STATUTORY RULES.

1935. No. 3.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE POST AND TELEGRAPH ACT 1901-1934.*

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1934.

Dated this twenty third day of January, 1935.

(Sgd.) ISAAC A. ISAACS.

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

Signed A J McLachlan

Postmaster-General.

POSTAL REGULATIONS.

Part I.—Preliminary.

Short title.

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Postal Regulations.

Parts.

2. These Regulations are divided into Parts as follows:—

Part I.—Preliminary.

Part II.—Air Mail, Mail Notice and Late Fees, Addressing and Withdrawal of Postal Articles, Grouped Articles.

Part III.—First Class Mail Matter.

Part IV.—Second Class Mail Matter.

Part V.—Third Class Mail Matter.

Part VI.—Packing and Prohibitions.

Part VII.—Postage.

Part VIII.—Delivery and Re-direction of Mail Matter and Treatment of Undelivered Mail Matter.

Part IX.—Postage Stamps.

Part X.—Private Posting Receptacles.

Part XI.—Private Boxes.

Part XII.—Private Mail Bags.

Part XIII.—Registered Post.

Part XIV.—Cash on Delivery Post.

Part XV.—Parcels (Fourth Class Mail Matter).

Part XVI.—Insurance of Parcels.

Part XVII.—Money Orders.

Part XVIII.—Postal Notes.

Part XIX.—Miscellaneous.

* Notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 1935.

5736.—6/9.1.1935. —Price 2s. 6d.

Definition.

3. In these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—

“The Act” means the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1934 as amended from time to time.

“The Rates Act” means the Post and Telegraph Rates Act 1902-1931 as amended from time to time.

Part II.—Air Mail, Mail Notice and Late Fees, Addressing and Withdrawal of Postal Articles, Grouped Articles.

Air mail fee.

4. The fee payable on an article posted for transmission by air mail within the Commonwealth of Australia shall be Threepence per half ounce or part thereof (in addition to postage) irrespective of number of air routes in the Commonwealth over which the article is to be conveyed.

Addressing of postal articles.

5.—(1.) Every postal article shall be legibly addressed in writing or printing running parallel to the length of the cover, leaving a clear space above the address sufficient to accommodate the postage stamps and postmarks.

(2.) Nothing shall be written, printed, or placed on the address side of a postal article which is likely to impede its treatment by postal officials. A postal article may be deemed to contravene this regulation if matter such as advertisements, pictorial representations, ornamentations, and such like additions (other than headings which leave sufficient space for the postage stamps and postmarks) extends beyond the left half of the envelope cover or wrapper.

(3.) An article shall not be accepted for transmission by post if it is enclosed in an envelope, wrapper or cover bearing cancelled postage stamps, postmarks or other evidence of previous transmission through the post.

Provided that this regulation shall not apply to an article which has been re-directed in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations relating to re-direction.

Grouped articles.

6. An article other than a parcel containing enclosures liable to different rates of postage shall be treated as if the whole contents were in the same category as the portion to which the highest rate is applicable, and if the postage has not been fully prepaid at the rate prescribed for such portion the article shall be surcharged at such rate:

Provided that on a letter and article of the second class posted in a dual envelope in accordance with the requirements of the Postmaster-General, the postage charged shall be that applicable respectively to the letter and the second class article.

Late fees.

7.—(1.) The late fee on all unregistered postal articles, except parcels posted in the Commonwealth, for any destination, shall be One penny each.

(2.) The late fee on all registered articles, except parcels, for any destination, registered between one hour and half-an-hour prior to the time of closing ordinary mails, which close after 9 a.m. and before 6 p.m., shall be Twopence for each article.

(3.) The late fee on registered, cash on delivery, and insured parcels, for any destination, posted at any post office at which “late fee” parcels are accepted shall be Twopence for each parcel. The late fee system does not apply to ordinary parcels.

Withdrawal of postal articles.

8.—(1.) Except as otherwise provided in these Regulations, a postal article shall not be returned to the sender, nor withheld from due transmission to its destination according to the address appearing thereon, nor delivered to any person other than the addressee, without either the consent in writing of the addressee or the direction in writing of the Postmaster-General.

(2.) In cases where the sender applies for the withdrawal of a postal article before delivery to the addressee, the Postmaster-General may give the necessary direction in writing if he considers the reasons for withdrawal are satisfactory.

(3.) The applicant for withdrawal of a postal article, in accordance with this regulation, shall pay a fee of One shilling, and, in addition, the cost of any necessary telegrams.

Mail notice.

9.—(1.) One copy of the Departmental Mail Notice which is published periodically by the Deputy Director, shall be supplied on payment of a subscription as follows:—

(a) If placed in the subscriber’s private

box or called for at the General

Post Office .......................5s. per annum.

(b) If delivered by postman ................10s. per annum.

(2.) Subscribers shall pay in advance the subscription, calculated at the annual rate from the first day of the month in which the supply will commence to the end of December following. Thereafter the annual renewal subscription shall fall due on the first day of January in each year, and shall be paid within fourteen days from that date.

Part III.—First Class Mail Matter.

What constitutes first class mail matter.

10. First class mail matter shall consist of letters, letter cards, and post cards.

Letters.

11. Any article of convenient shape and size which is eligible for transmission through the post may be accepted for transmission as a letter.

Certain articles transmissible only as first class matter.

12. Except as is expressly permitted under the conditions relating to the several classes of mail matter, any postal article which bears or contains any communication having the nature of actual or personal correspondence, or which is closed against inspection, shall be transmitted by post only as first class mail matter.

Post cards.

13.—(1.) A post card to be eligible for transmission at the rate prescribed for post cards shall comply with the following conditions:—

(a) It shall be posted without envelope or wrapper;

(b) The name and address of the addressee shall appear on the front;

(d) Any attachment shall consist of paper or other very thin substance, and adhere completely to the card. Stamps (other than those in prepayment of postage) liable to be mistaken for postage stamps, may be affixed only to the back.

(e) Nothing in the nature of samples of merchandise or similar articles shall be affixed or attached;

(f) It shall be made of cardboard or paper stout enough to be easily handled in the post;

(g) Its dimensions shall be not less than 4 inches long and 2¾ inches wide, and not more than 5½ inches long and inches wide; and

(h) A reply post card shall not be closed up in any manner whatsoever.

(2.) A post card not fulfilling the prescribed conditions shall be treated as a letter.

Certain cards to be enclosed.

14. Cards of the varieties known as “tinselled” and “beaded,” and cards with “pearling” decorations, shall not be transmissible through the post unless enclosed in envelopes.

Part IV.—Second Class Mail Matter.

What constitutes second class mail matter.

15. Second Class Mail Matter shall comprise Commercial Papers; Printed Matter (including printed papers, circulars, and catalogues, and books, periodicals, and newspapers not registered at a General Post Office); Patterns; Samples; and Merchandise.

Personal correspondence and articles closed against inspection, surcharged.

16.—(1.) Except as is expressly permitted under the conditions relating to Second Class Mail Matter, an article having the character of actual or personal correspondence or bearing or containing anything of such character or which is closed against inspection shall not be eligible for transmission as Second Class Mail Matter. Any such article bearing postage less than that required for First Class Mail Matter shall be treated as an insufficiently prepaid letter.

(2.) In the case of an article exceeding two ounces in weight, which has been surcharged as an insufficiently prepaid letter owing to its being closed against inspection, if the addressee opens it in the presence of the Postmaster and it is found to contain nothing of the nature of actual or personal correspondence, the surcharge imposed on account of its being closed against inspection may be remitted.

Packages prepaid at letter rate to be specially marked.

17. The sender of an unregistered postal article in respect of which postage at letter rate is paid shall, if the article is made up in such a manner that it might be mistaken for an article of the second class, endorse the article on the address side with the words “Letter Post” and mark it by drawing lines across the front and back, in colour other than red, in the following manner:—

Diagram of front and back of postal article marked "Letter Post"

Limits of dimensions.

18. Postal articles classified as Second Class Mail Matter shall not exceed 2 feet in length, or 1 foot in depth or breadth, or, if in the form of a roll, 2 ft. 6 in. in length and 4 inches in diameter, or be of inconvenient form.

Articles not transmissible as second class mail matter.

19.—(1.) The following articles shall not be accepted for transmission as Second Class Mail Matter. They shall be enclosed in sealed covers, and the rates and conditions prescribed for letters shall apply:—

(a) Except when enclosed in bankers’ packets—cheques, money orders, postal notes, bank drafts, bills of exchange, acceptances, promissory notes payable to order, bank notes, interest coupons, revenue stamps, and negotiable instruments representing a monetary value;

(b)Treasury bonds payable to bearer except when sent from one bank to another within the Commonwealth, or when sent from the Commonwealth Treasury or a bank to a Registrar of Inscribed Stock or vice versa;

(d) notices or information relating to lotteries (not including art unions) and schemes of chance.

(2.) Perishable substances, such as game, fish, flesh, fruit, and vegetables are not eligible for transmission as Second Class Mail Matter. The rates and conditions prescribed for parcels shall apply.

Commercial papers.

20.—(1.) Commercial Papers comprise formal business documents and communications of a routine character, consisting of—

(A) routine communications or formal documents, for which a printed form is used;

(B) formal documents (not in the form of correspondence) wholly prepared by hand;

and shall be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage stipulated for Commercial Papers, subject to compliance with the relative conditions.

(2.) Postal articles transmissible at the rate of postage prescribed for Commercial Papers shall not exceed 5 lb. in weight.

Printed matter.

21.—(1.) Matter which is wholly printed and complies with the relative conditions shall be eligible for transmission as Printed Matter.

(2.) The limit of weight of any article transmissible as Printed Matter shall be 5 lb.

Permit mail.

22.—(1.) Subject to the permission of the Postmaster-General having first been obtained and the prescribed conditions being complied with, printed circular letters posted for delivery within the Commonwealth may be transmitted under sealed cover at Printed Matter rate of postage. When, however, a pattern, sample, or article of merchandise is enclosed with the printed circular, the rate of postage, and the maximum weight prescribed for patterns, samples, and merchandise shall apply.

(2.) In addition to the prescribed postage a fee of One halfpenny shall be paid in respect of each postal article posted under the provisions of this regulation.

(3.) The envelope of each article so posted shall bear on the address side, in print, as a symbol of the permit issued, the letters P.M.G.—P., together with a letter indicating the capital city in which the permit is issued and the number of the permit, e.g., P.M.G.—PS.246.

(4.) In common with other Second Class Mail Matter, the articles shall be subject to the right of the Postmaster-General to open for the purpose of inspecting the contents.

(5.) A permit to post printed circular letters under the provisions of this regulation shall continue in force for a period of one year from the date of issue, and shall be renewable on application at the discretion of the Postmaster-General. The permit shall, nevertheless, remain in force only during the pleasure of the Postmaster-General, and shall be subject to immediate cancellation in the event of the holder failing to strictly observe the conditions laid down in regard to the posting of mail matter under this regulation, and such cancellation shall be without prejudice to any action taken under the provisions of the Post and Telegraph Act or under sub-regulation (6.) of this regulation.

(6.) Any person who—

(a) avails or attempts to avail himself of the provisions of this regulation without having first obtained the authority of the Postmaster-General; or

(b) posts in an envelope bearing the symbol of a permit issued under this regulation an article other than that covered by such a permit; or

(c) having been authorized to post mail matter under the provisions of this regulation fails to comply with the conditions set out in the permit; or

(d) posts an article in an envelope bearing the symbol of a permit issued under this regulation when such permit has been cancelled or having expired has not been renewed within the time determined by the Postmaster-General

shall be guilty of an offence. Penalty £50.

Permit mail postings contravening regulations.

23. Notwithstanding that the sender may have been granted a permit to post mail matter under regulation 22, the Postmaster-General may at any time refuse to accept postings under such regulation if, in his opinion, the articles tendered for posting contravene the provisions of the Act or of any relative postal regulation or rule, and may immediately return such articles to the sender, without prejudice to any action taken under the Act or Regulations.

Patterns, samples and merchandise.

24. Articles eligible to be transmitted as Patterns, Samples, or Merchandise shall consist of manufactured articles and substances, raw material, seeds, patterns, samples, specimens, and the like, sent in packages not exceeding 1 lb. in weight.

Part V.—Third Class Mail Matter.

What constitutes third class mail matter.

25. Third Class Mail Matter shall comprise books, periodicals, and newspapers registered at a General Post Office for transmission as such.

Penalty for false inscription.

26. Any person who places or causes to be placed in or upon a publication which has not been registered at a General Post Office for transmission through the post as a book, as a periodical, or as a newspaper, as the case may be, an inscription likely to give the impression that such publication has been so registered, shall be guilty of an offence. Penalty £50.

Personal correspondence and sealed articles not transmissible as third class mail matter.

27.—(1.) An article bearing or containing anything of the character of actual or personal correspondence, or which is closed against inspection, shall not be eligible for transmission as Third Class Mail Matter, and any article which is posted contrary to the provisions of this regulation shall be treated as an insufficiently prepaid letter.

(2.) If on receiving an article which has been surcharged as an insufficiently prepaid letter owing to its being closed against inspection the addressee opens it in the presence of the postmaster, and it is found to contain nothing of a nature of actual or personal correspondence, the surcharge imposed on account of its being closed against inspection may be remitted.

Dimensions.

28. Postal articles classified as Third Class Mail Matter shall not exceed 2 feet in length or 1 foot in depth or breadth, or, if in the form of a roll, 2 ft. 6 in. in length and 4 inches in diameter.

Books transmissible as third class mail matter.

29.—(1.) Books transmissible as Third Class Mail Matter shall consist of printed or printed and illustrated publications of a literary or educational character, written by one or more Australian authors and printed in Australia. They shall be in book form, and be registered at a General Post Office for transmission through the post as a book. Provided that the condition as to registration shall not apply to a book printed prior to 1st July, 1922.

(2.) To be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for Third Class Mail Matter, packages of books shall not exceed 5 lb. in weight.

(3.) A publication which is not in book form nor of the character specified in the conditions governing the classification of books, or is published for the purpose of advertisement, shall not be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for Third Class Mail Matter.

Book form.

30. In order to be in book form, a publication shall consist of printed or printed and illustrated pages fastened together by stitching or stapling, and bound in covers of paper, cardboard, cloth, leather, or other ordinary binding material.

Advertisements in books.

31. A book may contain on the cover or on pages of the book advertisements relating to the book itself, or to books written by the same author or published by the same publisher. In addition, other advertisements may appear on the permanent cover, but not on any of the pages of the book.

Periodicals transmissible as third class mail matter.

32.—(1.) Periodicals transmissible as Third Class Mail Matter shall consist of magazines, reviews and other similar publications registered at a General Post Office for transmission through the post as a periodical.

(2.) To be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for Third Class Matter packages of periodicals shall not exceed 5 lb. in weight.

(3.) To be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for periodicals posted by the proprietors thereof or by news-vendors or agents, packages of periodicals shall not exceed 28 lb. in weight.

Evidence of compliance with Rates Act.

33. Persons who post periodicals at the rate of postage prescribed for postings by proprietors of periodicals and news-vendors or agents may be called upon to satisfy the Department that the conditions prescribed by the Rates Act to secure that rate are complied with. For this purpose they may be required to produce forthwith such documentary evidence as the Postmaster or other departmental officer considers necessary.

Inscription on cover of registered periodicals.

34. The publisher of a registered periodical shall print on the outside of the front cover (or page where the periodical has no cover) of each copy issued the words “Registered at the General Post Office, for transmission by post as a periodical”.

Supplements to periodicals.

35.—(1.) A publication which is printed upon paper and issued as a supplement to a periodical and which—

(a) consists in substantial part of reading matter other than advertisements, or of engravings, prints or lithographs, and is enclosed in each copy of the relevant issue of the periodical;

(b) is enclosed in each posted copy of the periodical with which it is issued;

(c) has the date of publication and title of the periodical with which it is issued printed at the top of each page, or when in the form of an engraving, print or lithograph at the top of each sheet; and

(d) does not exceed the periodical itself in size or weight.

shall be deemed to be a supplement and to be a part of that periodical.

(2.) A publication designed primarily for advertising purposes shall not be deemed to be a supplement to a periodical within the meaning of this regulation.

Change in form, title, &c., of periodical.

36. The publisher, printer, or proprietor of a registered periodical shall notify the Deputy Director of any proposed change in the form, title, frequency of issue, or proprietorship of such periodical; and a copy of the first issue of the periodical under the changed form, title, frequency of issue, or proprietorship shall be immediately furnished to the Deputy Director.

Newspapers transmissible as third class mail matter.

37.—(1.) Newspapers transmissible as Third Class Mail Matter shall consist of publications coming within the prescribed definition of a newspaper and registered at a General Post Office for transmission through the post as a newspaper.

(2.) To be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for Third Class Matter packages of newspapers shall not exceed 5 lb. in weight.

(3.) To be eligible for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for newspapers posted by the proprietors thereof or by news-vendors or agents, packages of newspapers shall not exceed 28 lb. in weight.

Evidence of compliance with Rates Act.

38. Persons who post newspapers at the rate of postage prescribed for postings by newspaper proprietors and news-vendors or agents, may be called upon to satisfy the Department that the conditions prescribed by the Rates Act to secure that rate are complied with. For this purpose they may be required to produce forthwith such documentary evidence as the postmaster or other departmental officer considers necessary.

Supplements to newspapers.

39. A supplement to a newspaper shall not exceed in size or weight the newspaper with which it is issued.

Inscription on registered newspapers.

40. The publisher of a registered newspaper shall print on the first page of each copy issued the words “Registered at the General Post Office, for transmission by post as a newspaper”.

Change in form, title, &c., of newspaper.

41. The publisher, printer, or proprietor of a registered newspaper shall notify the Deputy Director of any proposed change in the form, title, frequency of issue, or proprietorship of such newspaper; and a copy of the first issue of the newspaper under the changed form, title, frequency of issue, or proprietorship shall be immediately furnished to the Deputy Director.

Publications not eligible for registration as books.

42. A publication which is not in book form nor of the character specified in the conditions governing the transmission of books, or is published for the purpose of advertisement, shall not be eligible for registration as a book.

Registration of books.

43.—(1.) A printed or printed and illustrated publication of a literary or educational character written by one or more Australian authors, and printed in Australia, may be registered as a book, subject to the following conditions:—

(a) Application for registration must be made by the printer or publisher of the book before it is issued to the public or to booksellers for sale or distribution.

(b) The application for registration shall be made in the form required by the Department to a Deputy Director, and shall be accompanied by a copy of the relative publication in proof or complete form, bearing the imprint referred to in paragraph (c) of this regulation.

(c) The publication shall bear an imprint on the title leaf showing that the publication was wholly set up and printed in Australia, the year of publication, and the name and address of the printer.

(2.) When registration is granted, the words “Registered at the General Post Office,...................., for transmission, through the post as a book” shall be printed or stamped on the title leaf of the publication.

Definition of periodical.

44.—(1.) For the purposes of this regulation, a publication shall be deemed to be a periodical if it is printed and published within the Commonwealth for bona fide sale at the advertised price, and is a publication which:—

(a) is originated and published for the dissemination of information of public interest, or is devoted to literature, the sciences, arts, or religious, technical, or practical subjects;

(b) is regularly published in numbers at intervals not exceeding three calendar months;

(c) has the full title and date of publication printed on the cover and at the top of each page, and has each page consecutively numbered; and

(d) is formed of printed paper sheets without board, cloth, leather, or other substantial binding.

(2.) The provisions of this regulation in regard to sale, and the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of sub-regulation (1.) shall not apply to school magazines or to periodical publications consisting in substantial part of articles on scientific, technical, or educational subjects issued by Australian scientific, technical, or educational institutions or societies.

(3.) A publication designed primarily for advertising purposes, or for free circulation, or for circulation at nominal rates, shall not be deemed to be a periodical within the meaning of this regulation.

Application for registration of periodical.

45. The proprietor, printer, or publisher of a periodical publication may, subject to the following conditions, apply to have it registered as a periodical at the General Post Office of any State:—

(a) The application for registration shall be made in writing, and shall contain a description of the periodical to be registered, and show at what interval the periodical is published.

(b) Three copies of the latest issue of the periodical, and one copy of the last preceding issue, shall accompany the application.

(i) that the periodical is printed and published within the Commonwealth for bona fide sale at the advertised price, and is not designed primarily for advertising purposes or for free circulation, or circulation at nominal rates;

(ii) that at least 75 per centum of the copies issued are sold to bona fide purchasers, or to bona fide subscribers; and

(iii) whether or not any previous application has been made for registration of the periodical under the same or any other title;

shall accompany the application.

Registration of periodical.

46. If upon receipt of the application the Deputy Director is satisfied that the publication is a periodical within the meaning of these Regulations, and that the requirements of the regulations have been complied with, he may register it accordingly, and any publication for the time being on the register of periodicals shall be deemed a periodical registered at a General Post Office:

Provided that no publication which contains profane, blasphemous, indecent, obscene, immoral or seditious matter shall be registered in accordance with this regulation.

Deregistration of periodical.

47. If in the opinion of the Postmaster-General any posted copy of a registered periodical contains profane, blasphemous, indecent, obscene, immoral or seditious matter, or if in the opinion of the Postmaster-General a registered periodical has ceased to conform to the definition of a periodical contained in these Regulations, he may, by notice, call upon the proprietor, printer, or publisher of the periodical to show cause within the time specified in the notice why the periodical should not be removed from the register, and if within that time sufficient cause has not, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, been shown, he may direct the Deputy Director to remove the periodical from the register, and upon such removal the periodical shall be deemed not to be registered.

Evidence of compliance with regulations.

48. The Deputy Director of the State in which the periodical is registered may at any time call upon the proprietor, printer, or publisher of a periodical to furnish evidence by statutory declaration as to the total percentage of copies issued which are sold to bona fide purchasers or to bona fide subscribers, and any other particulars which are in his opinion necessary to show whether in respect of the periodical the requirements of these Regulations are being complied with.

Registration of newspapers.

49.—(1.) The proprietor, printer, or publisher of any newspaper, as defined by section 28 of the Act, may have it registered at the General Post Office of any State subject to the conditions set out in this regulation.

(2.) The application for registration shall be made in writing, and shall contain a description of the newspaper to be registered, and show at what intervals the newspaper is published.

(3.) Three copies of the latest issue of the newspaper and one copy of each of the two last preceding issues shall be forwarded with the application, together with a fee of Five shillings.

(4.) The following statutory declarations shall be forwarded with the application:—

(a) A statutory declaration by the applicant declaring—

(i) that the publication is printed and published within the Commonwealth for sale, and not for free distribution to any great extent;

(ii) that at least 75 per centum of the copies issued are sold to bona fide purchasers or to bona fide subscribers who have ordered the paper; and

(iii) whether or not any previous application has been made for registration of the publication under the same or any other title; and

(b) two statutory declarations by independent persons in the trade (such as publishers or newsagents) who are not in any way interested in the proprietorship or printing of, and are not subscribers to, the publication, declaring—

(i) that the declarant personally knows and recognizes the publication as a newspaper in the generally accepted sense;

(ii) that to the best of his knowledge and belief the publication is known and recognized by purchasers thereof as a newspaper in the generally accepted sense;

(iii) that the publication is not, to the best of his knowledge and belief, recognized as a magazine, review, or other similar publication; and

(iv) that he is neither the proprietor nor the printer of, nor a subscriber to, the said publication, and is not in any way interested in the proprietorship or printing thereof.

Deregistration of newspapers.

50. The Deputy Director of any State may, when revising the register, as provided by section 29 of the Act, call upon the proprietor, printer, or publisher of any newspaper appearing therein to furnish evidence by statutory declaration as to the total percentage of copies issued which are sold to bona fide purchasers or to bona fide subscribers, and any other particulars which are, in his opinion, necessary to enable him to determine whether the newspaper should be removed from the register or not.

Part VI.—Packing and Prohibitions.

Packing of postal articles.

51. To be eligible for transmission by post an article shall be packed in such manner as the Postmaster-General considers is necessary to prevent—

(a) damage to the article arising from the handling and pressure it may receive, and from climatic and other conditions to which it may be subjected, in the course of transmission; and

(b) injury to any person; and

Damage caused by liquids.

51a. The sender of a postal article which contains a liquid or a semi-liquid substance or any substance likely to damage other postal articles while in transit through the post shall, in the event of the liquid or substance escaping and damaging other postal articles, be liable to pay to the Postmaster-General such reasonable compensation as he requires.

Bacteriological and pathological specimens.

52. Any person who sends by post bacteriological or pathological specimens otherwise than in accordance with the conditions governing the transmission of these articles shall be guilty of an offence. Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Boxes containing bees.

53. On payment of a fee of Sixpence for each box, in addition to postages the sender may have boxes containing bees for delivery within the Commonwealth placed in separate mail bags containing no postal articles other than the bees. In cases where such special treatment is required the box shall be endorsed “Separate bag”.

Prohibited articles.

54. Articles mentioned in the Act as being prohibited from transmission through the post, articles in “cut-out” envelopes, entirely transparent envelopes, or envelopes having a transparent panel which does not comply with the conditions laid down, or any postal article the importation, transmission, or delivery of which is prohibited under the laws of the Commonwealth, or of the country to which such article is addressed, shall not be transmitted to the addressee by post in any form.

Part VII.—Postage.

Certain stamps not valid.

55. Impressed stamps cut from stamped envelopes, letter cards, post cards or wrappers, or duty stamps, mutilated postage stamps, postage due stamps, or the postage stamps of any country other than the Commonwealth shall not be accepted as valid for the prepayment, or part prepayment of postage.

Newspaper wrapper.

56. The stamped wrappers (bearing the words “Newspaper only”) sold by the Department may not be used for the wrapping of articles other than newspapers registered in the Commonwealth for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for newspapers, and any article other than a newspaper so registered posted in any such wrapper shall, whether the words “Newspaper only” have been obliterated or not, be treated as an article upon which the postage is wholly unpaid.

Affixture of stamps on postal articles.

57. Postage stamps shall, except in the case of parcels and articles with tie-on labels, be placed on the front or address side of the postal articles and in the right-hand upper corner of that side.

Postage not payable in cash, except in certain cases.

58. Except as hereinafter provided, a postal official shall not take cash in prepayment of postage when postage stamps are available or affix postage stamps to any article posted at any post office:

Provided that if a postmaster has not sufficient stamps on hand he may receive the amount of postage and fees in cash, in which case he shall acknowledge its receipt by endorsement on the address side of the article.

Prepayment of postage in cash.

59.—(1.) The postage on large quantities of registered or unregistered articles (other than parcels) for transmission within the Commonwealth, or to the United Kingdom, New Zealand, or Fiji, and on large quantities of printed matter for transmission to any place beyond the Commonwealth may be prepaid in cash.

(2.) The amount of postage and registration fee (if any) on such postal articles, posted at one time, shall not be less than One pound.

(3.) The articles shall be posted at a General Post Office or at any office at which the acceptance of postal articles under this regulation is permitted.

(4.) Postmasters other than those at the offices referred to in the last preceding sub-regulation shall not receive cash in prepayment of postage under this regulation unless the authority of the Deputy Director has first been obtained.

(5.) Postal articles shall be handed in at the post office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., but if handed in after 3 p.m. they shall be subject to detention if their despatch interferes with the despatch of other postal matter.

(6.) Articles of the same weight shall be tied in bundles of ten or any multiple thereof up to 100, with the addresses in the same direction; but this requirement may be waived in cases where the articles are posted arranged in groups to facilitate sorting or despatch by mail.

(7.) This regulation shall not apply to—

(a) registered newspapers or registered periodicals posted by proprietors or publishers thereof or newsvendors, who may post such newspapers or periodicals at hours other than those prescribed, and may post at one time a quantity of newspapers or periodicals on which the amount of postage payable is less than One pound;

(b) mail matter posted by authorized users of franking machines under the regulations relating to franking machines.

(8.) Sub-regulation (2.) of this regulation shall not apply to any Commonwealth or State Government Department which posts on an average postal articles bearing postage to the total amount of not less than One pound per day.

Payment of postage by the addressee.

60.—(1.) The Postmaster-General may, in such cases and upon compliance with such conditions as he thinks fit, allow payment of the postage payable on postal articles by the addressee instead of by the sender.

(2.) A charge equal to 20 per cent. of the amount of postage shall be paid by the addressee to cover the extra services of accounting and collection.

Provided that in the case of Business Reply Cards and postal articles contained in Business Reply Envelopes, the charge payable shall be one half-penny in respect of each card or article.

(3.) Any person who posts or aids, abets, counsels or procures the posting of any article bearing an inscription to the effect that postage will be paid by the addressee, shall, unless the Postmaster-General has, in pursuance of this regulation, allowed payment by that addressee, instead of by the sender, of the postage payable on the article, be guilty of an offence. Penalty: Five pounds.

Electoral papers transmissible free of postage.

61.—(1.) Postal articles containing electoral papers may be sent by post free of charge from or to electoral or police officers if—

(a) they contain only electoral papers as defined in this regulation, and the words “Commonwealth Electoral Papers only, Post Free,” are printed or written on the envelope or wrapper, or upon the papers themselves if they are eligible for transmission without envelopes or wrappers.

Provided that such articles when posted by electoral or police officers to persons who are not electoral or police officers shall also bear the signature and address of the sender, which may be printed or written on the envelope or wrapper, or upon the papers themselves; or

(b) they consist of ballot papers sent in covers bearing the following endorsements and address printed thereon, namely:—

“O. H. M. S.

Electoral Papers Only.

Post Free.

No.

Postal Ballot-paper,

Not to be opened until scrutiny.

The Returning Officer for the

Commonwealth Electoral

Division of

………………………………….”

(2.) This Regulation shall apply only to the following electoral papers:—

(a) Electoral papers (including rolls) provided for by the Commonwealth Electoral Acts and Regulations thereunder.

(b) Commonwealth and joint forms (including rolls) provided for in any joint regulations made in pursuance of an arrangement entered into by the Commonwealth and any State for the preparation, alteration, and revision of electoral rolls: Provided that the forms (including rolls) are used wholly or partly for Commonwealth purposes.

(c) Referendum papers provided for by the Referendum (Constitution Alteration) Act 1906-1926 or by regulations made thereunder.

(3.) This regulation shall not be deemed to exempt from postage any of the following articles:—

(a) Joint and other forms not provided for in the Commonwealth Electoral Acts and Regulations, or in the joint regulations, which are used in connexion with the Electoral Acts of the Commonwealth and those of a State or States; and

(b) Forms (including rolls) provided for in the joint regulations which are used solely for State purposes.

(4.) The privilege of free postage shall not apply to registers of voters, interleaved for correction, addressed to electoral registrars, or to packages of obsolete electoral material, such as obsolete forms and similar matter.

(5.) The sender of articles which, under this regulation, are entitled to transmission by post free of charge, shall pay the prescribed registration fee on all such articles when sent by registered post.

Braille and moon articles transmissible free of postage.

62. Braille and Moon postal articles posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein may be sent by post free of charge if—

(a) they contain only Braille and Moon articles, or either of them, and are posted in envelopes or wrappers open at one end or side or otherwise made up so as to admit of the contents being easily withdrawn for examination; and

(b) the words “Braille (or Moon, or Braille or Moon) articles only”, together with the signature and address of the sender, are printed or written on the outside of the envelope or wrapper.

Insufficiently prepaid postal articles.

63.—(1.) If a Deputy Director has reason to believe that any person posts wholly unpaid or insufficiently prepaid postal articles, he may give notice in writing calling upon that person to desist and advising him of the consequences of non-compliance with the notice.

(2.) If a person who has received a notice in pursuance of the last preceding sub-regulation knowingly and without reasonable excuse posts any wholly unpaid or insufficienly prepaid postal article he shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Five pounds.

(3.) For the purposes of this regulation—

(a) wholly unpaid or insufficiently prepaid postal articles mean a postal article in respect of which no postage or insufficient postage has been paid; and

(b) the person from whom the postal article purports to have come shall be deemed to be the sender of the article.

(4.) Wholly unpaid postal articles, except newspapers, and postal articles bearing postage at a rate lower than that prescribed for the class to which they belong by reason of their nature or the nature of any enclosure or endorsement they contain or bear, posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein or transmission to Papua, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, New Guinea (formerly German New Guinea), and Nauru, shall, except in the cases where the Postmaster-General has allowed payment of the postage payable to be made by the addressee instead of by the sender, or where there is an evident attempt to defraud, be surcharged double the deficiency and transmitted to the office of destination. Wholly unpaid newspapers shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office.

(5.) The postage on all postal articles other than letters, letter cards, and single post cards posted in Australia for places beyond the Commonwealth other than the places mentioned in sub-regulation (4.) of this regulation shall be fully prepaid. If the postage be not fully prepaid the article shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office.

(6.) The amount of the surcharge to be made on wholly unpaid or insufficiently prepaid letters, letter cards, and single post cards, transmitted to places beyond the Commonwealth, shall be double the deficiency in postage and such surcharge shall be indicated in francs and centimes calculated as follows:—

(a) In the case of articles addressed to places in the British Empire, New Hebrides, Banks and Torres Islands, 1d. = 10 centimes; and

(b) In the case of articles addressed to other places beyond the Commonwealth, by application of such formula as is approved by the Postmaster-General.

(7.) The amount to be collected on postal articles surcharged in French currency received from places beyond the Commonwealth shall be calculated as follows:—

(a) In the case of articles from places within the British Empire, New Hebrides, Banks and Torres Islands, at the rate of 10 centimes = 1d.; and

(b) in the case of articles from other places beyond the Commonwealth—by application of such formula as is approved by the Postmaster-General.

Franking machines.

64. In regulations 64 to 81 (both inclusive) of these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—

“Franking machine” means a machine for making impressions indicating the value of the postage prepaid on postal articles or for postmarking postal articles;

“Person” includes a firm and company;

“User” means a person to whom a licence is granted under these Regulations to use a franking machine;

“Authorized officer” means an officer of the Postmaster-General’s Department authorized by the Postmaster-General.

Postmaster-General may authorize selling or letting on hire.

65. Subject to the provisions of these Regulations, the Postmaster-General may authorize any person to sell, let on hire, or use a franking machine.

Franking machines must incorporate meter and locking device.

66. Any franking machine which may be sold, let on hire, or used in pursuance of these Regulations shall have attached to or connected with it—

(a) a meter capable of being set at a figure indicating the value of the impressions paid for in advance at the time of the setting and which will accurately record the value of the impressions made by the machine;

(b) a device which will automatically operate so as to effectually prevent the use of the machine being continued after impressions to the total value paid for have been made; and

shall be of such dimensions and weight as to enable it to be conveniently conveyed to the post office by the user for the purpose of having the meter reset from time to time.

Vending of franking machines.

67.—(1.) Application for the authority of the Postmaster-General to vend franking machines shall be made in writing.

(2.) The applicant shall—

(a) submit for inspection by the Postmaster-General a sample of the franking machine in respect of which approval is sought; and

(b) give an undertaking in the form required by the Postmaster-General that he will sell or let on hire only franking machines conforming in all respects with the sample approved by the Postmaster-General and that he will sell or let on hire such machines only in accordance with these Regulations and the conditions set out in the undertaking; and

(c) give security by bond with two sureties, or alternatively with an approved guarantee company as surety, to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General, in regard to the faithful observance of the provisions of these Regulations and the terms of the undertaking referred to in the last preceding paragraph.

(3.) If at any time the Postmaster-General be not satisfied with the sufficiency of any security he may require a fresh security, and a fresh security shall be given accordingly.

Application for authority to sell or let or hire.

68. Application for the authority of the Postmaster-General to sell or let on hire any franking machine shall be made in writing and shall—

(a) state the name, address, and occupation of the person to whom it is proposed to sell or hire the machine; and

(b) contain a description of the machine in such detail as may be required by the Postmaster-General.

Dies to be of approved design.

69. Any die, which may be used in franking machines for making impressions indicating the value of the postage prepaid on postal articles or for postmarking postal articles, shall be of a design approved by the Postmaster-General and shall include in its design such identification number or markings as may be required by the Postmaster-General.

Meters to be set before delivery.

70. No person shall deliver to a user or an agent of the user any franking machine or meter unless and until an authorized officer has set the postage meter at a figure indicating the amount prepaid by the user and has sealed the machine or meter.

Impressions to be paid for before meter set.

71. No meter shall be set for the purpose of recording the value of impressions made by a franking machine unless and until the user has paid to the Postmaster-General the amount representing the number of impressions for which it is to be set.

Withdrawal of machine for repair.

72.—(1.) No person to whom a franking machine or meter is tendered by the user for the purpose of repair or any other purpose shall accept it unless and until the meter has been read by an authorized officer.

(2.) The person to whom a franking machine or meter is delivered by the user shall not return it to the user unless and until he has obtained the authority of an authorized officer.

Application for licence to use franking machine.

73.—(1.) An application for a licence to use a franking machine shall be made in writing, and shall contain a description of the machine in such detail as may be required by the Postmaster-General.

(2.) Upon an application under this regulation being accepted, the applicant shall give security by bond with two sureties, or alternatively with an approved guarantee company as surety, to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General, that he will make good to the Postmaster-General any loss to the revenue of the Commonwealth arising from the improper use of any franking machine or meter used by him or the failure of the postage meter to accurately record the value of the impressions made by the machine.

(3.) If at any time the Postmaster-General be not satisfied with the sufficiency of any security he may require a fresh security, and a fresh security shall be given accordingly.

Granting of licence to use.

74.—(1.) The Postmaster-General may, upon security being given by the applicant in accordance with the last preceding regulation, grant to the applicant a licence to use the machine, subject to these Regulations and to such conditions as the Postmaster-General thinks fit.

(2.) A licence granted under this regulation shall be signed on behalf of the Postmaster-General by an authorized officer.

Revocation of licence.

75.—(1.) The Postmaster-General may forthwith revoke any licence if—

(a) the licensee commits any breach of these Regulations or of the conditions of the licence;

(b) the franking machine in respect of which the licence is granted proves to be mechanically unsatisfactory; or

(2.) The Postmaster-General may determine the licence, after giving the licensee fourteen days’ notice of his intention to do so, if, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, any alteration of the conditions governing the use of franking machines or any other circumstance renders the determination necessary.

Refunds in respect of defective impressions.

76.—(1.) The Postmaster-General or an officer authorized in that behalf may, upon application in writing by the user, make a refund of the amount representing the value of defective impressions, impressions made in error or impressions made on envelopes, covers, wrappers or labels which for adequate reason were not transmitted through the post, but a deduction of five per centum of the face value of the impressions shall be made.

(2.) The application for refund shall be made at or before the time of the first setting of the meter after the date of the impression, and the envelopes, covers, wrappers, or labels bearing the impressions in respect of which refund is claimed shall accompany the application.

(3.) Refund shall be made only when the entire envelopes, covers, wrappers, or labels are produced and only when they bear evidence of the franking impression having been made thereon. In cases where the denomination of the franking impression is illegible, refund shall be made only in respect of the amount of the lowest denomination of impression which the applicant’s machine is capable of making.

Purpose for which franking machines may be used.

77. Subject to these Regulations a franking machine may be used for—

(a) making impressions indicating the value of the postage prepaid on all postal articles (except parcels) posted in the Commonwealth for delivery within or beyond the Commonwealth,

(b) postmarking postal articles upon which the value of the postage is impressed by the machine; and

Articles impressed with franking machine irregularly posted.

78. Any postal article impressed by a franking machine and posted in contravention of the conditions specified in the licence may be deemed to be a postal article on which the postage is unpaid and surcharged accordingly.

Breach of franking machine user’s licence.

79. Any person who commits a breach of any condition of a licence granted under these Regulations shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Breach of regulations.

80. Any person who commits any breach of regulation 70 or regulation 72 of these Regulations, or—

(a) uses a franking machine to which a meter set and sealed by an authorized officer is not attached or connected; or

(b) uses a franking machine the meter attached to or connected with which is not set and sealed by an authorized officer,

shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: Fifty pounds.

Notices to users of franking machines.

81. Any notice to the user under these Regulations or under any licence granted in pursuance of these Regulations shall be sufficiently given if notified to the user in a letter or writing left at or sent by post addressed to the address specified in the licence or the user’s last-known place of abode or usual place of abode or business.

Part VIII.—Delivery and Re-direction of Mail Matter and Treatment of Undelivered Mail Matter.

To whom unregistered postal articles delivered.

82. An unregistered postal article, other than a parcel, shall be delivered to the addressee or, in the absence of instructions in writing to the contrary, to any responsible member of the addressee’s houshold, or, upon production of a power of attorney, to the person named therein, or to a person authorized in writing by the addressee to receive it:

Provided—

(a) That, in the case of a postal article, delivered by postman, delivery shall be made by depositing the article in a suitable receptacle or letter-box provided at the address for the purpose;

(b) that a postal article addressed to a person at an institution hotel, club, lodging-house, or any house at which lodgers are received, or to the care of a firm, company, or other body shall be delivered to the manager or proprietor thereof or to his representative;

(c) that a postal article addressed to one person in care of another shall, in the absence of written instructions to the contrary from the addressee, be delivered to either of the persons named who calls for it or at the address of the person in whose care it is directed; or

(d) that, in the case of a postal article addressed to a person, firm, company, institution, or other body renting a private box at a post office, or directed to a private box, the depositing of the article in the private box shall be deemed delivery to the addressee.

Delivery at post offices.

83.—(1.) The privilege of having correspondence delivered at a post office shall be restricted to—

(a) visitors and tourists;

(b) private box holders;

(d) others who in the opinion of the postmaster cannot for good and sufficient reasons conveniently receive their correspondence by postman or through a private box.

(2.) The persons referred to in the last preceding sub-regulation other than private box holders or persons who reside beyond the limits of a delivery by postman shall not, except as provided in the next succeeding sub-regulation, be entitled for a longer period than six months to have correspondence delivered at a post office or addressed to a post office to be called for.

(3.) Where an addressee has, for a period of six months, had his correspondence addressed to a post office to be called for, he may, upon making application to that effect, have his correspondence redirected to one address for a further period of six months, but, upon the expiration of such further period, a further application for redirection shall not be granted, and the correspondence shall be deemed to be insufficiently addressed and shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office.

(4.) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulations (2.) and (3.) of this regulation, in cases where any visitor or tourist satisfies the Deputy Director as to his bona fides, the Deputy Director may make such arrangements as will meet the necessities of the particular case.

84. Correspondence addressed to a post office to be called for shall bear the name of the addressee. The use of initials, figures, Christian names, fictitious or assumed names, or conventional marks of any kind instead of the name of the addressee is not permissible, and correspondence so addressed shall be deemed to be insufficiently addressed and shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office.

Delivery by mailman.

85.—(1.) Mail contractors are required to receive (beyond a mile from a post office) correspondence intended for delivery along their line of route.

(2.) If fully prepaid and for delivery before a post office is reached, the mailman shall cancel the stamps, by crossing them with ink, or in some other effective manner.

(3.) If the correspondence be unpaid or insufficiently prepaid, it shall not be delivered, but posted at the next post office on the line of route, whence it shall be despatched to destination charged with double deficiency, to be collected on delivery.

(4.) All correspondence so received shall bear an endorsement by the mailman, indicating the particular point on the road at which it was received.

Carriage of articles by mail contractors.

86. Mail contractors shall not carry, or permit their servants or passengers to carry, any letter or packet to the prejudice of the post office revenue.

Postal articles addressed to minors.

87.—(1.) Where directions in writing have been given to a postmaster by the parent or guardian of a minor having custody of the minor, the postmaster may deliver or cause to be delivered all postal articles addressed to the minor in accordance with the directions so given.

(2.) In the absence of any such direction, postal articles addressed to minors shall be delivered in the same manner as other postal articles.

(3.) Notwithstanding any directions having been received under this regulation, the Postmaster-General may direct that postal articles addressed to a minor shall be delivered to such minor.

(4.) In this regulation “minor” means a person under the age of eighteen years.

Postal articles addressed to deceased persons.

88. Postal articles addressed to deceased persons may, on production of the probate or letters of administration, be delivered to the executors or administrators of the deceased person’s estate; but until such production the Deputy Director may cause such postal articles to be delivered to some near relative of the deceased person:

Provided that registered postal articles posted within the Commonwealth addressed to a deceased person and in connexion with which the sender has paid the fee for an acknowledgment of receipt shall be returned to the sender.

Postal articles “in dispute.”

89.—(1.) When any member of a firm or partnership or of a dissolved firm or partnership, or any person who claims to be entitled to receive the correspondence of a firm or partnership, or of a dissolved firm or partnership and who satisfies the Postmaster that he has reasonable grounds for such claim gives notice to the postmaster not to deliver to any person other than himself any postal article addressed to the firm or partnership), the postmaster (unless he is satisfied as to who is entitled to delivery) may refuse to deliver all such postal articles until an agreement is arrived at between the persons interested as to delivery.

(2.) In default of any such agreement, the postmaster shall mark the postal articles “In Dispute,” and shall send them to the Dead Letter Office unless they bear requests for their return if not delivered within a certain time, in which case they shall, at the expiration of the time named on the postal article, be returned to the sender.

(3.) A postal article shall not be sent to the Dead Letter Office in accordance with this regulation until the expiration of 30 days from the date of the receipt of the above-mentioned notice.

Postal articles addressed to the householder.

90.—(1.) Postal articles other than newspapers may be addressed to “The Householder” or any similar address at any place where there is a delivery by postman.

(2.) On arrival at the office of destination, one of such postal articles shall (so far as the number posted will permit) be delivered by postman at each house within the limits of delivery.

(3.) Such postal articles shall be posted in bulk, and all articles for the same towns shall be tied by the sender in separate bundles. The postage may, subject to regulation 59, be prepaid in cash.

Delivery in transit.

91. In cases where sufficient reason is shown and where the concession can be granted without undue interference with the public business, postal articles in transit, when lying at a post office awaiting despatch, may be delivered at that office to the person authorized to receive them upon personal or written application if the delivering officer is satisfied as to the identity of the applicant.

Letters containing dutiable or prohibited articles.

92.—(1.) Any letter—

(a) received from a place beyond the Commonwealth, or

(b) posted at any post office within the Commonwealth, which is suspected to contain any article on which Customs duty is payable, or any article the importation of which is prohibited, shall before delivery be opened by the addressee or his representative for examination by an officer of Customs.

(2.) If it is found to contain any article on which Customs duty is payable, the duty thereon as assessed by the officer of Customs shall be paid before the letter is delivered to the addressee.

(3.) If it is found to contain an article the importation of which is prohibited, it shall be handed to the officer of Customs to be dealt with according to law.

(4.) Any letter received from a place beyond the Commonwealth bearing on its cover a label affixed by the sender indicating that the letter contains an enclosure which is or may be subject to Customs duty, and also that the letter may be officially opened, shall be opened by a postal official for examination by an officer of the Customs, and the duty thereon as assessed by the officer of the Customs shall be paid before the letter is delivered to the addressee.

Mail matter other than letters containing dutiable or prohibited articles.

93. Any postal article not being a letter—

(a) received from a place beyond the Commonwealth, or

(b) posted at any post office within the Commonwealth, which is suspected to contain any article on

which Customs duty is payable, may be opened for examination, and if it is found to contain any such article, the duty thereon as assessed by an officer of Customs shall be paid before the postal article is delivered to the addressee.

Articles contravening Customs Act.

94. Any postal article containing any article forwarded in contravention of any Customs Act or regulation thereunder shall be forwarded to the Collector of Customs to be dealt with according to law.

Proceedings and seizure.

95. Nothing in these Regulations shall prejudice or prevent the taking of any proceedings or the seizure or forfeiture of any goods for any contravention of any Customs Act or regulation thereunder.

Fee in respect of articles having dutiable contents.

96. A postal charge of Threepence shall be collected from the addressee on delivery of each letter, small packet, or article by sample post received from a place beyond the Commonwealth having contents on which Customs duty is payable.

Redirection of postal articles.

97.—(1.) An application to the Postmaster-General for the redirection of a postal article shall be complied with only in cases where the addressee has actually changed his address permanently or temporarily and in the latter case only when the redirection cannot be undertaken by a person at the address at which the addressee resided or carried on business prior to his temporary removal therefrom.

(2.) An application for the redirection of any postal article addressed to an address at which the applicant has not previously resided or carried on business shall not be complied with. Unless delivery of such postal article can be made to the addressee or his agent at the address to which it is directed, it shall be forwarded to the Dead Letter Office for return to the sender.

(2a.) Redirection shall not be effected in the case of a postal article which bears on the address side an instruction from the sender that the article is not to be redirected. In such a case, however, the article must bear an endorsement to the following effect:—

Not to be re-addressed.

If the addressee has left the address hereon return to................................................

In the absence of the request for return to the sender the instruction shall not be complied with.

(3.) A charge shall not be made for the redirection of a prepaid postal article (other than a parcel), whether redirected by a postal official or by an agent of the addressee after delivery, if—

(a) the postage originally paid would have been sufficient if the postal article had originally been addressed to its new destination;

(b) the article redirected by an agent of the addressee is reposted not later than the day (any Sunday or public holiday excepted) after being left at the original address, and does not appear to have been opened or tampered with.

(4.) If the postage originally prepaid on the redirected article is not sufficient for its transmission from the place of origin to the new destination, the deficient postage shall be collected on delivery at the new destination.

(5.) Fresh postage shall be charged for the redirection of an article when—

(a) the article has not been reposted within the prescribed period; or

(b) the article has the appearance of having been opened or tampered with; or

Redirected registered articles.

98.—(1.) Registered articles redirected by an agent of the addressee shall be handed in at the counter of a post office for reregistration, and shall not be posted in a letter receiver.

(2.) Additional postage or registration fee shall not be charged upon such articles if they are presented for re-registration not later than the day (Sunday and public holidays not being counted) after being left at the original address; but if presented after that time they shall be treated as freshly posted, and fresh postage and registration fees shall be payable in respect of them.

(3.) If any registered article when redirected, instead of being given back to the post office to be dealt with as registered, is dropped into a letter-box as an ordinary article (the word “registered” not having been erased or having been erased in pencil only), it becomes liable on delivery to a surcharge of a single rate of postage and single registration fee.

Applications for redirection.

99.—(1.) An application for redirection shall be signed by the person to whom the correspondence is addressed, and shall state the places from which correspondence is expected:

Provided that an order from the head of a household shall be accepted for the redirection of the correspondence of all the members of such household unless separate instructions are given by other members.

(2.) Unless renewed, redirection orders shall be acted on for a term of six months only.

Articles addressed to private boxes, hotels, &c., redirection not undertaken by Postmaster-General.

100. Notwithstanding anything contained in these Regulations, the Postmaster-General will not undertake to intercept and redirect a postal article at any office other than that to which it is addressed, or to intercept and redirect a postal article addressed to the care of a private box holder, or of a private mail-bag holder, or to an institution, hotel, club, lodging-house, or such like place, or to a residential flat comprising one of a group, the correspondence for the occupants of which is delivered by postman into a common letter-box or to a common agent.

Inquiries respecting postal articles.

101.—(1.) Inquiries concerning the alleged non-delivery of any postal article may be undertaken provided (a) sufficient time has elapsed to enable the postal article to reach its destination in the ordinary course of post; and (b) the person desiring the inquiry to be made furnishes reasonable evidence that the article was posted and has not yet been delivered.

(2.) The person requesting that the inquiry be made shall enter on the form provided for the purpose the particulars required in connexion with the article.

(3.) Where the inquiry relates to a registered postal article or parcel addressed to or posted in a place beyond the Commonwealth, the person requesting that the inquiry be made shall affix to the form referred to in sub-regulation (2) of this regulation a postage stamp in payment of a fee of 3d. If it is found that delay in delivery is attributable to the Department, the inquiry fee shall be refunded:

Provided that, if the inquiry relate to a registered postal article or parcel upon which a fee has been paid for acknowledgment of delivery, an inquiry fee shall not be chargeable under this regulation.

Undelivered articles bearing request for return to the sender.

102.—(1.) A postal article other than a newspaper may bear on the cover an endorsement requesting that if undeliverable it be returned to the sender. The endorsement shall be in the following form:—“If not delivered with days return to ”

(2.) The request for return shall specify a number of days not fewer than seven nor more than 30. The endorsement shall contain the sender’s name and address unless he be a private box holder, in which case the private box number should be given instead of the sender’s street address.

(3.) If a postal article bearing such endorsement be undelivered at the expiration of the time specified or at the expiration of the time prescribed in the next succeeding regulation, whichever is the lesser, it shall thereupon be returned direct to the sender.

Undelivered postal articles generally.

103.—(1.) An undelivered postal article (except a parcel or an article referred to in sub-regulation (2.) of this regulation) shall—

(a) if posted within the Commonwealth for delivery therein, be retained at the office of destination, as follows:—

(i) if addressed to a fixed address, i.e., to a street, road, institution, farm, station, &c.—eight days; Provided that the article shall be retained for one calendar month when the postmaster knows that the addressee is residing in the locality served by his office, or has good reason to believe that the article will be called for during that period;

(ii) if addressed only to a post town, i.e., when only the name of the addressee and that of the post town appear in the address—fourteen days;

Provided that the article shall be retained for one calendar month when the Postmaster knows that the addressee is residing in the locality served by his office, or has good reason to believe that the article will be called for during that period:

Provided further that when the article is addressed to a person who previously resided in the locality and the Postmaster knows that such person has permanently left the district, the period of retention of the article shall be eight days;

(iii) if addressed to a post office, i.e., when the name of the addressee, the words “Post Office” and the name of the post town appear in the address—one calendar month;

Provided that when the article is addressed to a person who previously resided in the locality and the Postmaster knows that such person has permanently left the district the period of detention of the article shall be eight days;

(iv) if addressed to a person on board a ship—one calendar month.

(b) if received from a place outside the Commonwealth, be retained at the office of destination for one calendar month.

and if still undelivered at the expiration of such period shall be transmitted to the Dead Letter Office unless the article bears an endorsement on the cover as prescribed in regulation 102, in which case it shall be returned direct to the sender.

(2.) A postal article which—

(a) bears no address;

(b) bears an illegible address;

(d) is addressed to a deceased person and the provisions of regulation 88 do not apply;

(e) is returned to the post office as undeliverable by the proprietor of an hotel, lodging house, &c., or by a consul;

shall not be retained at the office of destination, but shall without delay be transmitted to the Dead Letter Office unless the article bears an endorsement on the cover, as prescribed in regulation 102, in which case it shall be immediately returned to the sender.

(3.) Undeliverable postal articles, other than newspapers, transmitted to the Dead Letter Office in accordance with the last preceding sub-regulation shall—

(a) if they were posted in the Commonwealth, be returned to the sender if such be practicable;

(b) if they were posted in another country, be dealt with in accordance with the arrangement made with the country of origin.

(4.) Except as provided in the next succeeding sub-regulation, undelivered newspapers shall not be returned to the senders.

(5.) Provided the cover or wrapper bears in print the inscription required by the Postmaster-General, an undelivered newspaper posted by the proprietor, publisher, or vendor thereof, shall be returned to the sender on payment of postage at the ordinary rate for newspapers.

Express delivery services.

104.—(1.) Delivery of postal articles in advance of the ordinary delivery may, upon payment of the prescribed fee, be obtained in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations. Such special delivery service shall be hereinafter referred to as “Express Delivery”.

(2.) Post offices from which express delivery is effected shall be hereinafter referred to as “Express Delivery Offices”.

(3.) Express delivery of postal articles may be obtained—

(a) by messenger all the way;

(b) by messenger immediately upon arrival of the mail at the post office of destination—at the request of the sender;

(c) by messenger immediately upon arrival of the mail at the post office of destination—at the request of the addressee; or

(d) from travelling post office vans at railway stations.

Express delivery restricted to certain articles, &c.

105. Express delivery shall—

(a) be restricted to postal articles of the First and Second Classes not exceeding 8 oz. in weight;

(b) be effected only from post offices at which telegraph messengers are employed and from travelling post office vans at railway stations where the trains to which such vans are attached are scheduled to stop;

(d) be made only during the hours the office is open to the public for transaction of telegraph business and messengers are on duty:

Provided that express delivery shall not be effected on Sundays or holidays; and

(e) be effected by messengers on foot or otherwise at the discretion of the Postmaster-General. If the sender or addressee desires a cab or other special conveyance to be used, the actual fare shall be paid in addition to the express delivery fee and postage.

Marking of express delivery articles.

106. A postal article the express delivery of which is desired by the sender shall be boldly and legibly marked on the address side by the sender with the words “Express Delivery”, or words indicating that express delivery is required.

Payment of express delivery fees.

107. On a postal article the express delivery of which is desired by the sender, the express delivery fee and the postage shall be prepaid by means of postage stamps affixed to the article.

Express delivery by messenger all the way.

108. The fee for the service referred to in paragraph (a) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104 and the special conditions applicable to such service shall be:—

Fee: For the first mile or part of a mile from the office of delivery to the address—4d. per article in addition to postage.

For each additional half-mile or part of a half-mile—2d. per article in addition to postage.

Conditions: The article shall be handed in at the counter of an express delivery office:

Provided that during such time as the office is closed the article may be posted at the office in the ordinary manner, and any article so posted shall be delivered the following morning.

Await reply service.

109. The sender of an express delivery article to be delivered by means of the service referred to in paragraph (a) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104 may arrange for the messenger to wait for and deliver a reply as directed. The fees payable for such additional service and the special conditions applicable thereto shall be as follows:—

Fee: if the reply is to be delivered to an address on the messenger’s homeward route—3d. in addition to postage.

If the reply is to be delivered to an address not on the messenger’s homeward route—the fee prescribed by the last preceding regulation.

Conditions:

(a) The sender shall endorse on the front of the cover of the article, in addition to the words” Express Delivery,” the words “Await Reply” in prominent characters, and affix to the article postage stamps in payment of the fee and postage on the reply, in addition to the fee and postage on the article itself;

(b) The messenger shall wait not longer than ten minutes for the reply; and

(c) The reply shall be delivered after the messenger has delivered all the express delivery articles entrusted to him when setting out from the express delivery office.

Express delivery article handed to telegraph messenger.

110. The addressee of a telegram may hand to the delivering messenger a postal article for express delivery by means of the service referred to in paragraph (a) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104; but in such case the article shall be taken by the messenger to the post office to which he is attached, and the fee to be paid for express delivery shall be calculated as from the residence of the sender by way of the post office to the residence of the addressee.

Express delivery after transmission by post.

111. The fee for the service referred to in paragraph (b) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104 shall be 4d. per article in addition to postage.

Express delivery at request of addressee.

112. The fee payable for the service referred to in paragraph (c) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104, and the special conditions applicable to such service, shall be:—

Fee: For each mile or part of a mile from the office of delivery to the address, 4d. for one article, and ½d. for each additional article delivered at the same time.

Conditions:

(a) The addressee shall make written application for the service to the officer in charge of the post office from which the addressee’s postal articles are ordinarily delivered, and such application shall reach the office at least one hour before the time of delivery by postman commences:

Provided that where a regular express delivery is required, one application to that effect shall be sufficient.

(b) The aggregate weight of the articles shall not exceed 4 lb.

(c) The express delivery fee on at least one article shall, except where a regular service is desired, be prepaid in postage stamps affixed to the application, and any additional fee shall be paid to the messenger on delivery. In the case of a regular service, all fees shall be paid to the messenger on delivery.

(d) If no postal articles for the address given are received, a messenger shall, except where a regular service has been applied for, be sent to inform the applicant to that effect, and the express fee shall be retained as payment for this service.

Express delivery from travelling post office.

113. The fee for the service referred to in paragraph (d) of sub-regulation (3.) of regulation 104 shall be 4d., in addition to postage and late fee, and the special conditions applicable thereto shall be as follow:—

(a) The article shall be handed in at a travelling post office; and

(b)The sender shall arrange for the addressee or his agent to receive delivery of the article at the travelling post office van. If this be not done, the article shall be sent to the local post office, and delivery made in the usual manner.

Part IX.—Postage Stamps.

Impressing of stamps on envelopes, &c.

114.—(1.) Subject to the following conditions postage stamps may be impressed or embossed on envelopes, cards, and wrappers supplied for the purpose by the person concerned:—

(a) Written application must be made to the Deputy Director or to the Postmaster at an official post office.

(b) The application must be accompanied by a specimen of the envelope, card, or wrapper.

(d) Envelopes shall be of standard size (i.e., a size adopted by the Standards Association of Australia).

(e) Postcards’ shall be of the same size (5½, inches x 3½ inches) as the postcards issued for sale by the Postmaster-General’s Department, and shall be stout enough to be easily handled in the post.

(f) The paper used for envelopes or wrappers shall be stout enough to suitably bear the impression of the embossing die.

(2.) The charge, payable in advance, shall be the value of the postage stamps and 3s. 2d. per thousand or portion of a thousand of each value impressed.

Sale of postmarked stamps.

115.—(1.) Postage stamps issued in the Commonwealth, lightly post-marked, may be purchased at their full face value.

(2.) Sets of obliterated current and obsolete postage stamps issued in the Commonwealth may be purchased at a charge of One pound per set. The stamps of the face value of from ½d. to 5s. inclusive will be cancelled with the date stamp, and those exceeding 5s. in face value will be cancelled by having the word “Specimen” embossed upon them.

Repurchase of stamps.

116. Postage stamps valid in the Commonwealth which are not perforated, and are in good order and condition, may be repurchased from the public at the General Post Office of any State of the Commonwealth, subject to the following conditions:—

(a) The stamps shall be tendered for repurchase in strips of at least two, and affixed to sheets of paper, each denomination to be on a separate sheet with, as far as possible, 60 stamps on each sheet;

(b) Payment shall be made for the stamps at their face value, less a discount according to the following scale:—

Repurchases up to £1—10 per cent. discount with a minimum of 2d.

Repurchases over £1 and up to £3—7½ per cent. discount with a minimum of 2s.

Repurchases over £3 and up to £5—6 per cent. discount with a minimum of 4s. 6d.

Repurchases over £5—5 per cent. discount with a minimum of 6s.

Provided that applications for the repurchase of stamps of denominations above 5s. shall be made to the Deputy Director.

Provided further that stamps received by collectors of public moneys in their official capacity need not be tendered for repurchase in strips and the rate of discount thereon shall be 2½ per cent.

Repurchase of stamps on cards issued to broadcast listeners.

117. Notwithstanding anything contained in the last preceding regulation, undefaced postage stamps not exceeding a total value of 24s. shall, if affixed to a card issued by the Postmaster-General for the purpose of having affixed thereto postage stamps in payment or part payment for a broadcast listener’s licence under the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations, be re-purchased at the face value of the stamps provided they are tendered in payment or part payment for a broadcast listener’s licence.

Repurchase of envelopes, &c., bearing impressed stamps.

118. Envelopes and wrappers bearing embossed or impressed postage stamps which have not been defaced, and spoiled letter cards and post cards bearing undefaced stamps, may be repurchased at the General Post Office, subject to a discount, in the case of envelopes and wrappers, at the rate of 5 per centum, and in the case of letter cards and post cards, at the rates prescribed by regulation 116.

Licences to sell stamps.

119.—(1.) A Deputy Director may, upon receipt from a person of a written application, and information as to the location of his premises and the nature of the business carried on by him, grant to such person a licence to sell postage stamps.

(2.) Such licence shall authorize the sale of stamps at the premises named in the licence only, and may be revoked at the pleasure of the Deputy Director.

(3.) The person to whom a licence to sell postage stamps has been granted under these Regulations shall be hereinafter referred to as the “licensed vendor.”

Licensed vendors to exhibit notice.

120.—(1.) A licensed vendor shall exhibit and keep exhibited in some conspicuous place in front of the premises licensed a notice reading—

“Licensed to Sell Postage Stamps.”

(2.) The letters in such notice shall be at least 1 inch in height and of proportionate breadth.

Licensed vendors to have stamps available.

121. Every licensed vendor shall have postage stamps available for purchase by the public at the face value thereof at any time when his place of business is lawfully open to the public.

Purchase of supplies by vendors.

122. A licensed vendor shall purchase supplies of stamps, by application on the proper form, only from the post office named in the licence, and shall pay cash at face value for such supplies.

Interference with postage stamps.

123.—(1.) Any person who—

(a) treats or deals with or applies any substance to any postage stamp in any manner so as to facilitate the removal of any post-mark which is or may be placed thereon in any post office; or

(b) knowingly has in his possession any postage stamp which has been treated or dealt with or to which any substance has been applied in any manner so as to facilitate the removal of any post-mark which is or may be placed thereon in any post office; or

(c) knowingly puts off or uses for postal or telegraphic purposes any postage stamp which has been treated or dealt with or to which any substance has been applied in any manner so as to facilitate the removal of any post-mark which is or may be placed thereon in any post office—

shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable, on conviction, to a penalty of not more than £50 and not less than £1.

(2.) Proof that a postage stamp affixed to a postal article has been treated or dealt with, or has had applied to it any substance, in contravention of this regulation, and that the defendant is the writer of the postal article or of any communication therein or of the address thereon or of any part of such address, or is the sender thereof, shall be prima facie evidence that he is guilty of an offence against this regulation:

Provided that nothing in this regulation shall prejudice the proof of an offence against this regulation by other evidence.

Part X.—Private Posting Receptacles.

Clearance of private posting receptacles.

124.—(1.) Upon receipt of an application in writing, the Deputy Director may arrange for the clearance of unregistered letters, letter cards, and post cards from a posting-box installed on business or other premises.

(2.) The type of box to be provided and the position in which it is to be placed shall be subject to the approval of the Deputy Director.

Notice to be affixed.

125.—(1.) A notice shall be affixed to each box as follows:—

“Any article put into this box shall not, for the purpose of any enactment, law, or contract, whereby the due posting is evidence of the receipt thereof by the addressee, be deemed to have been duly posted.

“Articles such as newspapers and packets (including circulars) must not be posted in this box.”

(2.) The second paragraph of such notice shall be printed in prominent letters.

Clearance may be discontinued.

126. If any articles other than unregistered letters, letter cards, and post cards are posted in a private posting box the arrangement for the clearance of the box may be discontinued.

Times of clearance.

127. The arrangements for the clearance of the box and the time of clearance shall be determined by the Deputy Director.

Officers to have access.

128. Officers of the Postmaster-General’s Department shall have access to the box for the purpose of clearing it, and they alone shall possess the keys for opening it.

Fees.

129.—(1.) The fees for clearance, payable in advance, shall be as follows:—

	Per annum.
(a) If the box is on the ground floor—	£	s.	d.
Twice a day (Sundays and holidays excepted)..................	4	0	0
Thrice a day (Sundays and holidays excepted)..................	5	0	0
Four or more times a day (Sundays and holidays excepted)..........	6	0	0

(b) If the box is on any floor other than the ground floor—

	Per annum.
	£	s.	d.
Twice a day (Sundays and holidays excepted)..................	6	0	0
Thrice a day (Sundays and holidays excepted)..................	7	10	0
Four or more times a day (Sundays and holidays excepted)..........	9	0	0

(2.) If the box is cleared on Sundays or holidays or on both Sundays and holidays the fees prescribed by sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation shall be increased by the amount, indicated hereunder, viz.:—

	Per annum.
	£	s.	d.
For clearance on Sundays................................	1	10	0
For clearance on holidays................................	0	10	0
For clearance on Sundays and holidays.......................	2	0	0

Part XI.—Private Boxes.

Private boxes may be rented.

130. A private box at the General Post Office or at an official post office at which private boxes are installed may, subject to the approval of the Postmaster-General, be rented in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.

Fees.

131.—(1.) The fees for the use of private boxes shall be as follow:—

	Per annum.
	£	s.	d.
For a large box.........................................	3	0	0
For a medium-sized box...................................	2	0	0
For a small box........................................	1	0	0

Provided that in the case of private boxes rented by persons served by less than two deliveries by postman on at least five days, exclusive of holidays in each week, the fees shall be as follow:—

	Per annum.
	£	s.	d.
For a large box.........................................	1	10	0
For a medium-sized box...................................	1	0	0
For a small box........................................	0	10	0

(2.) An applicant for a private box shall pay in advance the proportion of the fee at the annual rate from the first day of the month in which the tenancy of the box will commence to the end of December following. Thereafter the annual renewal fee shall fall due on the first day of January in each year, and shall be paid within fourteen days of that date.

Temporary services.

132. Notwithstanding the provisions of the last preceding regulation for the payment of annual fees, a person who at the time of making application satisfies the department that he is a temporary resident only, may be allowed the use of a private box for a period of not less than three months and not more than six months. The fees, payable in

advance, shall be as prescribed by the last preceding regulation calculated at the annual rate from the first day of the month during which the tenancy is to commence up to the last day of the month during which the tenancy is to be discontinued.

Keys.

133.—(1.) The Postmaster-General shall make available to each person who rents a private box one key of such box, for which key the sum of Five shillings shall be payable:

Provided that where a second key is required such second key shall be supplied without further charge.

(2.) Additional keys shall be made available upon such person paying to the Postmaster-General the sum of One shilling and sixpence in respect of each additional key.

(3.) All keys for private boxes shall be obtained from and remain the property of the Postmaster-General.

(4.) If a key of a private box be lost, the tenant of such box shall at once report the loss and return the remaining keys to the officer in charge of the post office at which the box is provided. A new lock for which a charge of Five shillings shall be made, will be fitted in the box, and one key of such lock made available.

Provided that where a second key is required such second key shall be supplied without further charge.

(5.) Upon the tenancy of a private box being discontinued the person who rented such box shall return to the Postmaster-General all keys thereof issued to him, and if such keys are so returned within fourteen days from the day on which the tenancy terminated the sum of Five shillings paid by the lessee under the provisions of sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation or under regulations previously in force shall be refunded to him, but no refund shall be made of the amount charged for additional keys supplied under the provisions of sub-regulation (2.) of this regulation. If the keys are not so returned the person who rented the box shall be liable to be charged the rental fee for the box until the keys are returned.

Mail matter exceeding capacity of box rented.

134. If the quantity of mail matter regularly received for a private box-holder exceeds the capacity of the box or boxes rented by him, the Postmaster-General may require the holder to—

(a) rent a larger or additional box or boxes, for which the prescribed fees shall be charged; or

(b) at an office where boxes for this purpose are provided, rent a box through the medium of which second and third class mail matter only shall be delivered. The fee for a box of this type shall be £1 per annum.

Clearance of private boxes.

135.—(1.) Except when in the opinion of the officer in charge of the office at which the box is provided there are good and sufficient reasons for not doing so, the holder of a private box shall arrange for the box to be cleared with sufficient frequency to prevent an accumulation of mail matter in excess of the capacity of the box, and the holder of a box of the type referred to in paragraph (b) of the last preceding regulation shall arrange for such box to be cleared not less than once daily, Sundays and holidays excepted.

(2.) If the provisions of this regulation are not complied with the Postmaster-General may cancel the service, and in such case refund of rental shall not be payable.

Transfer of tenancy.

136.—(1.) The tenancy of a private box may be transferred to the tenant’s successor in business upon payment of a fee of One shilling and upon application being made by both parties. An undertaking shall be furnished by the transferee to accept all liabilities and obligations devolving upon the transferor at the time of transfer.

(2.) Upon the transfer of the tenancy of a private box under the provisions of sub-regulation (1) of this regulation the right to receive payment in respect of keys returned upon relinquishment of the box, as provided by sub-regulation (5.) of regulation 133, and to refund of portion of the fee, as provided by regulation 137, shall pass to the transferee.

(3.) The private box service of any box-holder may, if a box is available at the post office to which the transfer is desired, be transferred from one official post office to another within the Commonwealth, on payment of a fee of 2s. 6d.

Refund on relinquishment.

137. If a person who has rented a private box for more than one year continuously relinquishes the use of such box before the expiration of any subsequent year for which the prescribed fee has been paid, he shall, on return by him to the Department of all the keys of the box, and on payment of a fee of 1s., be refunded the proportion of the fee paid for the period beyond the end of the quarter during which the box is relinquished.

Tenancy may be refused.

138. A private box shall not be let—

(a) to any person who fails, neglects, or refuses to furnish, when required by the Postmaster-General, evidence to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General, that he is not a person, or the agent or representative of a person, who is engaged in receiving money or any valuable thing for any of the purposes or in connexion with any of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) inclusive of sub-section (1) of section 57 of the Act, and that he does not intend to use the box for any such purpose or in connexion with any such matter; or

(b) to any person using a fictitious or assumed name unless the Postmaster-General is satisfied as to the bona fides of such person.

Cancellation of tenancy.

139.—(1.) The Postmaster-General may cancel the tenancy of a private box at any time if the person who rents such box fails to comply with these Regulations or if the Postmaster-General has reason to believe that the box—

(a) is being used for any purpose, or in connexion with any matter mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) inclusive of sub-section (1.) of section 57 of the Act; or

(b) has been used by, or by the permission of, the tenant for or in connexion with any illegal, fraudulent, indecent, or immoral purpose; or

(d) is held by any person using a fictitious name or who in his application for the private box service gave a fictitious or assumed name or address.

(2.) Where the tenancy of a private box is so cancelled no portion of the rental fee for the box nor the amount paid for the use of the keys shall be refunded.

Part XII.—Private Mail Bags.

Private mail bag services.

140.—(1.) A private mail bag service by mailman or by private messenger may, upon payment of the prescribed fee, and subject to the approval of the Postmaster-General, be obtained by a person or a number of persons in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.

(2.) The post office at which the private mail bag shall be made up and received shall be determined by the Department.

Service by mailman.

141. A private mail-bag service by mailman may be obtained only when the place of delivery and collection of the bag is situated on a mail route at a point beyond the boundary of a letter delivery by postman and beyond 1 mile of any post office, and on the conditions that the mailman shall not be required to deviate from the recognized mail route for the purpose of delivering and collecting the bag and the conveyance of mails shall not be delayed thereby.

Service by private messenger.

142. A private mail-bag service by private messenger may be obtained under the following conditions:—

(a) Where the applicant resides beyond the boundary of a letter delivery by postman and beyond 1 mile of any post office the service may be obtained with any post office approved by the Department.

(b) Where the applicant resides within an area served by a letter delivery by postman the only bag service which may be obtained is that referred to in regulation 144: Provided that in the event of a private box not being available at the time the application is lodged, a private mail-bag service with a post office determined by the Department may be given under this regulation on the understanding that such service will terminate immediately a private box becomes available at the post office at which the bag is made up. If upon a private box becoming available the holder of the private mail-bag service rents a private box and avails himself of the bag service referred to in regulation 144, the provisions of regulation 145 in regard to the fee shall not apply until 1st January following.

(c) Where the applicant resides in an area not served by a letter delivery but within 1 mile of a post office the service shall be with that post office only:

Provided that this restriction may be waived in the case of a public institution.

Fees for private bag services.

143.—(1.) The fees for private mail-bag services provided under regulation 138 shall be—

(a) Where the bag is conveyed by mailman—

(i) If the bag is made up not more than thrice weekly…………£1 per annum

(ii) If the bag is made up more than thrice weekly, but not more than six times per week……………£2 per annum

(iii) If the bag is made up more than six times per week…………6s. 8d. per annum for each despatch weekly.

(b) Where the bag is conveyed to and from the post office by private messenger—

(i) If the bag is made up not more than once daily……………£1 per annum

(ii) If the bag is made up more than once daily……………….£2 per annum

(2.) An applicant for a private mail-bag service shall pay in advance the proportion of the prescribed fee at the annual rate from the first day of the month in which the service will commence to the end of December following. Thereafter the annual renewal fee shall fall due on the 1st day of January in each year, and shall be paid within one month of that date.

Locked bag service.

144. The holder of a private box service who is not eligible to obtain a private bag service under regulation 140 or who does not desire a private bag service under that regulation may, upon payment of the fee prescribed by regulation 145 (1.), have the contents of his private box placed in a locked bag at the post office, and handed to his messenger.

Fee for locked bag service.

145.—(1.) The fee payable by the applicant for the locked bag service mentioned in the last preceding regulation shall be £2 per annum in addition to the rental fee for the private box.

(2.) The applicant for a locked bag service shall pay in advance the proportion of the prescribed fee at the annual rate from the first day of the month in which the service will commence to the end of December following. Thereafter the annual renewal fee shall fall due on the 1st day of January in each year, and shall be paid within fourteen days of that date.

Lockers for holding locked bags.

146.—(1.) Where lockers for the holding of locked bags are provided at post offices, a locker may be used by the holder of a locked bag service on the payment of a rental fee of £2 per annum.

(2.) The provisions of sub-regulation (2.) of the last preceding regulation shall apply to the payment of fees for such lockers.

Temporary private mail bag services.

147.—(1.) Notwithstanding the provisions of these Regulations for the payment of annual fees, persons who satisfy the Department that they are temporary residents may obtain a temporary private mail-bag service for not more than four consecutive calendar months. For such a service one-half only of the annual fee payable under regulation 143 shall be charged.

(2.) Persons who are granted a temporary private box service under regulation 132 may also obtain a temporary locked bag service for the same period as that for which the temporary private box service has

been granted. The fee for such a service shall be at the rate of £2 per annum, calculated at the annual rate from the first day of the month during which the service is to be commenced up to the last day of the month during which the service is to be discontinued.

(3.) The fees for bag services granted under this regulation shall be payable in advance.

Refund on discontinuance.

148. If a person who has held a bag service under these Regulations for more than one year continuously discontinues the service before the end of any subsequent year for which the prescribed fee has been paid, he shall upon application and payment of a fee of One shilling, be refunded the proportion of the fee paid for the period beyond the end of the quarter during which the service was discontinued.

Transfer of service to another office or route.

149.—(1.) A person who holds a private mail-bag service under regulation 140 may have his service transferred—

(a) from one post office to another with in the Commonwealth on payment of a fee of…………. 2s. 6d.; or

(b) from one mail route to another radiating from the same post office on payment of a fee of 1s.

(2.) A person who holds a locked bag service under regulation 144 may upon payment of a fee of 2s. 6d., in addition to the fee for the transfer of his private box service, have his bag service transferred from one post office to another within the Commonwealth provided that his private box service is transferred to the same office.

Transfer to another person.

150. A bag service may be transferred to the successor in business of the original bag-holder, or to a person taking occupation of the premises of the original bag-holder, upon payment of a fee of 1s., and upon application being made by both parties, and an undertaking being furnished by the transferee to accept all liabilities and obligations devolving upon the original bag-holder in respect of such service at the time of transfer:

Provided that in the case of a bag service held under regulation 144 the transferee shall at the same time take over the private box service of the transferor.

Material of which private bags to be made.

151.—(1.) The bags shall be of strong material suitable for the purpose for which they are to be used, and shall be provided by or at the cost of the persons requiring them.

(2.) Such bags shall be large enough to contain all articles sent and received by post, and should at any time a bag be found to be too small for requirements the holder shall upon receipt of notice from the Department so to do, provide a bag of sufficient size.

(3.) If a bag is fitted with a lock two keys must be provided—one for the postmaster and the other for the holder of the bag service.

Indications on private mail bags.

152.—(1.) There shall be plainly indicated upon every private mail bag made up under the provisions of regulation 140, or upon a leather or metal label securely attached to the bag, the name of the holder, or the place where the bag is to be delivered and the name of the post office at which the bag is made up.

(2.) The provisions of sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation shall also apply to bag services by mailman provided under regulation 144.

Purposes for which service may be used.

153. A bag service may be used for the delivery of postal articles addressed to—

(a) the care of the bag-holder;

(b) persons in the employ of the bag-holder; or

(c) persons who, with the bag-holder’s written consent, give written authority to the postmaster to enclose their mail matter in his bag.

Responsibility of holder.

154. The holder of a private mail-bag service shall be responsible for any unpaid postage and surcharges due in respect of postal articles forwarded in the bag, and shall furnish receipts for all registered articles and parcels enclosed in the bag, and forward to the post office acknowledgments of delivery, duly signed by the addressees. He shall promptly return all postal articles undeliverable or for persons who have left his station or place, also any postal articles forwarded in the bag in error.

Bag made up for number of persons.

155.—(1.) Where a bag is to be made up for a number of persons, the name of one of the number, to whom the bag may be addressed, and who shall be responsible for all payments in respect of the service, shall be specified.

(2.) Such person shall sign the application for the service, and for the purposes of these Regulations shall be the holder thereof.

Cancellation of service.

156.—(1.) If the holder of a bag service fails to comply with the provisions of the regulations relating to bag services the service may be cancelled.

(2.) On the cancellation of such service, a refund as prescribed in regulation 148 shall not be made.

Part XIII.—Registered Post.

Registration of postal articles addressed to places within the Commonwealth.

157.—(1.) Any postal article which is addressed to a place within the Commonwealth and complies with the regulations relating to the class of mail matter to which it belongs and with the regulations relating to registration shall, upon payment by the sender of the prescribed fee in addition to the correct postage, be accepted for registration.

(2.) The fee for registration shall be prepaid in postage stamps affixed to the article.

(3.) An official receipt or certificate of posting, or both, as the Postmaster-General determines, shall be issued to the sender in respect of each article registered.

Marking of registered article.

158. The distinctive marking of a registered article shall be a red line drawn lengthwise and across the front and back of the article, and no postal article which is so marked shall be transmitted otherwise than by registered post.

Packing of registered articles.

159.—(1.) To be eligible for transmission by registered post within the Commonwealth an article shall be enclosed in a cover which is in a sound condition, shall be packed as prescribed in Part VI. of these Regulations, and shall be secured in the following manner:—

(a) If the article is contained in an envelope, the envelope shall be securely fastened with a strong adhesive in such a way that no portion of its contents can be removed without external and visible damage to the envelope. An envelope with black or coloured borders shall not be used;

(b) If the article is contained in a cover other than an envelope, the cover shall be securely fastened with a strong adhesive in such a way that it cannot be opened without leaving obvious traces of violation.

(2.) Jewellery and other valuable articles shall be enclosed in a strong box or case which must be covered in an efficient manner with a wrapper of linen, canvas, strong paper, or other substantial material, and be securely fastened with a strong adhesive. Coin shall be so packed that it cannot move about. The address shall be written on the cover of the package. When sent by merchandise post a registration fee of at least 4d. must be paid on the package.

(3.) A postal article shall not be accepted for registration if—

(a) it is addressed in pencil (except copying-ink pencil);

(b) it is addressed to initials or a fictitious name without a supplementary direction for the delivery to the care of some person, firm, or company;

(d) it bears the appearance of having been opened and resealed.

Postmaster may require certain registered articles to be opened.

160. A postmaster may require the addressee of a registered postal article which bears postage at the rates prescribed for Second and Third Class Mail Matter to open such article in his presence in order that he may ascertain whether the contents include any article liable to a higher rate of postage.

Compensation paid for loss, &c.

161.—(1.) “Where the Postmaster-General is satisfied that a registered postal article (which term for the purposes of this regulation includes a “cash on delivery” parcel) posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein was lost or the contents or portion thereof were lost, damaged, or rifled while the article was in course of transmission through the post, compensation shall be paid for such loss, damage, or rifling:

Provided that compensation shall not be payable—

(a) where in the opinion of the Postmaster-General the loss or damage arose wholly or in part from any defect in the packing or fastening or from the unsuitability of the container having regard to the nature of its contents (and in this regard the acceptance of an article for registration shall not be construed as an admission by the Postmaster-General that such article was properly packed at the time of registration); or from any fault on the part of the sender; or from an act of God, or the King’s enemies; or from causes beyond control (e.g., tempest, shipwreck, earthquake, war, or civil strife);

(b) unless application for compensation be made within three months after the date of posting of the article concerned;

(c) in respect of an article which has been officially registered in pursuance of sub-section (3.) of section 38 of the Act;

(d) in respect of an article containing anything not legally transmissible by post;

(e) in respect of an article on which postage was prepaid at a rate lower than the prescribed rate;

(f) for injury or damage alleged to have been sustained in consequence of loss, damage, delay, non-delivery, or mis-delivery;

(g) except as an act of grace, in respect of any article which has been delivered without external trace of injury, or which has been accepted by the addressee without complaint as to its condition.

(2.) Notwithstanding anything contained in this regulation, in the case of postal articles containing eggs, fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, glass, crockery, gramophone records, greases, liquids, semi-liquids, or anything of an exceptionally fragile nature, compensation shall not be payable in respect of:—

(i) damage of any kind to the contents; or

(ii) loss of contents through liquefaction or through damage to or breakage of the container.

Registration fees and amount of compensation payable.

162. The registration fees payable (in addition to postage) on articles other than “cash on delivery” parcels posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein shall be as set out in the first column of the table hereunder, and the maximum amounts of compensation payable in respect of loss, damage or rifling of contents or portion thereof shall be the amounts respectively set forth in the second column of the table opposite the registration fees:—

Registration Fee.		Maximum Amount of Compensation.
s.	d.	£.
0	3	2
0	4	5
0	6	10
0	9	20
1	0	30
1	3	40
1	6	50

163.—(1.) The prescribed commission (which includes a registration fee of 3d.) on a “cash on delivery’’ parcel shall provide for compensation not exceedingf Two pounds in the event of the loss, damage or rifling of the contents or portion thereof.

(2.) The registration fees payable (in addition to postage and prescribed commission) on “cash on delivery” parcels posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein to provide for compensation in excess of Two pounds in respect of loss, damage, or rifling of contents or portion thereof shall be as set out in the first column of the table hereunder, and the maximum amounts of compensation payable shall be the amounts respectively set forth in the second column of the table opposite the registration fees:—

Registration Fee.		Maximum Amount of Compensation.
s.	d.	£.
0	1	5
0	3	10
0	6	20
0	9	30
1	0	40
1	3	50

164.—(1.) A claim for compensation shall be accompanied by

(a) the official receipt or certificate of posting issued to the sender of the article;

(b) a statutory declaration made by the claimant setting forth the circumstances upon which the claim is based; and

(c) a statutory declaration made by the addressee, or by some person who is acquainted with the facts, confirming the statements made by the claimant in regard to the loss of or damage to the article:

Provided that when the official receipt or the certificate of posting cannot be produced, evidence in support of a claim for compensation may be given by statutory declaration, made by or on behalf of the claimant, setting forth—

(a) the date when and the place where the article was posted, so far as this information can reasonably be ascertained;

(b) a description of the article and its value so far as known to the claimant;

(d) any other particulars tending to establish the loss of or damage to the article and to verify the claim made.

(2.) In the case of articles containing bank notes, cheques, money orders, postal notes, bills of exchange, bonds, or other order or authority for the payment of money or security for money, particulars sufficient for their identification shall be furnished, including, when required, the number, amount, bank of issue, and date of any bank note, and the amount and number of any postal note.

(3.) The Deputy Director may, if he thinks fit, require additional evidence to be furnished as to the nature or value of the contents of an article or as to the loss of or damage to an article.

165.—(1.) The compensation payable shall not in any case exceed the value of the article lost or the amount of the damage sustained, and if that amount exceeds the maximum amount payable under regulation 162 or 163 then the compensation shall not exceed the maximum amount so payable.

(2.) In the case of claims for the loss of the contents, or portion thereof, of a postal article, the Postmaster-General may reinstate the contents of the article instead of paying compensation.

(3.) Compensation in respect of coin enclosed in a registered article shall in no case exceed Two pounds.

Articles found after compensation paid.

166. After compensation has been paid in respect of the loss of a registered article, the Postmaster-General may dispose of the article as he thinks fit, should it subsequently come into his hands.

Redirected articles.

167. If a registered article posted in the Commonwealth is redirected to a place beyond the Commonwealth, compensation in respect of loss or damage occurring to the article after it has left the Commonwealth may be paid in accordance with the conditions applicable to articles addressed to other countries, but not otherwise.

Decision of Postmaster-General final.

168. The final decision on all questions of compensation payable under this part shall rest with the Postmaster-General.

Registration of articles addressed to places beyond Commonwealth.

169.—(1.) Any postal article (other than a parcel) which is addressed to a place beyond the Commonwealth and complies with the conditions relating to the class of mail matter to which it belongs and with the regulations relating to registration shall, upon payment by the sender of a fee of Threepence in addition to the correct postage, be accepted for registration.

(2.) The fee for registration shall be prepaid in postage stamps affixed to the article.

(3.) An official receipt shall be issued to the sender in respect of each article registered.

Packing of registered articles for places beyond Commonwealth.

170. The provisions of regulation 159 shall, so far as they are applicable, apply to articles addressed to places beyond the Commonwealth which are tendered for registration.

Compensation for loss.

171. If it is proved to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General that a registered postal article addressed to or received from a place beyond the Commonwealth was lost while in his custody, the Postmaster-General may pay to the sender compensation not exceeding Two pounds:

Provided that compensation shall not be payable—

(a) except in the case of the loss of the entire postal article;

(b) where the loss arose from causes beyond control (e.g., tempest, shipwreck, earthquake, war, or civil strife);

(d) in respect of an article containing anything prohibited from transmission by post by the Universal Postal Convention for the time being in force.

Claims for compensation.

172. The procedure to be followed in regard to claims for compensation in respect of registered articles sent to or received from a place beyond the Commonwealth shall be that prescribed in connexion with registered articles posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein.

Delivery of registered articles.

173.—(1.) When no direction in writing to the contrary has been given, a registered article may be delivered to any responsible person known to be a member of the addressee’s household.

(2.) Except as provided in the last preceding sub-regulation, a registered article shall not be delivered to any person other than

(a) the addressee in person;

(b) a person authorized by a written order from the addressee to receive delivery of registered articles on his behalf;

(c) in the case of business establishments, public institutions, clubs, hotels, and lodging-houses, the proprietor or manager, or some person authorized in writing by the proprietor or manager to receive delivery of mail matter at such places;

(d) a person to whose care the registered article is addressed; or

(e) a person authorized by power of attorney to conduct business on the addressee’s behalf:

Provided that a registered article addressed to a person whose mail matter is usually despatched in a private mail bag or a free mail bag shall be deemed to have been delivered to the addressee when it has been despatched in such private mail bag or free mail bag from the office at which the bag is made up:

Provided further that in the case of a registered article forwarded by parcel post, delivery may in all cases be made either to the addressee in person or to some responsible person at his address.

(3.) An order under paragraph (b) of the last preceding sub-regulation shall be signed by the addressee of the article and shall bear—

(a) the date on which it was made;

(b) the addressee’s address and the name of the person in whose favour it is made;

and shall be delivered to the Postmaster or other proper officer.

(4.) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulations (1.) and (2.) of this regulation, in all cases where the sender pays the prescribed fee to obtain an acknowledgment of delivery of the article, delivery of a registered article posted in the Commonwealth shall be made only to the addressee. In such cases the sender may endorse the cover of the article with the words “To be delivered to addressee only.”

Where report made of loss of contents article to be submitted.

174. In the event of the addressee desiring to report that the contents, or portion thereof, of a registered article delivered to him have been abstracted, lost, or damaged in the post, he shall forthwith submit the article as nearly as possible in the condition in which it was received from the office of delivery for examination by the Postmaster or some other responsible officer at the office of delivery.

Acknowledgment of delivery within Commonwealth.

175.—(1.) The sender of a registered article addressed to a place within the Commonwealth may obtain an acknowledgment of its due delivery to the addressee by paying a fee of Threepence in addition to the postage and registration fee.

(2.) The sender shall enter, in the form provided for the purpose, both his own name and address and the name and address of the person to whom the article is sent, and shall affix to the form postage stamps to the value of Threepence in payment of the fee.

Acknowledgment of delivery beyond Commonwealth.

176. The conditions governing acknowledgment of delivery of registered articles posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein shall also apply in the case of registered articles for delivery in places beyond the Commonwealth, except that when the acknowledgment of delivery is applied for subsequent to the posting of the article the postage stamps representing the fee of Threepence shall be affixed to a special form and not to the acknowledgment of delivery form.

Part XIV.—Cash-on-Delivery Post.

Definitions.

177. In this Part of these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—

“Cash-on-delivery parcel” means a postal article upon the delivery of which a sum of money specified by the sender is collected from the addressee and remitted to the sender.

“Cash-on-delivery office” means a post office in the Commonwealth at which cash-on-delivery parcels may be posted and are delivered.

Extent of cash-on-delivery service.

178.—(1.) Subject to the next succeeding sub-regulation, the use of the cash-on-delivery system shall be restricted to—

(a) articles posted in the Commonwealth for transmission by Parcels Post to cash-on-delivery offices;

(b) articles posted in the Commonwealth for transmission by Parcels Post to countries or territories with the proper authorities of which the Postmaster-General has concluded an arrangement for the exchange of cash-on-delivery parcels; and

(c) articles posted in the countries or territories referred to in the last preceding sub-paragraph for transmission to cash-on-delivery offices in the Commonwealth.

(2.) A cash-on-delivery parcel addressed to a place in the Commonwealth where there is no cash-on-delivery office shall be transmitted to the cash-on-delivery office nearest to such place, and upon the sum specified by the sender being remitted to such office the parcel shall be forwarded as an ordinary parcel to its destination.

Conditions of transmission.

179. Any article which is eligible for transmission by post and the contents of which are sent in execution of a bona fide order shall be transmitted as a cash-on-delivery parcel upon the following conditions:—

(a) The article shall be posted by being handed to an officer at the counter of a cash-on-delivery office;

(b) the prescribed commission for the cash-on-delivery service shall be paid in postage stamps affixed to the article in addition to stamps in prepayment of postage at the rate prescribed for parcels, or, where the article is a letter, at the rate prescribed for parcels or letters whichever is the greater; and

(c) the sender shall fill in, in the manner required by the Postmaster-General, a cash-on-delivery label and a registration form, and shall sign a certificate appearing upon such form that the contents of the article are sent in execution of a bona fide order. The label shall be affixed by the sender to the article, and the registration form shall be handed in with the article. The counterfoil of the registration form shall be signed by the officer accepting the article and returned to the sender as a receipt.

Commission.

180. The commission (which includes a registration fee of 3d.) payable in respect of a cash-on-delivery parcel posted in the Commonwealth shall be in accordance with the following scale:—

Amount specified by Sender to be Collected on Delivery of Cash-on-delivery Parcel.	Commission.
	s.	d.
Not exceeding 10s....................................	0	9
Over 10s. but not exceeding £1...........................	1	0
Over £1 but not exceeding £1 10s..........................	1	3
Over £1 10s. but not exceeding £2.........................	1	6
Each additional £1 or fraction thereof.......................	0	3 additional

Delivery free of charges.

181. If after posting a cash-on-delivery parcel the sender desires the parcel to be delivered to the addressee free of all charges, he shall make application in writing to the Deputy Director, or to the postmaster at the office at which the parcel was posted, and such application shall be accompanied by the official receipt for the parcel given at the time of posting. The sender shall also pay the cost of any telegrams, telephone messages, or letters necessary to give effect to the application. If the foreging conditions be complied with the application shall be granted, provided it is received in time to permit of communication being made to the delivering office before delivery of the parcel has been effected.

Offices from which delivery made.

182.—(1.) Except as provided in sub-regulation (2.) of regulation 178 of these Regulations, a cash-on-delivery parcel shall be delivered at the cash-on-delivery office nearest the address to the addressee or a person authorized in writing by the addressee to receive it, upon payment of the sum specified by the sender to be collected on delivery.

(2.) A cash-on-delivery parcel shall not be opened or examined by the addressee or his agent before payment of the sum specified.

Undelivered cash-on-delivery parcels.

183.—(1.) A cash-on-delivery parcel, delivery of which is refused by the addressee, shall be returned to the sender forthwith.

(2.) A cash-on-delivery parcel on which is endorsed by the sender a request for return to him if not delivered within a specified time, not being less than fourteen days or more than one month, shall, if it is undelivered at the expiration of the period specified in the endorsement, be returned to the sender forthwith.

(3.) Except as hereinbefore provided, a cash-on-delivery parcel shall be held at the disposal of the addressee for a period of one month calculated from the date of the receipt of the parcel at the delivering office, and, if at the expiration of such period delivery has not been taken, the parcel shall be returned to the sender.

(4.) No charge shall be made for the return of an undelivered cash-on-delivery parcel to the sender, but upon such return the sender shall give a receipt for the parcel in the required form.

Return to sender previous to despatch.

184. If the sender of a cash-on-delivery parcel makes written application in the required form for its return to him prior to its despatch from the office at which it is posted, such cash-on-delivery parcel shall, on payment of a fee of One shilling and threepence, and the surrender to the Department of the relative certificate of posting, be handed back to the sender, and, subject to the surrender at the time the cash-on-delivery parcel is so returned of the stamps affixed to the parcel in payment of postage and commission, the postage and commission paid shall be refunded to the sender.

Statements furnished to senders.

185.—(1.) Upon receipt of a written application from the sender, together with an undertaking to pay a fee of Threepence for each parcel in respect of which inquiry is made, particulars of the delivery of cash-on-delivery parcels and of the payment made thereon, or a list of undelivered cash-on-delivery parcels and of the amounts outstanding thereon, shall be furnished to the applicant.

(2.) If in respect of any cash-on-delivery parcel mentioned in the statement or list supplied to the applicant an error or omission has occurred, and such error or omission is due to a fault on the part of the Department, the fee paid in accordance with this regulation in respect of such parcel may be refunded.

Part XV.—Parcels (Fourth Class Mail Matter).

Weight and dimensions.

186. A parcel shall not exceed 11 lb. in weight nor 3 ft. 6 in. in length. The combined length and greatest girth of a parcel shall not exceed 6 feet.

Postage must be prepaid.

187.—(1.) Except in cases where authority is given under regulation 60 for payment of postage by the addressee, the postage on a parcel shall be fully prepaid by means of adhesive postage stamps, which the sender or person handing in the parcel shall affix—

(a) on the cover, close to the address; or

(b) on a label supplied by the Department to be affixed to the parcel:

Provided that, in cases where the covering of the parcel is of material to which stamps will not readily adhere, or the covering or contents of the parcel would be damaged by the pressure of an obliterating stamp, the stamps shall be affixed on a tie-on label securely attached to the parcel:

Provided further that in cases where unstamped parcels are handed by the sender to a mailman for posting at a post office at which the sender has established a parcels post deposit account, the stamps in payment of postage shall be affixed by the postmaster.

Addressing of parcels.

188. The sender of a parcel shall clearly indicate on the outside thereof the name and full address of the addressee, and, where a tie-on label is used, such name and address shall be indicated on the cover of the parcel as well as on the tie-on label.

Name of sender to appear on cover.

189. The sender of a parcel shall indicate his name and address on the cover of the parcel in such a position that it will not be confused with the name and address of the addressee, or, alternatively, in the space provided for the purpose on the label supplied by the Department to be affixed to the parcel:

Provided that, where the sender of a parcel addressed to a place within the Commonwealth objects to his name and address appearing on the parcel, the provisions of this regulation may be waived if the parcel does not contain a liquid or semi-liquid or any other substance which, in the event of breakage of the containing vessel or covering, might injure other postal articles.

Parcels not properly packed may be refused.

190. When it is apparent to the official to whom a parcel is tendered for transmission that the parcel is not packed in accordance with the prescribed conditions, he shall refuse to accept it for transmission until such conditions are complied with.

Special protection of fragile parcels.

191.—(1.) If the sender of a parcel desires that the parcel shall be specially protected from damage during transmission through the post, he shall indicate his wishes at the time of lodgment of the parcel, and shall pay the higher rate of postage prescribed by sub-regulation (4.) of regulation 213.

(2.) Payment of the higher rate of postage referred to in the last preceding sub-regulation shall not relieve the sender from compliance with the prescribed conditions as to packing of postal articles.

(3.) Umbrellas, golf clubs, walking sticks, fishing rods, and such like articles shall not be accepted for transmission by post as fragile parcels.

Posting of parcels.

192.—(1.) A parcel intended for transmission by parcels post shall not be posted in a posting receptacle, but shall be handed in at a post office. The officer to whom a parcel is handed shall check the weight, size, and postage before accepting it. If the postage be not fully prepaid (except in cases where authority is given under regulation 60 for payment of postage by the addressee), or if the parcel exceeds the limits of weight or size, it shall not be accepted.

(2.) Should an article which is transmissible through the post only as a parcel be posted in a posting receptacle instead of being handed in at a post office in the prescribed manner, it shall be regarded as being irregularly posted, and the following procedure shall be adopted:—

(a) If for delivery within the Commonwealth the parcel shall, if it bears sufficient address and is properly packed, be forwarded to its destination, but double the amount of any deficient postage shall be charged on delivery; or

(b) if addressed to a place beyond the Commonwealth, the parcel shall be detained, and, if practicable, a notice shall be forwarded to the sender requiring him to complete the necessary Customs declaration and pay the deficient

postage, if any, on the parcel and the postage on the notice sent to him. If the name and address of the sender cannot be ascertained, the parcel shall be dealt with as follows:—

(i) If the parcel is addressed to the Union of South Africa or New Zealand, and bears a sufficient address and is properly packed, it shall be forwarded to its destination surcharged double the amount of any deficient postage; or

(ii) if the parcel is addressed to a country other than the Union of South Africa or New Zealand, it shall be detained and a notice shall be sent to the addressee informing him of the detention of the parcel and the reason therefor, and that on the receipt of the amount of the deficient postage (if any) and the postage on the notice the parcel will be forwarded.

(3.) If an irregularly posted parcel be not properly packed it shall, if possible, be returned to the sender upon payment of a fee of Sixpence.

(4.) Should an irregularly posted parcel not bear an address sufficient to permit of despatch to its destination, a notice shall, if possible, be sent to the sender informing him that, on furnishing the requisite address and on payment of the deficient postage, if any, on the parcel and of the postage on the notice sent to him, the parcel will be forwarded to its destination.

Number may be restricted.

193. When, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, such is necessary in the interests of the Department, the number of parcels which may be accepted at a post office from any one sender on any one day may be restricted to the extent determined by him.

Customs declarations.

194. The sender of a parcel addressed to a place beyond the Commonwealth shall sign a declaration on a form provided by the Department for the purpose setting forth in the English language—

(a) an accurate statement of the contents;

(b) the value of the contents;

(d) the sender’s name and address;

(e) if possible, the net weight or quantity of the various articles contained in the parcel;

(f) where articles contained in the parcel are being returned to the country of origin, that such is the case; and

(g) any other particulars which may facilitate the assessment of Customs duty.

Certificate of posting.

195. A certificate of posting of an unregistered parcel, or a number of unregistered parcels posted at the one time by the same person, firm, or company, may be obtained without charge. The form of certificate shall be filled in by the sender or his representative and handed in at the post office with the parcel or parcels.

Acknowledgment of delivery.

196. The sender of an unregistered parcel addressed to a place within the Commonwealth may obtain an acknowledgment of its delivery to the addressee or other person to whom it is delivered on payment of a

fee of Threepence in addition to postage. The sender shall enter the necessary particulars in a form provided by the Department, for the purpose and shall affix to such form postage stamps in payment of the fee.

Bullion jewellery, &c.

197.—(1.) The following articles shall not be eligible for transmission by parcel post within the Commonwealth:—

(a) Articles constituting the sign of a monetary value such as cheques, money orders, postal notes, bank drafts, bank notes, &c., whether eligible for transmission as Second Class Mail Matter or not.

(b) Bullion, precious stones, jewellery, &c., which may be transmitted as Second Class Mail Matter only when enclosed in a sealed cover and forwarded by registered post.

Such articles may, however, be transmitted by parcel post to places beyond the Commonwealth if the parcel is addressed to a country with which the system of parcels insurance is in force, and to which the transmission of such articles is not prohibited, and on the condition that the parcel is insured for at least a part of the value of its contents.

(2.) A parcel which after posting is found to contain any of the articles mentioned in the last preceding sub-regulation and not to comply with the conditions prescribed therein shall be transmitted as a registered parcel to the Dead Letter Office for return to the sender upon payment of a fee of 6d.

(3.) If an uninsured parcel received from a place beyond the Commonwealth is found to contain any of the articles mentioned in sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation it shall be registered and a surcharge of 6d. imposed which shall be paid by the addressee upon delivery.

Contents of parcels.

198. A parcel may not contain a package intended for delivery at an address other than that borne by the parcel itself. Should a parcel contain any such enclosure it shall be surcharged on delivery double the postage chargeable on the enclosure as a separate postal article.

Prohibited articles.

199. A parcel bearing or containing any indecent, obscene, profane, or libellous writing, signature, address, mark, design, print, photograph, lithograph, engraving, book, card, or other article, or anything explosive or liable to sudden combustion, live animals, offensive or filthy matter, or, unless properly packed, any article likely to cause injury to other parcels or to postal officials shall not be accepted for transmission. Should any such parcel be detected in transit through the post the objectionable contents shall be confiscated.

Offensive contents.

200. Should the contents of any parcel become offensive or otherwise objectionable while in transit through the post, the parcel or its contents may be destroyed forthwith.

Information relating to lotteries.

201. The transmission by parcels post of notices or information relating to lotteries, schemes of chance, unlawful games, fraudulent, obscene, indecent, or immoral business or undertakings, and other matters coming within the provisions of section 57 of the Act, is prohibited. If a parcel containing any such prohibited article be posted in contravention of this regulation, or be received by post from any place outside the Commonwealth, it shall be sent to the Dead Letter Office for disposal.

Examination of parcels.

202.—(1.) Parcels may be opened by postal officials for the purpose of examination of the contents.

(2.) In the case of a parcel from a place beyond the Commonwealth, the contents shall be subject to examination by Customs officials, and, where duty is payable, such duty shall be paid before the parcel is delivered.

Customs clearance charge.

203. A postal charge of Sixpence shall be collected from the addressee on delivery of each parcel received from a place beyond the Commonwealth having contents on which Customs duty is payable.

Delivery.

204.—(1.) In the case of a parcel delivery of which will not be effected by the Department at its address, the addressee shall be notified of the arrival of the parcel, and delivery shall be made to the addressee or his agent at the post office mentioned in the notice.

(2.) A receipt in the form required by the Postmaster-General shall be given by the addressee or his agent upon delivery of a parcel.

Demurrage.

205.—(1.) Any parcel or other postal article from a place beyond the Commonwealth—

(a) on the contents of which Customs duty is payable; or

(b) having contents imported through the post for commercial purposes (whether liable to Customs duty or not)

which remains undelivered at the Chief Parcels Office or any post office at which duty is assessed by an officer of Customs for more than 72 hours (exclusive of Sundays and holidays) after the posting to the addressee of a notification of its arrival shall be subject to demurrage at the rate of Twopence for every 24 hours or portion thereof during which it remains undelivered after such 72 hours:

Provided that, if in the ordinary course of the circulation of mail matter the notification cannot reach the addressee within 24 hours, for each additional 24 hours that elapse before the notification can reach the addressee a corresponding period of 24 hours shall be allowed without any charge of demurrage:

Provided further that demurrage shall not be chargeable for any period in respect of which it can be shown that the detention of a parcel or other postal article was not due to the fault or negligence of the sender or the addressee or any person acting on behalf of the sender or the addressee; but this proviso shall not relieve the addressee from payment of demurrage in the event of delay in producing invoices, descriptions, or contents, or any similar information required by the Department of Trade and Customs.

(2.) The date from which demurrage shall be charged shall be indicated in the notification.

(3.) No parcel or other postal article on which demurrage is chargeable shall be delivered until all demurrage due thereon has been paid.

(4.) No demurrage shall be charged on parcels or other postal articles addressed to persons on board ship.

(5.) In the case of parcels or other postal articles returned to the country of origin as undeliverable, the charge for demurrage shall be cancelled.

Return of parcel to sender.

206.—(1.) If the sender of a parcel makes written application, in the required form, for the return of the parcel to him prior to its despatch from the office at which it was posted, such parcel shall, upon payment of a fee of One shilling, be handed back to the sender, and, subject to surrender to the Department at the time the parcel is so returned of the stamps affixed to the parcel in prepayment of postage, the postage paid shall be refunded to the sender.

(2.) If the sender of a parcel which has been posted for delivery within the Commonwealth applies for its return after it has been despatched from the office at which it was posted, but before it has been delivered to the addressee, the request shall, if possible, be compiled with, subject to payment by the sender of the charges prescribed by this regulation.

(3.) If the sender of a parcel which has been posted for delivery beyond the Commonwealth applies for its return after it has been despatched from the office at which it was posted, but before it has been despatched from the State in which it was posted, the request shall, if possible, be complied with, subject to payment by the sender of the charges prescribed by this regulation.

(4.) At the time of making application for the return of a parcel in accordance with sub-regulations (2.) and (3.) of this regulation, the sender shall pay the cost of any telegram or telegrams which it is necessary to send in order to secure the return of the parcel, and before the parcel is handed back the sender shall also pay a fee amounting to half the original postage on the parcel at the fully prepaid rate, but not less than Sixpence, together with any other charges due on the parcel.

Redirection of parcels.

207.—(1.) On receipt of a properly signed authority from the sender or addressee a parcel shall be redirected, subject to the following conditions:—

(a) If the redirection be to an address within the same delivery as the original address, no charge shall be made for redirection;

(b) if the redirection be to another delivery or post town within the Commonwealth, the charge for redirection shall be a half the original postage on the parcel at the fully prepaid rate, but not less than Sixpence. A fresh charge shall be made for each such redirection;

(c) if the redirection be to a country beyond the Commonwealth, the parcel shall be subject to additional postage at the fully prepaid rate; and

(d) if after delivery a parcel be redirected, it shall be subject to additional postage at the fully prepaid rate.

(2.) The sender or addressee, or the person presenting a parcel for redirection, shall either prepay the additional redirection charges or give a written guarantee that payment of those charges (if any) will be made by the addressee on delivery. A guarantee will be accepted only from a person who is known to the officer in charge. In cases where it is not practicable for a guarantee to be given, the parcel may be redirected to another address within the Commonwealth, provided the

contents thereof would, in the opinion of the officer in charge, if sold by public auction, return an amount sufficient to defray the fees and charges due.

Parcels posted in Commonwealth undelivered.

208.—(1.) Any parcel posted in the Commonwealth for delivery therein which is undeliverable shall be dealt with as follows:—

(a) A parcel refused by the addressee shall, if possible, be at once returned to the sender;

(b) a parcel bearing a request for return to the sender if not delivered after the expiration of seven or more days (but not exceeding one month) shall be so returned; and

(c) parcels other than those referred to in the last preceding paragraph shall be retained at the office of address for one calendar month from the date of receipt, after which they shall be forwarded to the Chief Parcels Office for return to the sender.

(2.) Half the original postage on the parcel at the fully prepaid rate, but not less than Sixpence, shall be paid by the sender in respect of each parcel returned in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.

(3.) Parcels which cannot be delivered to the addressees or returned to the senders shall be retained at the Chief Parcels Office of the State of origin for a period of three months, after which they shall be sold by public auction or destroyed, as determined by the Deputy Director.

Parcels received from abroad not delivered.

209.—(1.) A parcel received from a place beyond the Commonwealth which cannot be delivered shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Parcels Post Agreement in operation between the Commonwealth and the country from which the parcel was received.

(2.) In cases where the Parcels Post Agreement does not provide for undeliverable parcels to be returned to the country of origin, the contents of the parcel shall be sold by public auction or destroyed, as determined by the Deputy Director.

Accrued charges on parcels returned from abroad.

210.—(1.) If the sender of a parcel addressed to a place beyond the Commonwealth does not indicate on the relative Customs Declaration and on the relative Despatch Note (if any) that he desires the parcel abandoned in the event of its being undeliverable in the country of destination, the parcel, when so undeliverable, may, without previous notification, be returned to him.

(2.) Upon the return of a parcel in pursuance of the last preceding sub-regulation or in pursuance of instructions given by the sender, the sender shall pay to the Postmaster-General any charges which shall have accrued in respect of the return of the parcel from the place to which it was addressed, and, upon refusal to do so, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding Forty shillings.

Despatch of parcels.

211.—(1.) Parcels intended for despatch by the first outgoing mail shall be posted not later than the hour stipulated by the Department.

(2.) Parcels shall be subject to detention at the office of posting or retransmission for later despatch if their transmission by the first outgoing mail would involve delay in the despatch or delivery of letters.

Payment of customs duty by sender.

212.—(1.) The senders of parcels to countries with which the necessary arrangements have been made may undertake to pay the Customs and other charges ordinarily paid by the addressees. In such cases the sender shall pay a fee of Sixpence, sign an undertaking to pay on demand the amount due, and make a deposit on account of the charges at the rate of Two shillings for each Five shillings or fraction of Five shillings of the declared value of the parcel. A final settlement shall take place as soon as the amount of the charges due has been ascertained from the country of destination.

(2.) Parcels upon which Customs and other charges are paid under the provisions of this regulation shall be handed in at an official post office or at a post office (which is also a money order office) conducted at a railway station.

Rates of postage.

213.—(1.) The following rates of postage shall be charged on parcels addressed to places within the Commonwealth:—

On a Parcel Weighing.		Rates.
Over—	Up to -	Scale 1.		Scale 2.		Scale 3.		Scale 4.
lb.	lb.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
..	1	0	6	0	9	1	0	1	3
1	2	0	9	1	0	1	6	2	0
2	3	1	0	1	3	2	0	2	9
3	5	1	3	1	6	2	6	3	6
5	8	1	6	2	0	3	6	5	0
8	11	1	9	2	9	5	0	7	3

Scale 1.—Applies to parcels addressed to places within a radius of thirty (30) miles of the office of posting, irrespective of whether the office of address is in the same State or Territory as the office of posting.

Scale 2.—Applies to parcels, other than those to which Scale 1 applies, addressed to places within the same State or Territory as the office of posting.

Scale 3.—Applies to interstate parcels, other than those to which Scale 1 applies, as set out hereunder—

From places in New South Wales within the area lying between the South Australian border and a line running from the junction of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers northwards to the Queensland border at a point 170 miles from the South Australian border to—

South Australia.

From New South Wales to—

Queensland.

Victoria.

Tasmania.

From Victoria to—

New South Wales.

Federal Capital Territory,

South Australia.

Tasmania.

From Queensland to—

New South Wales.

Federal Capital Territory.

North and Central Australia.

From Birdsville, Queensland, to South Australia.

From South Australia to places in New South Wales within the area lying between the South Australian border and a line running from the junction of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers northwards to the Queensland border at a point 170 miles from the South Australian border.

From South Australia to—

Victoria.

Western Australia.

North and Central Australia.

Birdsville, Queensland.

From Western Australia to—

South Australia.

North and Central Australia.

From Tasmania to—

New South Wales.

Federal Capital Territory.

Victoria.

From North and Central Australia to—

Queensland.

South Australia.

Western Australia.

From Federal Capital Territory to—

Queensland.

Victoria.

Tasmania.

Scale 4.—Applies to other interstate parcels as set out hereunder—

From places in New South Wales (other than those to which Scale 1 or Scale 3 applies) to—

South Australia.

From New South Wales to—

Western Australia.

North and Central Australia.

From Victoria to—

North and Central Australia.

Queensland.

Western Australia.

From Queensland to—

Western Australia.

Victoria.

Tasmania.

From Queensland (except Birdsville) to South Australia.

From South Australia to places in New South Wales (other than those to which Scale 1 or Scale 3 applies).

From South Australia to—

Federal Capital Territory.

Queensland (except Birdsville, to which Scale 3 applies).

Tasmania.

From Western Australia to

Victoria.

Tasmania.

New South Wales.

Federal Capital Territory.

Queensland.

From Tasmania to—

Western Australia.

South Australia.

Queensland.

North and Central Australia.

From North and Central Australia to—

New South Wales.

Federal Capital Territory.

Victoria.

Tasmania.

From Federal Capital Territory to—

South Australia.

Western Australia.

North and Central Australia.

(2.) In respect, of parcels posted in or addressed to the Federal Capital Territory, Norfolk Island, and Lord Howe Island, the postage chargeable shall be the same as that applicable to a parcel posted at or addressed to a place in New South Wales.

(3.) In respect of parcels addressed to Papua and the Territory of New Guinea, the rates set out in Scale 4 in sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation shall be charged.

(4.) Double the prescribed rates shall be charged on a parcel which the sender requires to be specially protected in transit through the post.

Part XVI.—Insurance of Parcels.

Parcels for certain other countries may be insured.

214.—(1.) A parcel which complies with the regulations relating to parcels, and which is addressed to—

(a) a country with the proper authorities of which the Postmaster-General has entered into an arrangement for the exchange of insured parcels; or

(b) a country to which parcels are ordinarily sent through the intermediary of one of the countries referred to in the last preceding paragraph,

may be insured against loss or damage whilst in transmission through the post.

(2.) The fee for insurance shall be that provided for in the relative Parcels Post Agreement, and shall be prepaid in postage stamps which the sender of the parcel shall, in addition to the stamps in prepayment of postage, affix to the parcel.

(3.) A certificate of insurance, the necessary particulars in which shall, as far as practicable, be inserted by the sender or his representative, shall be issued to the sender of an insured parcel.

Parcels must not be over insured.

215. A parcel shall not be insured for a sum in excess of the real value of the contents, and an invoice, or description of such contents, showing the value of each article contained in the parcel, shall be enclosed therein.

Packing.

216.—(1.) To be eligible for insurance a parcel shall be packed as prescribed in Part VI. of these Regulations, and shall be secured in such a manner that it cannot be tampered with without leaving obvious traces of violation. Any label affixed shall be so placed that it does not serve to conceal injury to the cover, and shall not be folded over two sides of the cover so as to hide the edge.

(2.) Jewellery and other valuable articles shall be enclosed in a strong box or case which must be covered in an efficient manner with a wrapper of linen, canvas, strong paper, or other substantial material and be securely fastened with a strong adhesive. Coin shall be packed so that it cannot move about. The address shall be written on the cover of the parcel.

(3.) If a parcel tendered for insurance does not, in the opinion of the officer to whom it is presented, fulfil the conditions prescribed by this regulation, the officer shall refuse to insure it.

Compensation.

217.—(1.) Where the Postmaster-General is satisfied that an insured parcel was lost or the contents or portion thereof were lost or damaged while the parcel was in course of transmission through the post, compensation shall be paid for such loss or damage to an amount representing the actual loss or damage sustained, but not exceeding the amount for which the parcel was insured:—

Provided that compensation shall not be payable—

(a) where, in the opinion of the Postmaster-General, the loss or damage arose wholly or in part from an act of God, or the King’s enemies, or from causes beyond control (e.g., tempest, shipwreck, earthquake, &c), or from any defect in the packing or fastening (and in this regard the acceptance of a parcel for insurance shall not be construed as an admission by the Postmaster-General that such parcel was properly packed at the time of acceptance);

(b) where the parcel was insured for an amount in excess of the value of its contents;

(d) in respect of an insured parcel containing anything prohibited from transmission through the post; or

(e) in respect of an insured parcel which has been delivered without external trace of injury or which has been accepted by the addressee without remark or complaint as to its condition.

(2.) Notwithstanding anything contained in this regulation, compensation in respect of insured parcels containing liquids or semi-liquids, perishable articles such as eggs, butter, fruit, flowers, or confectionery, and fragile articles such as glassware, phonograph records, or millinery shall be payable only in the event of the loss of the entire parcel.

(3.) The application for compensation may be made to the Postal Administration of either the country of origin or delivery.

(4.) An applicant for compensation shall, when required, produce the certificate of insurance of the parcel in respect of which compensation is applied for.

Decision of Postmaster-General final.

218. The final decision on all questions of compensation shall rest with the Postal Administration of the country in which the loss or damage has taken place.

Redirection of insured parcels.

219.—(1.) Insured parcels shall be redirected only to places within the Commonwealth or to countries to which insured parcels may be sent.

(2.) When an insured parcel is redirected from one country to another, a fresh insurance fee shall be payable in respect of each fresh transmission.

Reports regarding losses, &c.

220. In the event of the addressee desiring to report that the contents or portion of the contents of an insured parcel delivered to him have been lost or damaged in the post, he shall forthwith submit the parcel, as nearly as possible in the condition in which it was received from the office of delivery, for examination by the postmaster or some other responsible officer at the office of delivery.

Invalid insurance.

221. Any insurance effected under these Regulations contrary to the provisions thereof shall be invalid.

Provisions regarding uninsured parcels apply.

222. Where not repugnant to the provisions of this part, the regulations relating to uninsured parcels shall also apply to insured parcels.

Part XVII.—Money Orders.

Definitions.

223. In this Part of these Regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—

“the remitter” means the person who remits money by means of a money order or a telegraph money order;

“the payee” means the person to whom a money order or money remitted by means of a telegraph money order is payable.

Hours.

224. Money orders shall be issued and paid at post offices at which money-order business is transacted at such hours as are determined by the Postmaster-General.

Authority for issue and sale.

225. Money orders shall be issued and sold only by persons authorized in that behalf by the Postmaster-General.

Commission.

226.—(1.) The rate of commission chargeable for the issue of Money Orders shall be as follows:—

(a) For orders payable in—

The Commonwealth: 6d. for each £5 or fraction of £5 Papua, Rabaul (New Guinea), Nauru, New Zealand, New Caledonia: 3d. for each £1 or fraction of £1 with minimum of 6d.

(b) For orders payable in or through Fiji: 3d. for each £1 or fraction of £1 with minimum of 6d.

(c) For orders payable in or through Gilbert and Ellice Islands, North Borneo, Solomon Islands, Tonga: 4d. for each £1 or fraction of £1 for the first £6, and 3d. for each additional £1 or fraction of £1 with minimum of 9d.

(d) For orders payable in or through Canada, Ceylon, Dutch East Indies, Egypt, Federated Malay States, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Irish Free State, Italy, Malta, Mauritius, Norway, Straits Settlements, Union of South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America (including Hawaii and Pago Pago), Philippine Islands: 4d. for each £1 or fraction of £1 for the first £6, and 3d. for each additional £1 or fraction of £1 with minimum of 9d.

(e) For Maternity Allowance Money Orders: 2d. for each order.

(2.) In addition to the commission specified in paragraphs (b) and (d) of sub-regulation (1.) of this regulation, the remitter of a money order drawn on any of the countries specified in those paragraphs shall pay the sum required by the Department to cover exchange on the amount remitted.

Fractions of a penny.

227. A money order shall not be issued for an amount which includes a fraction of a penny.

Applications.

228. Applications for issue of money orders shall be made in the form required by the Postmaster-General and shall contain such information as the Postmaster-General considers necessary.

Telegraph money orders.

229. Remittances may be made by telegraph money orders from post offices in the Commonwealth at which money order and telegraph business is transacted—

(a) for payment at other post offices in the Commonwealth at which such business is transacted; and

(b) for payment in countries with the postal administration of which the Postmaster-General has concluded an arrangement for the exchange of telegraph money orders.

Charges for telegraph money orders.

230. The charges for a telegraph money order payable by the remitter shall be—

(a) the commission prescribed by regulation 226 of these Regulations;

(b) the charge for the official telegram of advice; and

(c) any delivery, notification, or other fee provided for in an arrangement made between the Postmaster-General and the authorities controlling the issue and payment of money orders in the country or territory in which the telegraph money order is payable.

Telegram to payee.

231.—(1.) A remitter of money by means of a telegraph money order payable within the Commonwealth shall hand to the officer receiving the money for remittance a telegram for transmission to the payee, at the cost of the remitter, stating the amount remitted and the name of the office at which such amount is payable.

(2.) Where such telegram is to be delivered at a post office, the delivering officer shall satisfy himself, as far as is practicable, that the person applying for the telegram is the person for whom it is intended.

(3.) The person to whom such telegram is delivered shall give a receipt for the telegram by writing his name and address in a book kept at the post office for the purpose.

(4.) The procedure prescribed by sub-regulations (2.) and (3.) of the regulation shall also be observed in connexion with the departmental notification to the payee of a telegraph money order issued at a place beyond the Commonwealth when such notification is delivered at a post office.

Payments.

232.—(1.) Payment of a money order shall be made only to—

(a) the payee; or

(b) a person presenting the money order signed by the payee: Provided that a money order not so signed may be paid to a person presenting the money order, together with a written authority to receive payment signed by the payee.

(2.) Such written authority shall bear—

(i) the signature and address of a witness to the payee’s signature;

(ii) the name and address of the person authorized to receive payment; and

(iii) the date upon which the authority was given.

(3.) A person receiving payment of a money order shall give a receipt therefor in the form required by the Postmaster-General.

Identification of payee.

233.—(1.) A person applying for payment of a money order shall state the name of the remitter and, if he is not personally known to the paying officer, his own name.

(2.) In the case of a telegraph money order, if the person applying for payment is not known to the paying officer, such officer shall by inquiry satisfy himself as to the identity of such person, and, if necessary, may require the person applying for payment to produce proof that he is the person entitled to receive payment of the money order.

Personation of payee.

234.—(1.) Any person who—

(a) personates any other person for the purpose of obtaining any money order or for the purpose of obtaining payment of any money order;

(b) makes any untrue statement to an officer for the purpose of obtaining payment of a money order; or

who, without lawful authority (proof whereof shall lie upon him)—

(i) receives or retains in his possession any money order to which he is not entitled;

(ii) produces to an officer for the purpose of obtaining payment thereof any money order to which he is not entitled;

(iii) obtains payment of a money order to which he is not entitled;

(iv) signs the name of any other person on any money order or to any receipt for the money payable in respect of any money order; or

(v) issues or sells a money order,

shall be guilty of an offence.

Penalty: £50.

(2.) This regulation shall not affect the liability of any person to be proceeded against for any other offence either against Commonwealth law or State law, but so that such person shall not be liable to be punished twice in respect of the same offence.

(3.) In this regulation “money order” means any money order or postal note issued under the Act and includes any telegram or document by means of which money may be transmitted and paid through the Postmaster-General’s Department.

Crossed money orders.

235. Money orders, other than telegraph money orders exchanged with the United Kingdom, may be crossed for payment through a bank, in which case they shall not be paid unless besides being signed by the payee they be presented by a bank official, and bear an impression of the bank’s stamp:

Provided, however, that should a bank refuse to accept without charge a crossed money order, such order may, on presentation at the post office on which it has been issued, be paid if signed by the person or firm to whom it is made payable.

Money orders cannot be cancelled.

236. A money order once issued shall not be cancelled.

Repayment, &c.

237.—(1.) Upon application in writing by the remitter and upon payment of the prescribed fee—

(a) repayment may be made to the remitter;

(b) an error in the name of the remitter or payee may be corrected; or

(2.) The fee, which shall be paid at the time the application is lodged, shall in the case of an alteration or correction of the name of the payee or remitter be Sixpence, and in the case of repayment of the money order or transfer of payment be a sum equivalent to the commission chargeable on a money order for the same amount:

Provided that in the case of alteration of the name of the payee on two or more orders from the same remitter to the same payee, issued at the same time and bearing consecutive numbers, only one fee of Sixpence shall be charged in respect of the whole amount remitted by means of such orders.

(3.) Where the remitter of money by means of a telegraph money order requires an alteration in the name of the remitter or payee to be made by telegraph, he shall either produce the receipt issued by the Department at the time the money was accepted for remittance or be identified as the remitter to the satisfaction of the postmaster. He shall also pay the cost of the necessary telegram in addition to the prescribed fee.

Transfers.

238. Transfer of payment of a money order from the post office on which such money order was originally drawn to another post office in the Commonwealth at which money order business is transacted may be arranged at the request of the payee on the following conditions:—

(a) Application for the transfer shall be made by the payee in writing and shall contain the names of the payee and the remitter.

(b) The application shall be accompanied—

(i) in the case of a money order, other than a telegraph money order, by the money order correctly receipted by the payee, and by a sum equivalent to commission at the prescribed rate for a money order of the same amount; or

(ii) in the case of a telegraph money order, payment of which it is desired to transfer by telegraph, by the telegram from the remitter to the payee duly endorsed by the payee; the cost of the official telegram of advice; the cost of a telegram to the payee at the new address, and a sum equivalent to the commission at the prescribed rate for a money order of the same amount:

Provided that the charges prescribed by this regulation shall, if not prepaid, be deducted from the amount of the money order at the time of payment:

Provided further that in cases of urgency an application for transfer by telegraph of a telegraph money order may be made by telegraph.

Stoppage of payment.

239. Upon application being made in writing to the Postmaster at the office at which the order is payable and upon payment of a fee of Sixpence, payment of a money order payable in the Commonwealth may be stopped.

Duplicates.

240. If a money order payable in the Commonwealth be lost or destroyed a duplicate may be obtained upon application being made to the Chief Money Order Office in the State of payment and upon payment of a fee of Sixpence.

Compensation not payable.

241.—(1.) Compensation shall not be payable for any alleged loss or injury arising from the non-payment of a money order at the expected time.

(2.) After a money order has been paid by the Department, the Postmaster-General shall not be liable for any further payment whatsoever.

Period of validity.

242. If payment of a money order, whether issued in the Commonwealth or elsewhere, be not obtained before the expiration of twelve calendar months after the month in which it was issued, all claim to the money shall be lost:

Provided that when good reason can be given for delay in presenting the order for payment, an application for payment, subject to a reduction at the rate of Sixpence for every Five pounds or fraction of Five pounds, may be granted.

Exchanges with other countries.

243. The conditions other than those prescribed in these Regulations under which money orders shall be exchanged between the Commonwealth of Australia and other countries or territories shall be those provided for in the arrangements concluded between the Postmaster-General and the authorities controlling the issue and payment of money orders in such other countries or territories.

Part XVIII.—Postal Notes.

Offices and hours of issue.

244. Postal notes shall be issued and paid at such post offices in the Commonwealth and during such hours as are determined by the Postmaster-General.

Authority to issue and sell.

245. Postal notes shall be issued and sold only by persons authorized in that behalf by the Postmaster-General.

Penalty for unlawful issue or sale.

246. Any person who without lawful authority (proof whereof shall lie upon him) issues or sells a postal note shall be guilty of an offence. Penalty: £50.

Denominations and poundage.

247. The denominations of postal notes issued, and the poundage chargeable thereon, shall be as follow:—

Denomination.	Poundage.	Denomination.	Poundage.	Denomination.	Poundage.
s. d.	d.	s. d.	d.	s. d.	d.
1 0	1	4 0	1½	10 0	3
1 6	1	4 6	1½	11 0	3
2 0	1	5 0	2	15 0	3
2 6	1	5 6	2	20 0	3
3 0	1½	6 0	2
3 6	1½	7 6	2

Name of payee, &c., to be inserted.

248.—(1.) The purchaser of a Postal Note shall insert, in the spaces provided therein for the purpose, the name of the Post Office at which payment is desired and the name of the person to whom the amount is to be paid.

(2.) Except as hereinafter provided, a Postal Note shall be paid only at the Post Office and to the person named by the purchaser. The payee shall sign the receipt on the face of the Note before payment is made.

(3.) If a Postal Note be made payable to a firm or company the ordinary business stamp of the firm or company shall, when request to that effect has been made in writing and approved by the Deputy Director, be accepted as a sufficient receipt.

(4.) In the event of the removal of the payee to another district, payment may be made at a Post Office other than that specified by the purchaser, subject to the payee producing satisfactory evidence of change of address to the paying officer.

(5.) When a Postal Note is made payable in a Capital City and the payee is a resident of a suburb thereof, payment may be made at the Suburban Post Office nearest to the residence of the payee.

Postal Regulations.

(6.) If a Postal Note be presented for payment by a person other than the payee, the person presenting the Note shall sign his name on the back thereof. In such case the payee shall, however, have first receipted the Note in the space provided for the purpose.

Repayment.

249. Repayment of a Postal Note (but not the poundage thereon) may be made to the purchaser at the office of issue, subject to his identity being established to the satisfaction of the paying officer. The purchaser shall, in such event, sign his name in the space provided on the Note for the payee’s signature and write the word “Remitter” thereunder.

Crossed postal notes.

250. A Postal Note may be crossed for payment through a bank, in which case it shall not be paid unless it be presented by a bank official and bears an impression of the bank’s stamp in addition to the receipt of the payee:

Provided that, should a bank refuse to accept without charge a crossed Postal Note, the Postal Note shall be paid at the office named by the purchaser on presentation by the payee.

Postmaster-General not liable after payment.

251. After a Postal Note has been paid by the Department the Postmaster-General shall not be liable for any further payment whatsoever.

Payment after six months.

252.—(1.) A Postal Note presented for payment after six months from the last day of the month of issue shall not be paid until reference has been made to the Chief Money Order Office of the State of issue, and shall then be paid only on payment by the payee of a fee equivalent to the amount of the original poundage.

(2.) Such fee shall be paid in postage stamps affixed to the face of the Note.

Mutilated postal notes.

253. If a Postal Note contain any alteration or erasure, or be cut, defaced, or mutilated, payment may be refused.

Information regarding payment.

254. Subject to an inquiry being instituted within a period not exceeding two years following the date of issue, information regarding the payment of Postal Notes shall, where the denominations and numbers of the Notes are given, be furnished on payment of a fee of 3d. in respect of each note:

Provided that where the inquiry relates to two or more Notes of the same denomination with consecutive numbers, only one fee shall be payable.

Part XIX.—Miscellaneous.

Information not divulged.

255. Information shall not be given respecting postal articles which pass through a post office except to the persons to whom they are addressed, and in no way shall information of a private character coming to the knowledge of a postmaster or other employee in the course of his official duties be made public:

Provided that a postmaster may give information as to an address if he has no reason to believe that the person whose address it is would disapprove of his doing so.

Re-posting by Postmaster.

256. If a postal article be forwarded under cover to a postmaster with a request that he will repost it at his office, the article, on being reposted, shall be endorsed with the words “Posted at................ under cover to the postmaster at................”.

POST AND TELEGRAPH—

Weighing of postal articles.

257. It shall not be compulsory for post office officials to weigh postal articles for the public if their duties are impeded by so doing:

Provided that parcels shall be tested both as to weight and size before being accepted.

Payments to masters of vessels.

258. The rates of payment to masters of vessels for the carriage of mails, in cases not provided for by contract shall be as follow:—

(a) In harbours and on rivers—
Letters and post cards........................	8d. per lb.
Other articles.............................	1s. 4d. per cwt.
(b) Otherwise to places within the Commonwealth—
Letters and post cards........................	1s. 4d. per lb.
Other articles.............................	2s. 8d. per cwt.
(c) To places beyond the Commonwealth—
Letters and post cards........................	2s. per lb.
Other articles.............................	4s. per cwt.

Notices by masters of vessels.

259. The notices required to be given by masters of vessels pursuant to sub-section (2.) of section 71, and to section 72 of the Act, shall be in writing.

Repeal.

260. Regulations 1 to 254a (both inclusive) of the Postal Regulations (Statutory Rules 1927 No. 144) as amended to the date of this regulation are repealed.