each copy will incur a charge of fivepence for every fifty words or portion thereof (Reg. 58b(d)), with the total charge not averaging less than sixpence per copy, including both the original telegram and any copies (Reg. 58b(e)). These Regulations impose specific obligations on the parties involved in the supply of telegram copies. Senders are required to furnish the Department with prior notice, including a complete list of intended recipients, in order to facilitate the preparation and delivery of telegram copies (Reg. 58b(a)). Additionally, senders must ensure that the number of copies for any one day does not fall below 2,500 (Reg. 58b(b)). The Department, in turn, is obligated to prepare the copies and deliver them to the specified addressees. The charges for the original telegram and each copy are clearly outlined, with the total charge not averaging less than sixpence per copy, including both the original telegram and any copies (Reg. 58b(c) and (e)). Failure to comply with the provisions of these Regulations may result in legal consequences. Although the specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences are not detailed in the provided text, it can be inferred that any breach of the stipulated conditions or charges could lead to penalties or other legal repercussions as per the applicable laws and regulations of the time. Given the historical context, potential consequences may have included fines, legal actions, or other administrative measures deemed appropriate under the prevailing legal framework.