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Post Office Act

LAWS OF SOLOMON ISLANDS


[1996 Edition]


CHAPTER 113


POST OFFICE


ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS


1. SHORT TITLE
2. INTERPRETATION
3. MEANING OF "IN COURSE OF TRANSMISSION BY POST" AND "DELIVERY TO OR FROM A POST OFFICE"
4. ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT
5. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
6. ESTABLISHMENT OF POST OFFICES AND AGENCIES FOR POSTAL AND OTHER SERVICES AND OPERATION OF POSTAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS
7. REGULATIONS
8. THE COMPTROLLER MAY ISSUE INSTRUCTIONS
9. THE COMPTROLLER MAY ENTER INTO INTERNAL MAIL CONTRACTS
10. THE COMPTROLLER MAY ENTER INTO EXTERNAL MAIL CONTRACTS
11. EXCLUSIVE PRIVILEGE OF THE MINISTER
12. NO LETTERS TO BE CONVEYED EXCEPT BY POST
13. EXEMPTION FROM LIABILITY FOR LOSS, MISDELIVERY, DELAY OR DAMAGE
14. POSTAGE STAMPS
15. STAMPING AND FRANKING MACHINES
16. INVALIDATION OF POSTAGE STAMPS
17. STAMPED LETTER-CARDS, POST-CARDS, ENVELOPES, ETC
18. RATES OF POSTAGE
19. EXEMPTIONS FROM POSTAGE
20. LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT OF POSTAGE
21. POWER TO WITHHOLD UNSTAMPED POSTAL PACKET
22. POST OFFICE MARK EVIDENCE OF REFUSAL
23. OFFICIAL MARK TO BE EVIDENCE OF POSTAGE
24. RETURN TO SENDER
25. TRANSMISSION OF CERTAIN ARTICLES PROHIBITED
26. TRANSMISSION BY POST OF ANYTHING INDECENT, ETC, OR PACKETS BEARING FICTITIOUS STAMPS PROHIBITED
27. POWER TO OPEN AND DETAIN OR DELAY POSTAL PACKETS
28. POWER TO OPEN POSTAL PACKETS SUSPECTED TO CONTAIN DUTIABLE GOODS
29. REGISTRATION OF POSTAL PACKETS
30. INSURANCE OF POSTAL PACKETS
31. POSTAL PACKETS AT HOTELS, ETC. REMAINING UNDELIVERED
32. MONEY ORDERS
33. POWER TO REMITTER TO ALTER NAME OR TO RECALL MONEY ORDER
34. POWER TO PROVIDE FOR ISSUE OF POSTAL ORDERS
35. MONEY ORDER OFFICES
36. RECOVERY OF MONEY PAID TO WRONG PERSONS
37. EXEMPTION FROM LIABILITY IN RESPECT OF MONEY ORDERS AND POSTAL ORDERS
38. UNISSUED POSTAL ORDERS
39. NOTICE OF DEPARTURE OF VESSELS
40. PENALTY FOR REFUSING TO RECEIVE MAIL BAG ON BOARD
41. PAYMENT FOR CONVEYANCE OF MAIL BAGS BY NON-CONTRACT VESSELS
42. NO PAYMENT FOR CONVEYANCE OF MAIL BAGS ALREADY PAID FOR AT PORT OF DEPARTURE
43. ALL MAIL BAGS AND POSTAL PACKETS ARRIVING BY VESSEL TO BE DELIVERED TO POST OFFICE BY MASTER
44. DECLARATION TO BE MADE BY MASTERS OF VESSELS ON ARRIVAL OF VESSELS
45. CONVEYANCE OF MAIL BAGS BY COASTING VESSELS
46. LOCKERS TO BE PROVIDED BY VESSELS AND VEHICLES UNDER CONTRACT
47. PENALTY FOR CONTRAVENTION OF SECTION 11
48. PENALTY FOR CONTRAVENTION OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
49. FRAUDULENTLY ISSUING MONEY ORDERS OR POSTAL ORDERS
50. MONEY ORDER OR POSTAL ORDER TO BE DEEMED A VALUABLE SECURITY
51. UNLAWFULLY TAKING AWAY OR OPENING MAIL BAG SENT BY VESSELS OR VEHICLES EMPLOYED UNDER POST OFFICE
52. RECEIVER OF STOLEN MAIL BAG OR POSTAL PACKET
53. FRAUDULENT DETENTION OF MAIL BAG OR POSTAL PACKET
54. CRIMINAL DIVERSION OF POSTAL PACKET FROM ADDRESSEE
55. OPENING OR DELAYING POSTAL PACKETS
56. DELAYING MAILS, ETC
57. PROHIBITION OF PLACING INJURIOUS SUBSTANCES IN OR AGAINST POST OFFICE LETTER BOXES
58. PROHIBITION OF AFFIXING PLACARDS, NOTICES, ETC. ON POST OFFICE LETTER BOXES, ETC
59. PROHIBITION OF IMITATION OF POST OFFICE STAMPS, ENVELOPES, FORMS AND MARKS
60. PROHIBITION OF FICTITIOUS STAMPS
61. PROHIBITION OF FALSE NOTICE AS TO RECEPTION OF LETTERS
62. OBSTRUCTION OF OFFICERS
63. OBSTRUCTING MAIL
64. ENDEAVOURING TO PROCURE THE COMMISSION OF ANY OFFENCE
65. FALSELY INDUCING DELIVERY OF LETTERS
66. EVIDENCE OF THING BEING POSTAL PACKET
67. PROVISIONS AS TO FORM OF PROCEEDINGS
68. DESCRIPTION OF OFFICER OF THE POST OFFICE IN INDICTMENT OR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
69. PENALTY FOR BEING IN UNAUTHORISED POSSESSION OF MAIL BAGS, ETC
70. ARTICLE BEARING A FRAUDULENT STAMP MAY BE WITHHELD
71. REMOVING STAMP FROM POSTAL PACKET
72. PENALTY FOR UNLAWFULLY DISCLOSING CONTENTS OF POSTAL PACKET
73. LIMITATION OF ACTION AGAINST OFFICERS
74. PENALTY FOR UNLAWFULLY FRANKING POSTAL PACKETS
75. REPEAL AND SAVING


FIRST SCHEDULE
SECOND SCHEDULE


------------------------------


AN ACT RELATING TO THE POST OFFICE AND THE CONVEYANCE OF MAILS


4 of 1971
LN 46A of 1978
LN 88 of 1978


[1st September 1971]


Short title


1. This Act may be cited as the Post Office Act.


Interpretation
LN 46A of 1978


2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires -


"Comptroller" means the Comptroller of Posts and Telecommunications appointed pursuant to section 5;


"Department" means the Department of Posts and Telecommunications of Solomon Islands;


"mail bag" includes a bag, box, parcel or any other envelope or covering in which postal packets are conveyed whether it does or does not contain any such packet;


"money order" means a money order issued under this Act or by any postal authority for payment under this Act;


"officer of the post office" includes the Comptroller and any person employed in any business of the Department howsoever appointed or by whomsoever employed on behalf of the Department;

LN 46A of 1978


"port" includes any harbour, river, lake, roadstead and any other navigable water;


"postage" means the duty chargeable for the transmission of postal packets by post;


"postage stamp" includes a stamp impressed by a stamping or a franking machine as well as an adhesive stamp;


"postal authority" includes the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of the United Kingdom or the Post-master-General or any other duly constituted postal authority of any other part of the Commonwealth or of any foreign country or place;


"postal order" means a postal order issued under this Act or by any postal authority for payment under this Act;


"postal packet" means a letter, letter-card, post-card, newspaper, book, packet, printed paper, pattern or sample packet, small packet or parcel and every other packet or article when in course of transmission by post and shall include a telegram when conveyed by post;


"postmaster" means the officer in charge of a post office;


"post office" includes any house, building, room, carriage, place or structure where postal packets are received, sorted, delivered, made up or despatched or used for any other post office purpose or for the purpose of working a telegraph or for the receipt, transmission or delivery of telegrams and any pillar box or other receptacle provided by or with the approval of the Department for the reception of postal packets for transmission;


"regulations" means regulations made and in force under this Act;


"sender" means the person from whom any postal packet or telegram purports to have come unless that person proves that he is not the sender thereof.


Meaning of "in course of transmission by post" and "delivery to or from a post office"


3. For the purposes of this Act-


(a) a postal packet shall be deemed to be, in course of transmission by post from the time of its being delivered to a post office to the time of its being delivered to the person to whom it is addressed; and


(b) the delivery of a postal packet of any description to a letter carrier or other person authorised to receive postal packets of that description for the post shall be a delivery to a post office; and


(c) the delivery of postal packet at the house or office of the person to whom the packet is addressed or to him or to his servant or agent or other person considered to be authorised to receive the packet according to the usual manner of delivering the postal packets of that person or at the address specified on such packet shall be deemed to be delivered to the person addressed; and


(d) delivery into a private letter box or private mail bag shall be in all respects equivalent to personal delivery to the addressee.


Administration and control of the Department


4. The administration and control of the Department shall be vested in an officer styled "The Comptroller of Posts and Telecommunications".


Appointment of officers
LN 46A of 1978


5. There shall be appointed a Comptroller of Posts and Telecommunications and such other officers as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act.


(2) The Comptroller and every other officer appointed under this Act may, before entering upon his duties, be required to make and subscribe a declaration before a Magistrate or a justice of the peace (which declaration every such Magistrate or justice of the peace is hereby authorised and required to administer) in the form contained in the First Schedule to this Act.


(3) Any appointment of a person for the purposes of this section -

LN 46A of 1978


(a) shall, if the appointment is to an office in the public service, be made pursuant to the Constitution; and


(b) shall, in any other case be made by the Minister or by the Comptroller with the consent of the Minister.


Establishment of post offices and agencies for postal and other services and operation of postal telecommunications


6. - (1) The Comptroller may from time to time establish post offices or postal agencies and assign to such offices or agencies such postal, telegraphic, telephonic or other such services as he thinks fit and may from time to time add to or withdraw from any such office or agency any of the services for which it was established or is exercising, or close any such office or terminate any such agency.


(2) The Comptroller may from time to time establish and operate postal communications within Solomon Islands in such manner as he thinks fit.


(3) The Comptroller may from time to time make arrangements with any other postal authority for the establishment and operation of postal communications between Solomon Islands and any other country or through Solomon Islands or any other country.


Regulations
LN 46A of 1978
LN 88 of 1978


7. - (1) The Minister may from time to time make regulations for the carrying out of the provisions of this Act and particularly for -


(a) the receipt, despatch, carriage and delivery of postal packets;


(b) the dimensions and weight of postal packets;


(c) the fees to be charged for the conveyance of postal packets or for any other service rendered by the Department;


(d) the prepayment of postage on postal packets or any class of postal packet;


(e) the general or particular conditions with which postal packets must comply;


(f) the franking of official postal packets;


(g) late fees;


(h) fines to be charged on postal packets when the postage is not prepaid or is insufficiently prepaid;


(i) redirection of postal packets and the transmission by post of packets so redirected either free of charge or subject to such further charge as may be prescribed;


(j) the transmission of printed papers by post;


(k) the conditions under which private boxes and private mail bags may be hired;


(l) the supply, sale and use of postage stamps;


(m) the licensing of persons to sell postage stamps;


(n) the registration of postal packets;


(o) the insurance of postal packets;


(p) parcels post;


(q) the treatment of undeliverable postal packets;


(r) the conditions under which it shall be lawful for a person to make, utter, deal in, sell or have in his possession a fictitious stamp, or make or have in his possession a die, plate, instrument or materials for making such a stamp.


(2) All such regulations shall, in addition to being published in the Gazette, be published in a guide issued by the Minister and known as the Post Office Guide.


(3) The Minister may include in such Post Office Guide-


(a) a declaration of the adoption of the regulations agreed upon by the Universal Postal Union for or respecting or in relation to postal packets and that the same or any part or modification thereof shall be enforced within Solomon Islands;


(b) a statement of the manner in which amendments to the Guide will be published;


(c) such other information as the Minister may think fit to include.


The Controller may issue instructions


8. The Comptroller may issue such instructions as he may deem necessary for the management of post offices and for the conduct and guidance of officers carrying out the provisions of this Act.


The Controller may enter into internal mail contracts


9. The Comptroller may from time to time enter into such contracts for the conveyance of postal packets by land, coastwise by sea or by air within Solomon Islands as may be deemed necessary or expedient, or for any other public service performed for or by the Department.


The Controller may enter into external mail contracts


10. The Comptroller may enter into contracts in writing with any persons for the conveyance by sea or air of postal packets to and from Solomon Islands.


Exclusive privilege of the Minister
LN 46A of 1978
LN 88 of 1978


11. - (1) Wheresoever postal communications are established under this Act the Minister by himself or by the officers of the post office, shall have the exclusive privilege of conveying from one place to another, whether by land, by sea or by air, all letters except in the following cases, and shall also have the exclusive privilege of performing all the incidental services of receiving, collecting, sending, despatching and delivering all letters except in the following cases-


(a) letters taken by private friend on his way, journey or travel to be delivered by him to the person to whom they are directed without hire, reward or other profit or advantage for receiving, carrying or delivering them;


(b) letters solely concerning the affairs of the sender or receiver thereof sent by a messenger on purpose;


(c) letters solely concerning goods or property sent either by land, by sea or by air to be delivered with the goods or property which the letters concern without hire, reward or profit or advantage for receiving, carrying or delivering them;


Provided that such letters are open to inspection and have superscribed thereon the words "Consignee's Letter" or other words to the same effect;


(d) letters carried by a servant of the sender or by a special messenger employed by him.


(2) Nothing herein contained shall authorise any person to make a collection of those excepted letters for the purpose of sending them in the manner hereby authorised.


(3) Subject as aforesaid the following persons are expressly forbidden to carry a letter or to receive, collect or deliver a letter although they do not receive hire or reward for it, that is to say-


(a) known common carriers, their servants or agents, except a letter concerning goods in their aircraft or vessels, vehicles or other conveyances;


(b) owners, masters or commanders of vessels sailing or passing coastwise or otherwise between ports or places within Solomon Islands or to or from any ports out of Solomon Islands or their servants or agents, except in respect of letters of merchants, owners of ships or goods on board;


(c) passengers or other persons on any such aircraft, vehicle, vessel or other conveyance;


(d) officers of the post office except in respect of letters in course of transmission by post.


No letters to be conveyed except by post


12. - (1) No letters unless exempt by law shall be conveyed into or out of Solomon Islands from or to any place between which and Solomon Islands postal communications are established or be delivered or be distributed in Solomon Islands otherwise than by or through the post.


(2) For the purposes of this section and the preceding section "letters" shall include letter-cards and post-cards.


Exemption from liability for loss, misdelivery, delay or damage


13. - (1) The Government shall not incur any liability by reason of the loss, misdelivery, or delay of or damage to any postal packet.


(2) No officer of the post office shall incur any liability by reason of any such loss, misdelivery, delay or damage unless such officer has knowingly caused the same fraudulently or maliciously or by his wilful act or default.


Postage stamps
LN 46A of 1978


14. The Minister may issue postage stamps of such kinds and denoting such values as he may consider necessary for the purposes of this Act.


Stamping and franking machines


15. - (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Act postage may be prepaid by impressions made by stamping or franking machines used under the direction or by the permission of the Comptroller.


(2) There shall not be posted or conveyed or delivered- by post any postal packet-


(a) containing or bearing any counterfeit impression purporting to be made by a stamping or franking machine used under the direction or by the permission of the Comptroller; or


(b) purporting to be prepaid with any stamping or franking machine impression which has been previously used to prepay any other postal packet.


(3) No stamping or franking machine impression which is imperfect or mutilated or defaced in any way shall be used in payment of or to denote payment of postage.


(4) The Comptroller may license the use of such stamping or franking machines as he may approve for impressing upon postal packets the sign of postage or stamp values subject to such terms and conditions as he may deem necessary.


(5) Packets bearing impressions made by stamping or franking machines and packets intended to be impressed by stamping or franking machines shall be accepted only at such post offices and within such hours as the Comptroller by notice published in the Gazette may prescribe.


Invalidation of postage stamps
LN 46A of 1978
LN 88 of 1978


16. - (1) The Minister may by notice declare that any issue of postage stamps provided under section 14 shall cease to be valid as from a date to be specified in such notice, such date being not less than six months from the date of such notice, and such issue of postage stamps shall cease to be valid accordingly.


(2) The holder of any postage stamp which has been invalidated in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1) may, within three months of the date on which such postage stamp ceased to be valid, at any post office in Solomon Islands, exchange such postage stamp for a valid postage stamp of equivalent value.


Stamped letter-card, post-card, envelopes, etc


17. - (1) The Comptroller may cause stamped letter-cards, stamped post-cards and stamped envelopes to be made and issued subject to such regulations as he may think fit to make as to the transmission by post, the size and weight of and manner of impressing or printing such cards and envelopes, and any other conditions that he may deem necessary.


Rates of postage


18. Subject to the provisions of this Act there shall be paid on every postal for transmission by post such postage and other sums as may be prescribed, and the postage and all fees, if any, in respect of any postal packet posted within Solomon Islands shall be prepaid by means of postage stamps issued by the Comptroller, not previously used, invalidated, obliterated or defaced, and in default thereof there shall be payable in money at the time of delivery upon such postal packet double the deficiency due thereon and the sum so paid shall be indicated on every such packet in a duly authorised manner.


Provided that -


(a) any newspaper upon which the postage is wholly unpaid at the time of posting may be forthwith destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the Comptroller may direct;


(b) the postage upon business reply cards and upon large quantities of postal packets, may, with the approval of the Comptroller, be either paid in cash at the time of posting, or an agreed sum may be deposited with the Comptroller on account of, and in advance of, posting, or be paid or secured in such other manner as the Comptroller may determine.


Exemptions from postage
LN 46A of 1978


19. - (1) All petitions and addresses to Her Majesty or to the Governor-General and all petitions to the National Parliament shall be exempt from postage.


(2) All postal packets containing only returns of births, marriages and deaths transmitted in compliance with the provisions of any law in that behalf by persons whose duty it is to transmit such returns to any officer appointed to receive the same and any other matters which the Minister may from time to time direct shall be exempt from postage.


Liability for payment of postage


20. - (1) The person to whom any postal packet is tendered for delivery on which postage or any other sum is due shall be bound to pay the postage or other sum due on his accepting delivery of the postal packet unless he forthwith returns it unopened.


(2) If any postal packet appears to the satisfaction of the Comptroller to have been maliciously sent for the purpose of annoying the addressee he may remit the postage or the sum due.


(3) If any postal packet on which postage or any other sum chargeable is due is refused or returned as aforesaid or if the addressee is dead or cannot be found then the sender shall be bound to pay the postage or sum due thereon.


Power withhold unstamped postal packet


21. If any person refuses to pay any postage or other sum which he is legally bound to pay in respect of any postal packet the Comptroller or any postmaster may withhold from the person so refusing any such postal packet addressed to that person not being on Her Majesty's service until such postage has been paid.


Post office mark evidence of refusal


22. In every proceeding for the recovery of any postage or other sum alleged to be due under this Act in respect of a postal packet the production of a postal packet having thereon the official mark of the post office denoting that the packet has been refused or unclaimed or that the addressee is dead or cannot be round shall be prima facie evidence of the fact so denoted.


Official mark to be evidence of postage


23. The official mark on a postal packet denoting that any postage or other sum is due in respect thereof to the post office of Solomon Islands or to the post office of the United Kingdom or of any other part of the Commonwealth or foreign country shall be prima facie evidence that the sum denoted as aforesaid is due.


Return to sender


24. No postal packet shall be returned to the writer or sender thereof without either the consent in writing of the person to whom the same is addressed or by order in writing of the Comptroller and in neither case unless the prescribed fee has been paid.


Transmission of certain articles prohibited


25. - (1) Except as otherwise prescribed and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed no person shall send by post any explosive, inflammable, dangerous, filthy, noxious or deleterious substance, any sharp instrument not properly protected or any living creature which is either noxious or likely to injure the postal packets in course of transmission by post or any officer of the post office.


(2) No person shall send by post any packet or thing which is likely to injure postal packets in course of transmission by post or any officer of the post office.


(3) Except as otherwise prescribed and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed no person shall send by post any drug to which the Dangerous Drugs Act applies.

Cap. 98


Transmission by post of anything indecent, etc. or packets bearing fictitious stamps prohibited


26. No person shall send by post-


(a) any indecent, obscene or seditious printing, painting, photograph, lithograph, engraving, book or card, or any other indecent, obscene or seditious article;


(b) any packet or thing having thereon or on the cover thereof any words, marks or design of an indecent, obscene, seditious, scurrilous, threatening or grossly offensive character;


(c) any packet or thing bearing any fictitious postage stamps or purporting to be prepaid with any postage stamp which has been previously used to prepay any other postal packet or which has been previously used in payment of stamp duty;


(d) correspondence dealing with a fraudulent or immoral business or undertaking or which purports to foretell future events;


(e) any printing, painting, photograph, lithograph, engraving, book or card which may be prejudicial to the public safety or to the peace and good order of any part of Solomon Islands.

LN 88 of 1978


Power to open and detain or delay postal packets
LN 46A of 1978


27. - (1) It shall be lawful for the Minister by warrant under his hand to authorise the Comptroller to open and delay any specified postal packet or all postal packets of any specified class.


(2) It shall be lawful: for the Comptroller or any postmaster to detain and open any postal packet which he has reason to believe contains any article or thing in contravention of section 25 or section 26 and if it is found to contain such article or thing he shall cause it to be destroyed:


Provided that no closed letter shall be so opened without the consent in writing of the Minister in his discretion.


(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) shall extend to all articles tendered to or received by the post office for transmission by post or delivery.


Power to open postal packets suspected to contain dutiable goods
Cap. 121


28. It shall be lawful for the Comptroller to detain any postal packet reasonably suspected to contain any goods in contravention of the Customs and Excise Act and to open the same in the presence of the person to whom such postal packet may be addressed or his duly appointed agent, and should such person or his agent after being duly notified fail or neglect to attend, it shall be lawful for the Comptroller to open and examine the same, and, if any goods in contravention of the Customs and Excise Act shall be discovered in such postal packet, the Comptroller shall deliver the aforesaid goods to the Comptroller of Customs and Excise for the purposes of proceeding in regard thereto according to law, and if no such goods shall be discovered in the aforesaid postal packet the same shall be delivered to the person to whom it is addressed or his agent if present and, if absent, shall be forwarded to the addressee through the post office subject in either case to the payment of any postage or other dues chargeable thereon.


Registration of postal packets


29. - (1) The sender of any postal packet, excepting a parcel addressed to any place beyond Solomon Islands, may, upon payment of the prescribed fee in addition to the ordinary postage, have that packet registered and obtain a receipt for the same from the Comptroller, but no such registration or receipt shall confer on any person any right to compensation or otherwise or impose upon any officer any liability for the loss of any such packet or of the contents thereof:


Provided that the Comptroller may in his discretion and subject to such requirements and limitations as may be prescribed pay compensation for the loss of any registered postal packet or of the contents thereof.


(2) Every postal packet containing coin, bank notes, currency notes, negotiable instruments payable to bearer, platinum, gold or silver manufactured or not, precious stones, jewels and other valuable articles shall, if posted unregistered be liable to compulsory registration and to a consequent charge on delivery equal to double the amount of any deficiency in prepayment as a registered packet which may be shown thereon but upon no postal packet compulsorily registered as aforesaid shall compensation be paid in case of loss.


Insurance of postal packets


30. The Comptroller may provide for the insurance of postal packets subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed and may enter into an agreement with any postal authority for the reciprocal exchange of insured postal packets.


Postal packets at hotels, etc. remaining undelelivered


31. - (1) Every postal packet sent by post and addressed to any person at any hotel, resthouse, or at any lodging-house, or at any house at which lodgers are received, and delivered to the occupier or manager of such hotel or house shall be deemed to be under the control of the Comptroller until delivered to the person to whom such postal packet is addressed and if such postal packet is not so delivered within one month of its receipt by such occupier or manager and if instructions to the contrary are not received from the person to whom such postal packet is addressed it shall be returned to the nearest post office marked "undelivered".


(2) Every such occupier or manager wilfully omitting or failing to return any such postal packet as aforesaid shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of ten dollars.


Money orders


32. - (1) The Comptroller may provide for the remitting of sums of money through the post office by means of money orders and may enter into an agreement with any postal authority for reciprocal exchange of money orders.


(2) The Comptroller may make regulations as to money orders and in particular and without prejudice to the generality of such power such regulations may prescribe-


(a) the limit of amount for which money orders may be issued;


(b) the period during which money orders shall remain current; and


(c) the rates of commission or the fees to be charged on money orders or in respect thereof.


Power to remitter to alter name or to recall money order


33. - (1) Subject to such conditions as the Comptroller may by regulations made under the provisions of the last preceding section prescribe in respect of the levy of additional rates of commission or fees or any other matter, a person remitting money through the post office by means of a money order may require that the amount of the order if not paid to the payee be repaid to him or be paid to such person other than the original payee as he may direct.


(2) If neither the payee nor the remitter of a money order can be found and if within the period of twelve months after the last day of the month in which it shall have been issued no claim is made by such payee or remitter, the amount of such order shall not be recoverable from the Government.


Power to provide for issue of postal orders


34. The Comptroller may authorise the issue in such form as may be suitable of money orders to be called postal orders or by such other designation as may be deemed appropriate and may make regulations as to the rates of commission to be charged thereon and the manner in which and the conditions subject to which they may be issued, paid and cancelled.


Money order offices


35. The Comptroller may from time to time determine at what post offices money orders or postal orders may be issued and paid.


Recovery of money paid to wrong persons


36. If any person without reasonable excuse, the burden of proving which shall lie on him, neglects or refuses to refund-


(a) any amount paid to him in respect of a money order or postal order by an officer of the post office in excess of what ought to have been paid to him in respect thereof; or


(b) the amount of a money order or postal order paid by an officer of the post office to him instead of to some other person to whom it ought to have been paid,


such amount shall be recoverable before a Magistrate by an officer of the post office authorised by the Comptroller in that behalf from the person so neglecting or refusing.


Exemption from liability in respect of money orders and postal orders


37. The Government shall not incur any liability for any loss caused by-


(a) anything done under any regulation made by the Comptroller under sections 32 and 34;


(b) the wrong payment of a money order or postal order;


(c) delay in the payment of a money order or postal order;


(d) any other irregularity in connection with a money order or postal order,


and no officer of the post office shall incur any such liability unless he has caused the same fraudulently or by his wilful act, default or negligence.


Unissued postal orders


38. An unissued postal order shall be deemed to be the property of the Comptroller.


Notice of departure of vessels


39. - (1) The master of any vessel which is about to depart from any port within Solomon Islands shall give to the postmaster at the port from which that vessel is about to depart notice in writing of the intended time of departure and the ports of call and destination of that vessel. Such notice, in case the destination of the vessel be any port outside Solomon Islands, shall be given not less than twenty-four hours and, in case the destination of the vessel be any port within Solomon Islands, not less than six hours before the intended time of departure. Every such notice shall expire between the hours of nine o'clock in the forenoon and five o'clock in the afternoon:


Provided that shorter notice may be allowed by the Comptroller or the postmaster at the port of departure in any case or special class of cases.


(2) The postmaster who receives any such notice shall thereupon grant to the master of the vessel a certificate stating that the notice has been given and that the provisions of this Act have been complied with, and until such certificate has been given the vessel shall not be cleared.


(3) If any vessel to which this section applies departs from a port of Solomon Islands without the master having given notice of the intended time of departure or if such notice having been given the vessel departs from a port of Solomon Islands after the expiration of six hours after the time stated to be intended time of departure in the notice given under subsection (1), the master of such vessel, whether he has obtained a clearance or not, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of one hundred dollars:


Provided that should the period of six hours after the time stated to be the intended time of departure of such vessel expire between the hours of five o'clock in afternoon and nine o'clock in the forenoon it shall be lawful for such vessel to depart before nine o'clock in the forenoon immediately following the expiration of such notice.


(4) A prosecution shall not be instituted in pursuance of this section except by the direction or with the consent in writing of the Comptroller.


(5) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section it shall be lawful for the Comptroller to exempt from all or any of the provisions of this section the master of any vessel trading between ports within Solomon Islands. Such exemption shall be made by written notice to the owners or to the master of the vessel and a copy of every such notice shall be forwarded by the Comptroller to the Comptroller of Customs and Excise.


Penalty for refusing to receive mail bag on board


40. If any master of any vessel about to depart from any port in Solomon Islands to any port or place beyond Solomon Islands shall (after being thereto required by any officer of the post office or by any person duly authorised in that behalf) refuse or neglect to receive on board such vessel any mail bag or to give a receipt for the same being thereto required by the person tendering or delivering such mail bag or shall refuse or neglect carefully to deposit such mail bag in some secure and dry place on board of such vessel or to convey the same upon her then intended voyage, such master shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of two hundred dollars.


Payment conveyance of mail bags by noncontract vessels


41. - (1) Every master of any vessel about to depart from any port or place in Solomon Islands to or for any other place beyond Solomon Islands who receives on board thereof any mail bag for the purpose of conveying the same according to the direction thereof shall be entitled to demand and receive for the carriage thereof payment at rates to be from time to time prescribed.


(2) Nothing herein contained shall entitle the master of any vessel under contract for the carriage of mail bags to receive payment for the same as aforesaid.


No payment for conveyance of mail bags already paid for at port of departure


42. No payment shall be made to the master of any vessel arriving from any port or place beyond Solomon Islands for the conveyance of any mail bag on which payments have already been made at the port of departure.


All mail bags and postal packets arriving by vessel to be delivered to post office by mater


43. All mail bags and every loose postal packet which at the time of the arrival of any vessel within any port or place in Solomon Islands from any port or place beyond the same shall be on board thereof directed to any person in Solomon Islands shall be delivered to the postmaster or to any person duly authorised in that behalf, and any person who shall knowingly or negligently detain or keep in his possession or shall neglect or refuse to deliver any mail bag or any postal packet shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of two hundred dollars:


Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to letters concerning goods on board such vessel and to be delivered with such goods or containing any commission, writ or affidavit or suit by way of introduction only concerning the bearer's private affairs.


Declaration to be made by masters of vessels on arrival of vessels


44. - (1) The master of any vessel arriving at any port or place in Solomon Islands from any port or place beyond Solomon Islands shall as soon as practicable after such arrival sign in the presence of the postmaster or other officer appointed to receive the same at such port or the town or place nearest thereto a declaration in the form contained in the Second Schedule and thereupon such postmaster or other officer shall grant a certificate under his hand of the making thereof, and until such certificate shall have been delivered to the proper officer of customs at such port such proper officer shall not permit such vessel to report.


(2) Any master as aforesaid who shall fail or refuse to make such declaration or shall make a false declaration shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of two hundred dollars.


Conveyance of mail bags by coasting vessels


45. - (1) Every master of any coasting vessel shall receive and give a receipt for and shall deliver mail bags according to the direction thereof at the post office of the several ports or places at which such vessel may touch upon payment at such rates and in such manner as may be prescribed.


(2) Every master of a coasting vessel who shall refuse or neglect to receive or to give a receipt for or deliver mail bags in accordance with subsection (1) or shall refuse or neglect carefully to deposit and retain securely until delivery such mail bags in some safe and dry place on board such vessel shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of fifty dollars:


Provided that such master shall not be compelled to receive or deliver such mail bags at any post office distant more than one mile by road from the port or place at which his vessel may touch.


Lockers to be provided by vessels and vehicles under contract


46. In all vessels or vehicles by which mail bags shall be conveyed under a contract made under section 9 there shall be provided a suitable locker or other secure place in which such mail bags and all postal packets shall be locked up and carried apart from all other articles and things, and if such locker or place shall not be so provided or if such mail bags or any postal packets shall be carried in any such vessel or vehicle during the whole or any part of the voyage or journey otherwise than in such locker or place the master of such vessel or vehicle shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of one hundred dollars.


Penalty in contravention of section 11
LN 46A of 1978


47. Any person who, except with the authority of the Minister-


(a) conveys otherwise than by post a letter within the exclusive privilege conferred on the Minister by the provisions of section 11(1); or


(b) performs any service incidental to conveying otherwise than by post any letter within the exclusive privilege aforesaid; or


(c) sends or tenders or delivers in order to be sent otherwise than by post a letter within the exclusive privilege aforesaid; or


(d) makes a collection of letters excepted from the exclusive privilege aforesaid for the purpose of sending them otherwise than by post; or


(e) carries, receives, tenders, delivers or collects letters in contravention of the provisions of section 11(3),


shall, in respect of each letter, be, guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of ten dollars.


Penalty for contravention of section 25 and 26


48. - (1) Any person who, in contravention of section 25 or section 26, sends or tenders or makes over in order to be sent by post any packet or thing shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of one hundred dollars or to imprisonment for three months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.


(2) The detention in the post office of any packet or thing on the ground of its having been sent in contravention of section 25 or section 26 shall not exempt the sender from any proceedings which might have been taken if such packet or thing had been delivered in due course by post.


Fraudulently issuing money orders or postal orders


49. - (1) If any officer of the post office grants or issues any money order or postal order with a fraudulent intent he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for seven years.


(2) If any officer of the post office re-issues a money order or postal order previously paid he shall be deemed to have issued the order with a fraudulent intent under this section.


Money order or postal order to be deemed a valuable security
Cap. 26


50. - (1) A money order or postal order shall be deemed to be an order for the payment of money and a valuable security within the meaning of this Act and of the Penal Code and of any other law relating to forgery or stealing which is from time to time in force in Solomon Islands.


(2) If any person with intent to defraud obliterates, adds to or alters any such lines or words on a money order or postal order as would in the case of a cheque be a crossing of that cheque or knowingly offers or utters or disposes of any money order or postal order with such fraudulent obliteration, addition or alteration, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to the like punishment as if the order were a cheque.


Unlawfully taking away or opening mail bag sent by vessels or vehicles employed under post office


51. If any person unlawfully takes away or opens a mail bag sent by any vessel or vehicle employed by or under the post office for the transmission of postal packets whether under contract or otherwise or unlawfully takes, a postal packet out of a mail bag so sent, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.


Receiver of stolen mail bag or postal packet
Cap. 26


52. If any person receives any mail bag or any postal packet or any chattel or money or valuable security the stealing or taking or embezzling or secreting whereof amounts to an offence under this Act or the Penal Code knowing the same to have been so stolen, taken, embezzled or secreted and to have been sent or to have been intended to be sent by post, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to the same punishment as if he had stolen, taken embezzled or secreted the same; and may be charged and convicted whether the principal offender has or has not been previously convicted or is or is not amenable to justice.


Fraudulent detention of mail bag or postal packet


53. If any person fraudulently retains or wilfully secretes or keeps or detains or when required by an officer of the post office neglects or refuses to deliver up-


(a) any postal packet which ought to have been delivered to any other person; or


(b) any postal packet or any mail bag which shall have been found by him or by any other person,


he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of one hundred dollars or to imprisonment for three months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.


Criminal diversion of postal addressee


54. - (1) If any person not in the employment of the Comptroller wilfully and maliciously with intent to injure any other person either opens or causes to be opened any postal packet which ought to have been delivered to that other person or does any act or thing whereby the due delivery of the postal packet to that other person is prevented or impeded he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of one hundred dollars or to imprisonment for three months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.


(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to a person who does any act to which this section applies where he is parent or in the position of parent or guardian of a person to whom the postal packet is addressed.


(3) A prosecution shall not be instituted in pursuance of this section except by the direction or with the consent in writing of the Comptroller.


(4) A postal packet in this section includes a packet or thing which has been delivered by post.


Opening or delaying postal packets


55. If any officer of the post office contrary to his duty opens or procures or suffers to be opened any postal packet or wilfully detains or delays or procures or suffers to be detained or delayed any postal packet he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of two hundred dollars or to imprisonment for six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment:


Provided that nothing in this section shall extend to the opening, detaining or delaying of a postal packet returned for want of a true direction or returned by reason that the person to whom the same is directed is dead or cannot be found or shall have refused the same or shall have refused or neglected to pay the postage thereof or to the opening or detaining or delaying of a postal packet under the authority of this Act.


Delaying mails, etc


56. Subject to the provisions of this Act, any officer of the post office, postmaster, master of a vessel or person duly authorised to receive or despatch any mail bag or any postal packet who shall neglect or fail to despatch or shall retard the despatch thereof by post shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a fine of two hundred dollars or to imprisonment for six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.


Prohibition of placing injurious substances in or against post office letter boxes


57. Any person who places or attempts to place in or against any post office letter box any fire, match, light, explosive substance or any fluid or who commits a nuisance in or against any post office letter box or does or attempts to do anything likely to injure the box, appurtenances, or contents shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of twenty dollars.


Prohibition of placing injurious substances in or against post office letter boxes


58. - (1) A person shall not without due authority affix or attempt to affix any placard, advertisement, notice, list, document, board or thing in or on, or paint or tar, any post office, post office letter box, or other property belonging to or used by or on behalf of the Comptroller and shall not in any way disfigure any such office, box or property.


(2) If any person acts in contravention of this section he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of five dollars.


Prohibition of imitation of post office stamps, envelopes, forms and marks


59. - (1) A person shall not without due authority-


(a) make, issue or send by post or otherwise any envelope, wrapper, card, form or paper in imitation of one issued by or under the authority of the postal authority of any part of the Commonwealth or of any, foreign country having thereon any words, letters or marks which signify or imply or may, reasonably lead the recipient to believe that a postal packet bearing them is sent on Her Majesty's service; or


(b) make on any envelope, wrapper, card, form or paper for the purpose of being issued or sent by post or otherwise, or otherwise used, any mark in imitation of or similar to or purporting to be any stamp or mark of any post office under the postal authority of any part of the Commonwealth or of any foreign country or any words, letters or marks which signify or imply or may reasonably lead the recipient thereof to believe that a postal packet bearing them is sent on Her Majesty's service; or


(c) issue or send by post or otherwise any envelope, wrapper, card, form or paper so marked.


(2) If any person acts in contravention of this section he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of five dollars:


Prohibition of fictitious stamps


60. - (1) A person shall not knowingly use for, the purpose of the post office any fictitious stamp.


(2) Subject to such conditions as may be prescribed it shall be lawful for a person to make, utter, deal in, sell or have in his possession a fictitious stamp or make or have in his possession a die, plate, instrument or materials for making such a stamp but not otherwise.


(3) If any, person acts in contravention of this section he shall be liable on conviction on a prosecution by order in writing of the Comptroller to a fine of forty dollars.


(4) Any stamp, die, plate, instrument or materials found in possession of any person in contravention of this section may be seized and shall on conviction of such person be forfeited.


(5) For the purposes of this section "fictitious stamp" shall mean any facsimile, imitation or representation, whether on paper or otherwise, of any postage stamp from time to time authorised or required to be used for the purpose of the post office or of any postage stamp for denoting a current rate of postage of any country outside Solomon Islands.


Prohibition of false notice as to reception of letters


61. - (1) A person shall not without authority from the Comptroller place or maintain in or on any house, wall, door, window, box, post, pillar or other place belonging to him or under his control any of the words, letters or marks following, that is to say-


(a) the words "post office" or "postal agency"; or


(b) the words "letter box" accompanied with words, letters or marks which signify or imply or may reasonably lead the public to believe that it is a post office letter box; or


(c) any words, letters or marks which signify or imply or may reasonably lead the public to believe that any house or place is a post office or that any box is a post office letter box,


and every person when required by a notice given by the Comptroller to remove or efface any such words, letters or marks as aforesaid or to remove or effectually close up any letter box belonging to him or under his control which has been a post office letter box shall comply with the request.


(2) If any person acts in contravention of this section he shall he guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of five dollars and if the offence is continued after a previous conviction to a fine of fifty cents for every day during which the offence so continues.


Obstruction of officers


62. - (1) If any person wilfully obstructs or incites any one to obstruct an officer of the post office in the execution of his duty or whilst in any post office or within any premises belonging to my post office or used therewith obstructs the course of business of the post office or creates a disturbance he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of ten dollars.


(2) Any person who commits an offence under this section who, upon being required by any officer of the post office or any police officer to leave a post office or any premises belonging thereto or used therewith, refuses or fails to do so, may be removed therefrom with any reasonable degree of force required for that purpose, and such person shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of ten dollars.


(3) It shall be the duty of a police officer, on the demand of an officer of the post office, to remove or assist in removing from a post office or any premises belonging thereto or used therewith every such person as is referred to in subsection (2).


Obstruction of mail


63. If any person shall wilfully obstruct or retard the conveyance or delivery of any postal packet he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of forty dollars.


Endeavouring to procure the commission of any offence


64. If any person solicits or endeavours to procure any other person to commit an offence punishable under this Act he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for two years.


Falsely inducing delivery of letters


65. If any person shall, by means of any false pretence or misstatement, induce any postmaster or other officer of the post office to deliver to such person any postal packet not addressed to such person he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of one hundred dollars.


Evidence of thing being postal packet


66. - (1) On the prosecution of any offence under this Act evidence that any article is in the course of transmission by post or has been accepted on behalf of the Comptroller for transmission by post shall be sufficient evidence that the article is a postal packet.


(2) Every mail bag or postal packet in charge of or being carried by any postmaster, officer of the post office or other person employed by or under the Department shall in every proceeding whatsoever be deemed and taken to be sent by post unless the contrary be proved.


Provision as to form of proceedings
LN 46A of 1978


67. In any complaint, information or legal proceeding for any offence committed or attempted to be committed, or any malicious, injurious or fraudulent act or thing done, in, upon or with respect to the post office or the post office revenue or any mail bag, postal packet, money order or any chattel, money or valuable security sent by post or in anywise concerning any property under the management or control of the Minister, it shall be sufficient to allege the property to belong to the Minister and to allege any such act or thing to have been done with intent to injure or defraud the Minister without in either case naming the person who is Minister, and it shall not be necessary to allege or to prove upon the trial or otherwise that the mail bag, postal packet, money order, chattel, money, security or property was of any value.


Description of officer of the post office in indictment or legal proceedings


68. In any complaint, information or legal proceeding against any officer of the post office for any offence committed against this Act it shall be sufficient to allege that the alleged offender was an officer of the post office at the time of the committing of the offence without stating further the nature or particulars of his employment.


Penalty for being in unauthorised possession of mail bags, etc


69. Any person who without due authority is in possession of any mail bag or any other article or thing which is the property of the Comptroller or of any other postal authority shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of ten dollars.


Article bearing a fraudulent stamp may be withheld


70. - (1) Whenever the Comptroller is notified by a postal authority that any postal packet contains or bears any fictitious postage stamp, that is to say any facsimile or imitation or representation of any stamp for denoting any rate of duty or postage, or purports to be prepaid with any postage stamp which has been previously used to prepay any other postage packet, or whenever any postal packet containing or bearing any such fictitious postage stamp is found in any. post office in Solomon Islands, it shall be the duty of the Comptroller to withhold the delivery of such postal packet from the person to whom the same may be addressed unless such addressee or his representative consents to make known the name and address of the sender and to place at the disposal of the post office, after having taken cognizance of the contents, the entire packet, if it is inseparable from the offence itself, or else that part of the packet, envelope, wrapper or other portion of such postal packet which contains the address; if any, and the stamp so stated to be fictitious or used, and unless such addressee or his representative shall also sign or fill up any document that may be required of him by the Comptroller embodying the above information.


(2) In the event of the refusal of the addressee or his representative to comply with the above requirements, such postal packet may either be sent back to the country of origin or may be dealt with or disposed of in such manner as may be authorised by the Comptroller.


Removing stamp from postal packet


71. Any person who shall with a fraudulent intent remove from any postal packet sent by post any stamp which shall have been affixed thereon or shall wilfully remove from any stamp which shall have been previously used any mark which shall have been made thereon at any post office or shall knowingly offer, utter or put off or use any such stamp shall be guilty of an offence, and liable to imprisonment for two years.


Penalty for unlawfully disclosing contents of postal packet


72. Any person who reveals, discloses or in any way makes known the contents of any postal packet opened under the authority of this Act except so far as may be necessary for the purpose of returning the same or so far as may be authorised by the Comptroller in writing shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of two hundred dollars or to imprisonment for six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.


Limitation of action against officers


73. If any action or suit shall be commenced against any officer of the post office for damages on account of anything done or omitted to be done in pursuance of this Act the same shall be commenced within twelve months after the act committed or omitted, and no such action shall be commenced until one month after notice thereof and of the cause thereof shall have been delivered to the defendant or left for him at his usual place of abode by the party intending to commence such action, and upon the back of such notice shall be endorsed the name and place of abode or business of the plaintiff and his attorney or agent; and if it shall appear that the action was commenced after the time before limited for bringing the same the court shall give judgment for the defendant.


Penalty for unlawfully franking postal packets


74. Any person now or hereafter authorised by the Comptroller to frank postal packets who unlawfully franks or superscribes packets which do not relate to the business of his office, department or the Government with intent to defraud the post office of the postage payable thereon shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of forty dollars.


Repeal and saving
Cap. 104, 1969
Revised Edition


75. - (1) The Post Office Act is hereby repealed.


(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1)-


(a) every appointment made under the repealed Act and in force at the commencement of this Act and every declaration made under the repealed Act shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, continue and be deemed to have been made under this Act;


(b) every post office or postal agency established under the repealed Act and in existence at the commencement of this Act shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, continue and be deemed to have been established under this Act;


(c) every contract made or licence issued under the repealed Act shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, continue in full force and effect according to the terms and conditions thereof and shall be deemed to have been made or issued under this Act;


(d) every stamp issued under the repealed Act and valid at the commencement of this Act shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, continue to be valid and shall be deemed to have been issued under this Act.


_______


FIRST SCHEDULE


(Section 5)


I, .................., do solemnly and sincerely declare that I will in my position as an officer of the post office be honest and trustworthy and fair without respect of persons according to the law and to the best of my knowledge; that I will not contrary to the law or to my duty communicate or divulge the contents of any letter, telegram or official paper of any description, nor open or detain or cause to suffer to be opened or detained any letter or other postal packet or any telegram, nor on any account whatsoever destroy or make away with any letter, telegram or official paper entrusted to my care; that I will be obedient to my official superiors and that I will give account of any responsibility entrusted to me whenever and wherever such may be required of me.


Signature ...................................


Declared at ............. on the ......... day of ..............


Before me .................................

Magistrate/Justice of the Peace


_______


SECOND SCHEDULE


(Section 45)


I, A. B., do solemnly declare that I have to the best of my knowledge delivered to C. D., every mail bag, mail-box, mail-parcel and postal packet that was on board the .................................. (name of vessel) at the time of her arrival at ......................................................................... except such letters as are exempted by law from such delivery.


Signature................................................


Signed in my presence the ........................ day of ..................................19...


...............


________


CHAPTER 113


POST OFFICE


Subsidiary Legislation


THE POST OFFICE REGULATIONS
(Section 7)


LN 48/1971
LN 68/1971
LN 11/1972
LN 21/1973
LN 18/1986
LN 35/1988
LN 83/1990
LN 106/1993
LN 15/1996


[20th August 1971]


ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS


REGULATION


PART I


PRELIMINARY


1. CITATION
2. POST OFFICE GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION
3. POST OFFICE GUIDE MAY BE SUPPLIED
4. HOURS OF ATTENDANCE
5. RATES OF POSTAGE, ETC
6. DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
7. STAMPS ON FACE ONLY
8. STAMPS PERFORATED
9. STAMPS SOILED
10. STAMPS EXCHANGED
11. LATE FEES
12. SUITABLE PACKING
13. IRREGULAR ENCLOSURE
14. OPEN FOR INSPECTION
15. CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
16. CONTRAVENTION OF REGULATIONS
17. PLANT MATTER
18. PACKETS ADDRESSED TO POSTE RESTANTE
19. INQUIRIES
20. OVERSEAS MAIL SUBJECT TO CONVENTIONS
21. POSTAGE PAID IN CASH
22. ENCLOSURES IN LETTERS


PART II


POSTCARDS


23. POSTCARDS
24. HEADING ON POSTCARDS
25. PROHIBITED POSTCARDS
26. STAMPING OF POSTCARDS
27. NOTHING TO BE ATTACHED TO POSTCARD
28. POSTCARDS MAY BE TREATED AS LETTERS


PART III


PRINTED PAPERS


29. PRINTED PAPERS
30. CERTAIN ITEMS NOT PRINTED PAPERS
31. CERTAIN COMBINED ENCLOSURES PERMISSIBLE
32. AUTHORISED ANNOTATIONS AND CLOSURES
33. HOW TO BE MADE UP


PART IV


SMALL PACKETS


34. SMALL PACKETS


PART V


LITERATURE FOR THE BLIND


35. LITERATURE FOR THE BLIND


PART VI


UNPAID AND INSUFFICIENTLY PREPAID CORRESPONDENCE


36. DOUBLE DEFICIENCY CHARGEABLE


PART VII


REGISTRATION


37. ADDRESS TO BE IN INK
38. HOURS FOR REGISTRATION
39. TO BE PREPAID
40. COVER TO BE IN SOUND CONDITION
41. NUMBER AND RECEIPT
42. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT
43. COMPULSORY REGISTRATION IN CERTAIN CASES
44. RECEIPT FOR DELIVERY
45. DELIVERY THROUGH PRIVATE BOX
46. UNDELIVERABLE PACKETS


PART VIII


COMPENSATION FOR LOSS OF REGISTERED PACKET


47. COMPENSATION MAY BE PAID
48. WHEN NO COMPENSATION PAYABLE
49. NO COMPENSATION WHERE LOSS DUE TO ACT OF SENDER
50. COMPENSATION NOT TO EXCEED VALUE OF PACKET, ETC
51. RECEIPT TO BE PRODUCED
52. APPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION
53. TIME FOR APPLICATION
54. PACKETS LOST ABROAD


PART IX


DELIVERY OF POSTAL PACKETS


55. DELIVERY TO MEMBER OF FAMILY, ETC
56. TO WHOM DELIVERY TO BE MADE
57. DELIVERY TO EXECUTOR OR ADMINISTRATOR, ETC


PART X


PROHIBITED POSTAL PACKETS


58. CERTAIN DRUGS MAY BE SENT BY POST
59. TRANSMISSION OF COIN, ETC.
60. PROHIBITED PACKETS - HOW DEALT WITH


PART XI


TRANSPARENT OR PANEL ENVELOPES


61. TRANSPARENT ENVELOPS, ETC
62. ENVELOPES WITH TRANSPARENT PANEL


PART XII


INSURANCE


63. OPERATION OF INSURANCE SYSTEM
64. REGULATIONS SUBJECT TO ALTERATION
65. INSURANCE FEES
66. GENERAL CONDITIONS
67. LETTERS TO WHICH INSURANCE SYSTEM APPLIES
68. POSTCARDS, ETC NOT TO BE INSURED
69. COVER AND SEALS
70. PROHIBITIONS AS TO INSURED LETTERS
71. GOLD, ETC. HOW TO BE SENT
72. DIMENSIONS OF INSURED BOX
73. SECURING ETC. OF INSURED BOX
74. CUSTOMS DECLARATION
75. FORM OF CUSTOMS DECLARATION
76. WEIGHT AND VALUE TO BE SHOWN
77. PROHIBITIONS AS TO INSURED BOXES
78. REDIRECTION NOT PERMITTED
79. ADVICE OF DELIVERY
80. COMPENSATION
81. TIME FOR CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION
82. NO LEGAL LIABILITY
83. INVALID INSURANCE


PART XIII


PARCELS POST


84. INTERPRETATION
85. NAME AND ADDRESS AND DECLARATION OF CONTENTS
86. PARCEL TO BE HANDED IN AT THE POST OFFICE
87. CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
88. PARCELS LIABLE TO LETTER RATE
89. CHARGES ON REDIRECTED PARCEL
90. STOPPAGE AND STOPPAGE FEE
91. PARCELS FOR MEMBER OF FORCES, ETC
92. RETURN OF UNCLAIMED PARCEL
93. DELIVERY OF PARCEL
94. TWO OR MORE PARCELS NOT TO BE SENT AS ONE
95. PACKING OF PARCELS
96. DELAY OF DESPATCH, ETC, FOR SAFETY REASONS
97. REQUEST FOR TREATMENT OF UNDELIVERABLE PARCEL
98. RETURN OF PARCEL IN ABSENCE OF REQUEST
99. DELIVERY, ETC, MAY BE DEFERRED TO AVOID DELAY IN DELIVERY OF LETTERS
100. DISPOSAL OF UNDELIVERABLE PARCELS
101. COMPENSATION FOR UNINSURED AND UNREGISTERED PARCELS
102. WHEN COMPENSATION NOT PAYABLE


PART XIV


INLAND POST PARCELS


103. CHARGES ON INLAND POST PARCELS
104. GENERAL REGULATIONS


PART XV


INSURED PARCELS


105. WHERE PARCELS MAY BE INSURED, ETC
106. PACKING OF INSURED PARCEL, ETC
107. PARCELS CONTAINING COIN, ETC
108. PARCELS CONTAINING PERISHABLE ARTICLES
109. PARCEL CONTAINING JEWELLERY EXCEEDING $200 IN VALUE
110. GENERAL REGULATIONS


PART XVI


CUSTOMS DUES ON PARCELS


111. ASSESSMENT OF DUTY, ETC
112. INSPECTION OF PARCEL
113. DELIVERY TO ADDRESSEE ONLY
114. PRODUCTION OF INVOICE


PART XVII


REDIRECTION


115. FORM AND SIGNATURE OF NOTICES, ETC
116. CHANGES OF ADDRESS
117. LETTERS ADDRESSED TO CARE OF PRIVATE BOX HOLDERS, ETC
118. WHERE INTERCEPTION TO BE MADE
119. NO CHARGE FOR REDIRECTION BY SURFACE MAIL EXCEPT IN CASE OF PARCELS
120. UNPAID OR INSUFFICIENTLY PAID PACKETS


PART XVIII


CORRECTED ADDRESS OF POSTAL PACKET


121. FRESH POSTAGE PAYABLE ON CORRECTION OF ADDRESS AND RE-POSTING


PART XIX


FRANKING OF POSTAL PACKETS


122. PERSONS AUTHORISED TO FRANK POSTAL PACKETS


PART XX


UNDELIVERED POSTAL PACKETS


123. UNDELIVERABLE PACKETS
124. HOW UNDELIVERED PACKETS TO BE DEALT WITH
125. DISPOSAL OF UNDELIVERED PACKETS


PART XXI


POSTMASTERS AND THE PUBLIC


126. INFORMATION
127. RETURN OF POSTAL PACKETS, ETC
128. WEIGHING OF POSTAL PACKETS
129. GIVING OF CHANGE


PART XXII


LICENCES TO SELL POSTAGE STAMPS


130. APPLICATION FOR LICENCE
131. LICENCE TO SELL STAMPS
132. NO CHARGE FOR LICENCE, ETC
133. NOTICE TO BE EXHIBITED
134. PURCHASE OF STAMPS AND COMMISSION
135. DIVIDING COMMISSION WITH PUBLIC PROHIBITION
136. EMPLOYMENT OF AGENT


PART XXIII


PRIVATE LETTER BOXES


137. PRIVATE LETTER BOX MAY BE LET
138. DISCRETION TO REFUSE TO LET BOX
139. USE OF PRIVATE BOX
140. ENTRY TO BOX
141. RENTAL FEES
142. TEMPORARY RESIDENTS
143. DEPOSIT IN RESPECT OF KEYS
144. TRANSFER OF BOX
145. RIGHT TO DEPOSIT ON TRANSFER OF BOX


PART XXIV


PRIVATE MAIL BAGS


146. PRIVATE MAIL BAGS
147. ONE FAMILY OR FIRM ONLY TO USE BAG
148. RENTAL FEES
149. USE OF PRIVATE BAG FOR REGISTERED PACKETS, ETC
150. DEPOSIT IN RESPECT OF DUTY, ETC
151. DELIVERY OF LARGE PARCELS, ETC
152. DIMENSIONS OF BAG
153. COST OF CARRIAGE OF PRIVATE BAG
154. DISCRETION TO REFUSE PRIVATE BAG, ETC


PART XXV


FREIGHT ON MAILS WITHIN SOLOMON ISLANDS RATE OF PAYMENT


155. FREIGHT ON MAILS IN SOLOMON ISLANDS
156. VOUCHER IN RESPECT OF MAILS CARRIED


PART XXVI


FREIGHT ON MAILS BEYOND SOLOMON ISLANDS RATE OF PAYMENT


157. FREIGHT ON MAILS BEYOND SOLOMON ISLANDS


PART XXVII


BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE


158. BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE


PART XXVIII


REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES


159. REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES


PART XXIX


HOUSEHOLD CIRCULARS


160. HOUSEHOLD CIRCULARS
161. POSTAGE RATES
162. CONDITIONS


FIRST SCHEDULE
SECOND SCHEDULE


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PART I


PRELIMINARY


Citation


1. These Regulations may be cited as the Post Office Regulations


Post Office Guide available for inspection


2. The Post Office Guide issued under section 7(2) of the Act shall be available for inspection without payment during the hours of public business at all post offices in Solomon Islands.


Post Office Guide may be supplied


3. The Comptroller may at his discretion supply free of charge a copy of the Post Office Guide to any person who requests the same.


Hours of attendance


4. The hours during which post offices shall be open for the conduct of various classes of public business shall be as determined and notified in the Post Office Guide or by Public Notice issued by the Comptroller.


Rates of postage, etc


5. The rates of postage payable for the transmission of packets through the post, and the supplementary fees in connection therewith and any other fees payable or said to be prescribed under these Regulations shall be as prescribed in the First Schedule.


Dimensions and weights


6. The dimensions and weights of packets transmitted through the post shall be as set out in Appendix B to the First Schedule and no postal packet shall exceed such limits of weight or dimensions except with the express authority of the Comptroller obtained prior to transmission.

First Schedule


Stamps on face only


7. Stamps in prepayment of postage or other charges upon any postal packet shall be affixed upon the face of such packet near the address written thereon, and it shall not be obligatory upon the Department to take notice of any stamps which are affixed elsewhere.


Stamps perforated


8. - (1) Subject to the approval in writing of the Comptroller, postage stamps may be perforated with initials, and such perforated stamps shall be available for any purpose of the Act.


(2) Perforated postage stamps shall not be repurchased or exchanged for other stamps by any officer.


Stamps soiled


9. Postage stamps mutilated or soiled so as to make it a matter of doubt whether such stamps have been previously used for any purpose whatsoever shall not be available for the payment of any postal charge.


Stamps exchanged


10. Any denomination of postage stamps, envelopes, cards, wrappers, or other articles embossed or impressed with postage values of Solomon Islands, may be exchanged for any other denomination of such postage stamps, envelopes, cards, wrappers or other articles, or for cash for unused mint stamps in no smaller amounts than two dollars at the discretion of the Comptroller, provided they have been purchased for postal purposes within the previous two years and upon payment of the prescribed fee.


Late fees


11. - (1) The time up to which postal packets may be posted for despatch by any particular mail shall be determined and notified by the Comptroller. The Comptroller may also, as he deems fit, make arrangements for the inclusion in any mail of postal packets posted after the time so determined on payment of the prescribed fee.


(2) Except as aforesaid, postal packets posted in the ordinary posting boxes after the advertised time of closing of mails shall not be forwarded until the next succeeding despatch.


Suitable packing


12. The contents of every postal packet shall be packed and secured by the sender in such a manner as may afford adequate protection to the contents thereof or to other postal packets. Any postal packet which, in the opinion of the Comptroller, does not comply with this regulation may be refused acceptance, or may be intercepted and detained in the course of transmission.


Irregular enclosure


13. No postal packet directed to one address may contain any other packet addressed to a different address. Any postal packet found to contain any enclosure contrary to this regulation shall be surcharged on delivery with an amount equal to double the postage which would have been payable upon such enclosure if it had been transmitted separately.


Open for inspection


14. - (1) Postal packets for transmission at the rate of postage prescribed for printed papers or small packets shall be made up in such manner as to be capable of a ready inspection of the contents.


(2) Any officer may examine the contents of any packet of printed papers or small packets for the purpose of ascertaining whether they are in accordance with these Regulations, but such officer must securely refasten any packet so opened.


Certificate of posting


15. The sender of any postal packet, other than a parcel, may, upon application at the time of posting, obtain a certificate of posting thereof on payment of the prescribed fee. No liability shall be incurred on the part of the Comptroller by the issue of such certificate for any loss, injury or delay which may occur subsequent to the posting of such postal packet.


Contravention of Regulations


16. Any postal packet purporting to be a printed paper or a small packet within the meaning of these Regulations which contravenes any of the provisions thereof shall, without prejudice to any penalty which may be imposed upon the sender under the Act, be liable to be treated as a letter or admissible at the parcel rate as a parcel, and surcharged upon delivery with an amount equal to double the deficient postage at the letter or parcel rate, as the case may be.


Plant matter


17. The transmission through the post of plants or parts of plants, such as cuttings, roots, tubers, bulbs, fruit, or other vegetable matter, and the delivery of similar articles shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Agriculture. The cost of any steps which may be taken in connection with the examination or fumigation of any such articles by the direction of the Director of Agriculture shall be borne by the sender in the case of postal packets handed in at a post office within Solomon Islands, or by the addressee in the case of articles received from beyond Solomon Islands, for delivery within Solomon Islands.


Packets addressed to poste restante


18. The treatment of postal packets addressed to a poste restante or to be called for at any post office shall be subject to such directions as may be given by the Comptroller and he may at his discretion deliver any such packet at the addressee's place of business or private residence, or if the addressee is a renter of a private post office box, at such post office into such box.


Inquiries


19. For every inquiry instituted by the Comptroller at the request of either the sender or the addressee in regard to any ordinary or registered postal packet or parcel said to have been posted, the Comptroller may require the applicant to make a declaration in support of the information furnished by him in such form as may be decided by the Comptroller, and, except where an acknowledgement of delivery has been paid for, the Comptroller may require the applicant to pay such further fee as may be prescribed.


Overseas mail subject to conventions


20. Postal packets addressed to or received from any country outside Solomon Islands, shall be subject to the provisions of any convention or agreement in, regard to the transmission of such packets, through the post in force for the time being between the Government and the postal authority of such country and to the provisions of any contract for the conveyance of mails by sea in force for the time being between the Government and, any person.


Postage paid in cash


21. - (1) The Comptroller may license the use of approved postage meters or stamping or franking machines for impressing upon postal packets the sign of postage or stamp values, subject to such conditions as he may deem necessary.


(2) Prepayment of postage may be made, at such offices as may be determined and notified by the Comptroller, in money instead of postage stamps, whenever the number of postal packets handed in for transmission at one and the same time by any one person amounts to at least fifty cents, but only if the packets are made up in bundles with the addresses arranged in the same direction. In every such case, the amount prepaid in respect of each such packet shall be indicated thereon by the officer receiving the same in such manner as the Comptroller may direct.


(3) Mail matter prepaid in money must be handed in at the post office.


Enclosures in letters


22. Letters shall not contain any letter, note, or document which has the character of actual and personal correspondence, addressed to persons other than the addressee or persons living with him.


PART II


POSTCARDS


Postcards


23. Postcards shall be made of cardboard or of paper stout enough to be easily handled and shall be sent unenclosed, that is to say without wrapper or envelope.


Heading on postcards


24. Postcards shall bear on the address side the French language heading "Carte Postale" or the equivalent of this heading in another language. This heading shall not be obligatory for single postcards of private manufacture.


Prohibited postcards


25. Postcards of which the whole or a part of the address side has been marked off into several divisions intended to receive successive addresses are prohibited.


Stamping of postcards


26. Postage stamps shall be affixed to the upper right-hand corner of the address side of a postcard. The address of the recipient as well as any indications relating to the postal service shall appear on the address side of which the right-hand half is reserved for these indications. Save as hereinafter provided, the sender may make use of the back and of the left-hand half of the address side.


Nothing to be attached to postcard


27. There shall not be joined or attached to postcards samples of merchandise or similar articles:


Provided that illustrations, photographs, stamps of any kind, address labels or slips to fold back for address purposes, labels and cuttings of any kind may be affixed to them, if these articles are not of such a nature as to alter the character of the postcards, and if they consist of paper or other very thin substance and if they adhere completely to the card. With the exception of address labels or slips these articles may only be affixed to the back or to the left-hand half of the address side of postcards. Stamps of all kinds liable to be mistaken for postage stamps may be affixed only to the back.


Postcards may be treated as letters


28. Postcards which do not comply with the conditions laid down by these Regulations shall be treated as letters.


PART III


PRINTED PAPERS


Printed papers


29. - (1) All newspapers, periodicals, books sewn or bound, pamphlets, sheets of music excluding perforated sheets intended to be used with automatic musical instruments, visiting cards, address cards proofs of printing, engravings, photographs, pictures, drawings, plans, maps, paper patterns, catalogues, prospectuses, advertisements and notices of various kinds, printed, engraved, lithographed or mineographed, and, in general, all impressions or copies obtained upon paper or similar material parchment or cardboard by means of printing, engraving, lithography, mineography or any other mechanical process easy to recognise except the copying press, handstamps with or without moveable type, and the typewriter shall be deemed to be printed papers and admitted at the printed paper rate.


(2) In addition to the items specified in paragraph (1), the following shall be admitted at the printed paper rate-


(a) letter post items exchanged between pupils of schools, provided that these items are sent through the principals of the schools concerned;


(b) pupils' exercises in the original or with corrections but without any note which does not relate directly to the performance of the work;


(c) manuscripts of works or for newspapers;


(d) musical scores or sheets of music in manuscript;


(e) cards bearing the title "Carte postale" or the equivalent of this title in any language provided they satisfy the requirements of these Regulations relating to printed papers.


(3) Any item specified in paragraph (2) which does not comply with the conditions therein specified shall be treated as either postcards or letters, as the Comptroller may determine.


Certain items not printed papers


30. Subject to regulation 28, the following shall not be sent as printed papers:-


(a) copies obtained by means of tracing, by handwriting or by typewriting on any kind of machine;


(b) articles of stationery proper, bearing reproductions, when it seems clear that the printed part is not the essential part of the article;


(c) films and sound recordings;


(d) punched paper tapes and ADP cards bearing perforations, marks or signs which could constitute annotations.


Certain combined enclosures permissible


31. Several copies obtained by processes approved by the Comptroller may be sent together in a single printed papers item; they should not bear the names and addresses of different senders or addressees.


Authorised annotations and enclosures


32. - (1) It shall be permissible outside or inside a packet of printed papers-


(a) to indicate the name, occupation or profession, style and address of the sender and of the addressee, the place and date of dispatch, the signature, telephone number, telegraph address and code, the postal cheque or banking account of the sender and any serial or identity number referring solely to the item dispatched;


(b) to correct errors in printing;


(c) to strike out, to underline, or to enclose by marks, certain words or certain parts of a printed text, unless this is done with the object of constituting correspondence.


(2) It is also permissible to show or to add-


(a) on order forms, subscription forms or offers in respect of published works, books, newspapers, engravings, musical scores - the works and the number of copies required or offered, the price of the works and notes giving essential elements of the price, the method of payment, the edition, the names of the authors and of the publishers, the catalogue number and the words "paper covered", "stiff covered" or "bound";


(b) on the forms used by the lending services of libraries - the titles of the works, the number of copies requested or sent, the names of the authors and of the publishers, the catalogue numbers, the number of days allowed for reading, and the name and address of the borrower;


(c) on illustrated, on printed visiting cards and on printed cards expressing good wishes, congratulations, thanks or condolences conventional formulas of courtesy expressed in five words or by means of five initials at most;


(d) on literary and artistic productions - a dedication consisting of a simple expression of regard, and, on photographs, a very concise description, as well as a short note referring to the photograph;


(e) on cuttings from newspapers and periodicals - the title, date, number and address of the publication from which the article is taken;


(f) in advices of the departures and arrivals of ships and aircraft - the dates and times of departures and arrivals and the names of the ships, aircraft, ports of departure, call and arrival;


(g) in travellers' advices - the name of the traveller, the date, time and place of his intended visit and the address at which he is staying;


(h) in proofs of printing - alterations and additions concerned with the correction, layout and printing, as well as notes such as "Passed for press", "Read-Passed for press" or any similar note concerned with the production of the work. In case of lack of space the additions may be made on separate sheets;


(i) in price-lists, tenders for advertisements, stock and share lists, market quotations, trade circulars and prospectuses - figures, and other notes giving essential elements of the price;


(j) on advices of change of address - the old and the new address and the date of the change.


(3) It is permitted to enclose-


(a) with all printed papers - a card, envelope or wrapper bearing the printed address of the sender of the item or his agent in the country in which the original item was posted. The enclosure may be prepaid for return by means of postage stamps of the country of destination of the original item;


(b) with literary and artistic productions - the relative open invoice, reduced to its essential elements together with a deposit note or an international or internal money order form of the country of destination of the item on which it is permissible, after agreement between the administrations concerned, to show by any means whatever the amount to be deposited or paid and the particulars of the postal giro account or the address of the beneficiary of the order;


(c) with fashion papers - cut-out patterns forming, according to the indications appearing on them, an integral part of the copy of the paper with which they are sent.


How to be made up


33. - (1) Printed papers must be made up in such a way that they can be easily examined.


(2) Printed papers of the form, consistency and size of a postcard may be sent unenclosed without wrapper or envelope.


PART IV


SMALL PACKETS


Small packets


34. - (1) Small packets shall bear in bold letters on the front "Petit paquet" or its equivalent in a language known in the country of destination.


(2) It shall be permitted to enclose in any small packet an open invoice reduced to its essential elements and to show on the outside or on the inside of items and, in the latter case, on the article itself or on a special sheet the address of the sender and the addressee with the indications in use in commercial traffic, a manufacturer's or trade mark, a reference to correspondence exchanged between the sender and the addressee, a short note referring to the manufacturer and to the person supplying the goods or concerning the person for whom they are intended, as well as serial or registration numbers, prices and any other notes giving essential elements of the prices, particulars relating to the weight, volume and size, the quantity available and such particulars as are necessary to determine the source and the character of the goods.


(3) It shall also be permitted to enclose therein any other document not having the character of current and personal correspondence, provided that the addressee or sender of the document are not other than those of the small packet; and gramophone records, tapes and wires whether or not bearing a sound recording, ADP magnetic tapes or similar means as well as QSL cards.


PART V


LITERATURE FOR THE BLIND


Literature for the blind


35. Letters bearing writing used by the blind posted unsealed and plates bearing the characters of writing used by the blind may be sent as literature for the blind. The same shall apply to sound records and to the special paper intended solely for the use of the blind, provided that they are sent by or addressed to an officially recognized institute for the blind.


PART VI


UNPAID AND INSUFFICIENTLY PREPAID CORRESPONDENCE


Double deficiently chargeable


36. - (1) Correspondence posted for delivery within Solomon Islands which is wholly unpaid, or insufficiently prepaid, shall be charged with double the deficiency on delivery.


(2) Wholly unpaid and insufficiently prepaid letters and postcards, and other articles which are partly prepaid, posted within Solomon Islands addressed to any other part of the Commonwealth shall be charged with double the deficiency and shall be forwarded for delivery; articles other than letters and postcards which are wholly unpaid shall be forwarded but shall be dealt with through the Dead Letter Office.


(3) Wholly unpaid and insufficiently prepaid letters and postcards and other articles which are partly prepaid, posted within Solomon Islands addressed to any other country, shall be charged with double the deficiency with a minimum charge of two cents and shall be forwarded for delivery. Articles other than letters and postcards which are wholly unpaid shall not be forwarded but shall be dealt with through the Dead Letter Office.


PART VII


REGISTRATION


Address to be in ink


37. The address of every postal packet for registration shall be written in ink or copying-ink pencil and in Roman characters.


Hours for registration


38. - (1) Postal packets for registration shall be handed to an officer appointed for that purpose during such hours as may be notified and shall not be posted in any posting-box.


(2) Postal packets for registration received at a post office in a private bag rented from the Comptroller and conveyed by an officer of the post office or by a mail carrier shall be regarded and treated as if handed in in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.


To be prepaid


39. Postal packets for registration shall be fully prepaid at the time of handing in for transmission to the place of destination.


Cover to be in sound condition


40. No packet shall be accepted for registration unless the cover is in sound condition. Under no circumstances shall packets be accepted for registration if selvedged stamp paper or other gummed paper is attached to the covers thereof, or if the packets have the appearance of having been opened and resealed.


Number and receipt


41. Every postal packet duly handed in for registration shall be given a distinctive number. A receipt bearing such number, and an impression of the date stamp of the office at which the packet is handed in for registration shall be given to the sender by the receiving officer, and such receipt shall be prima facie evidence of the registration of such packet.


Acknowledgement of receipt


42. The sender of any registered postal packet may upon application either at the time of registration thereof or at any time within one year thereafter and upon payment of the prescribed fees in addition to the prescribed fee for registration, require to be furnished with an acknowledgement by the addressee of the receipt of such packet, and any registered packet for delivery within Solomon Islands, the acknowledgement of the receipt of which has been applied for at the time of registration, shall not be delivered until such acknowledgement shall have been obtained by the Department.


Compulsory registration in certain cases


43. - (1) Any postal packet which may be posted otherwise than as laid down in regulation 38 and which may bear any inscription or mark which may reasonably be assumed to indicate that it was the intention of the sender that such packet should be registered, may upon detection be registered and subjected to the prescribed fee for compulsory registration in addition to the ordinary postage due upon such letter or packet, and any unregistered postal packet which there is reasonable cause to believe contains money or other valuable enclosure (including postage stamps exceeding fifty cents in value) shall be similarly treated.


(2) Any postal packet which has been compulsorily registered under this regulation on the ground of its being supposed to contain a valuable enclosure and which may be opened in the presence of the officer delivering the same and found not to contain any such enclosure, shall be delivered free of charge in respect of registration.


Receipt for delivery


44. Any person to whom any registered postal packet is delivered shall give to the officer delivering it a receipt for the same on a form to be provided by the Comptroller, which receipt shall be a good discharge for the delivery of such registered packet.


Delivery through private box


45. In effecting delivery of a registered postal packet through a private post office box rented from the Comptroller, a printed receipt form bearing the registered number and the address of such registered packet shall be placed in such box, and the presentation at the proper post office of the said receipt signed either by the addressee or the person presenting the same purporting to sign for the addressee shall be a sufficient warrant for the delivery of such registered packet to the applicant.


Undeliverable packets


46. Every registered postal packet which may from any cause be undelivered to the person to whom it is addressed shall be returned to the sender, if known, by registered post without further charge for postage or registration and any unregistered postal packet which may likewise be undeliverable and the contents of which may be found to be of intrinsic value may, be returned by the Comptroller to the sender, if, known,: through the registered post, and such sender shall be liable in respect of such packet for the fee prescribed for compulsory registration.


PART VIII


COMPENSATION FOR LOSS OF REGISTERED PACKET


Compensation may be paid


47. The Comptroller may in his discretion subject to the conditions hereinafter mentioned, give compensation as set out in the Post Office Guide for the loss while in the custody of the post office of any postal packet, or the whole or any portion of the contents thereof, which has been admitted for transmission by registered post within Solomon Islands.


When no compensation payable


48. No compensation for loss shall be given in respect of-


(a) any postal packet containing anything which may not be lawfully sent by post;


(b) money whether coin or paper, unless sent by letter post, and then only if -


(i) any coins enclosed in the letter have been packed in such a way as to move about as little as possible;


(ii) the number, amount and date of issue of any currency note and also the bank of issue in the case of a bank note enclosed be supplied to the Comptroller when required;


(iii) the amount, number, and date of issue of any money order or postal order enclosed be supplied to the Comptroller when required;


(iv) particulars sufficient to identify the documents be supplied to the Comptroller in the case of any bill of exchange, bond, coupon, or other order or authority for the payment of money or security for money enclosed in the letter.


No compensation where loss due to act of sender


49. In no case shall compensation be given where it appears that the loss has arisen from any neglect or omission on the part of the sender.


Compensation not to exceed value of packet, etc


50. - (1) Compensation shall in no case exceed the value of the postal packet or any portion of the contents thereof which may be lost, and in respect of the loss of coin shall not in the case of any one letter exceed the sum specified in the Post Office Guide. No compensation shall be given for injury or damage consequent upon the loss of any registered packet.


(2) The Comptroller may in any case reinstate or make good in kind the contents of any lost packet instead of giving pecuniary compensation for loss.


(3) Where compensation has been given in respect of any postal packet and such packet subsequently comes into the hands of the Comptroller, he may retain or dispose of the same as he may deem fit.


Receipt to be produced


51. The receipt given to the sender at the time of registration of any postal packet in connection with the loss of which application is made for compensation shall be produced by the applicant whenever required by the Comptroller.


Application for compensation


52. Every application for compensation is respect of a postal packet the contents of which are alleged to have been lost during transmission through the post shall be accompanied by the envelope or cover of such article in as nearly as possible the condition in which it was delivered by the Department.


Time for application


53. Under no circumstances shall an application for compensation be entertained if made after the expiration of one year from the date of posting the relative postal packet.


Packets lost abroad


54. In cases where registered packets are lost abroad, the final decision upon the question of payment of compensation rests with the Postal Administration of the country in which the loss takes place.


PART IX


DELIVERY OF POSTAL PACKETS


Delivery to member of family, etc


55. When no direction in writing to the contrary has been received, correspondence for a husband may be delivered to his wife, and correspondence for a wife may be delivered to her husband, and correspondence addressed to members of the same family living in the same house may be delivered to any responsible member of the family living in the house or to any messenger authorised to receive it.


To whom delivery to be made


56. Except as set forth in regulation 55, no postal packet shall be delivered to any person other than-


(a) the addressee in person; or


(b) a person authorised by written order from the addressee to receive delivery of postal packets on his behalf; such order shall bear the date on which it is made, the addressee's address, and shall be witnessed by some person other than the person in whose favour it is made and it shall be delivered to the postmaster or other officer; or


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


(d) a person to whose care the postal packet is addressed.


Delivery to executor or administrator, etc


57. Postal packets addressed to deceased persons may be delivered to the executors or administrators of deceased persons on production of the original will or of the probate or letters of administration; but until such production the Comptroller may cause such postal packets to be delivered to some near relative of the deceased person:


Provided that when the original will is produced the executor shall undertake to produce probate when obtained.


PART X


PROHIBITED POSTAL PACKETS


Certain drugs may be sent by post


58. In accordance with but without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of section 25(3) of the Act or of the Dangerous Drugs Act, any drug to which the Dangerous Drugs Act applies is hereby prescribed as a drug which may be sent by post, but only if it is sent by or by the direction of a medical practitioner acting in the course of his duties, or for any other medical or scientific purpose approved by the Director of Medical Services.


Transmission of coin, etc


59. There shall not be conveyed by unregistered post, or enclosed in small packets even if registered, coin, bank-notes, currency notes, negotiable instruments payable to bearer, platinum, gold or silver, manufactured or not, precious stones, jewels and other valuable articles. The transmission of postage stamps, whether obliterated or not in open packets is prohibited.


Prohibited packets - how dealt with


60. Prohibited packets if tendered for transmission shall be refused, or if detected in transit, detained and dealt with in such a manner as the Comptroller may direct.


PART XI


TRANSPARENT OR PANEL ENVELOPES


Transparent envelopes, etc


61. Packets enclosed in envelopes entirely transparent or in envelopes with an open panel shall not be admitted.


Envelopes with transparent panel


62. The following conditions shall apply to packets in envelopes with a transparent panel-


(a) the transparent panel shall be parallel to the length of the envelope so that the address of the addressee appears in the same direction and the application of the date stamp is not interfered with;


(b) the panel shall be sufficiently transparent for the address to be perfectly legible, even in artificial light, and shall take writing;


(c) only the name and address of the addressee shall show through the panel, and the contents of the envelope shall be folded so that the address cannot be obscured, wholly or partly, through slipping;


(d) the address shall be legibly indicated in ink or type-writing. Articles addressed in copying-ink pencil or lead pencil shall not be admitted. Panel envelopes of which the transparent portion reflects artificial light are excluded from transmission.


PART XII


INSURANCE


Operation of insurance system


63. - (1) The Comptroller may at his discretion operate an insurance system applicable to letter, boxes and parcels.


(2) The insured letter and box service shall be in operation between the several countries adhering to the "Agreement concerning Insured Letters and Boxes" and Solomon Islands. The service in the Solomon Islands, shall be limited to money order offices only.


Regulations subject to alteration


64. The regulations under which letters and boxes shall be accepted for insurance by the post office shall be subject to such alterations and amendments as may be adopted from time to time by the Agreement of the Universal Postal Union.


Insurance fees


65. The fees payable for insurance including registration shall be as set out in the First Schedule. The maximum amount for which an article may be insured shall be 800 dollars:

First Schedule


Provided that articles shall not be insured for an amount higher than the maximum fixed by the regulations of the country of destination.


General conditions


66. The following general conditions shall be observed by the senders of insured articles:-


(a) articles intended for insurance shall be presented at the post office counter, and shall not be posted in any posting box;


(b) no labels shall be affixed except those of the postal service;


(c) seals shall be placed over each flap or seam of the cover of a packet, and if the packet is tied round with string or tape a seal shall be placed on the ends where they are tied;


(d) all the seals on an insured article shall be of the same kind of wax (or lead in the case of parcels) and shall bear distinct impressions of the same private device. Coins must not be used for sealing and the device shall not consist merely of straight, crossed or curved lines which could be readily imitated;


(e) as few stamps as possible should be used to prepay the postage and insurance fees. They shall not be folded over the edge of the cover and when more stamps than one are used they shall be affixed with spaces between them;


(f) insured articles shall not be addressed to initials or in pencil;


(g) a certificate of posting shall be obtained by the sender;


(h) the amount for which an article is insured shall be written by the sender both in words and in figures, at the top of the address side of the cover, for example, thus: "Insured for thirty dollars ($30)". No alterations or erasures of the inscription shall be allowed. If a mistake is made, the entry shall be completely obliterated and an entirely new one made by the sender;


(i) no article shall be insured for more than its actual value;


(j) the fee shall be prepaid in addition to the full postage by means of postage stamps, which the sender shall affix to the cover.


Letters to which insurance system applies


67. Letters to which the insurance system shall be applicable shall be those which contain bank notes, currency notes, bonds, coupons, securities, and other documents of the kind. Documents of value such as deeds, plans, contracts, autographs, rare manuscripts, may also be sent by insured post, provided that where documents have a value by reason of the cost of their preparation, the insured value shall not exceed the cost of replacing them in case of loss.


Postcards, etc not to be insured


68. Postcards, packets of printed or commercial papers, samples or letters which contain articles other than documents, shall not be insured.


Cover and seals


69. - (1) Every letter tendered for insurance shall be enclosed in a strong cover made up on one piece which shall be securely fastened by means of identical seals in fine wax, with spaces between, reproducing a private mark, in such a way that it cannot be opened without either breaking the seals or leaving obvious traces of violation.


(2) Envelopes with black or coloured borders or with transparent panels shall not be used.


(3) Spaces shall be left between the stamps used for prepayment, and also between the postal labels, so that they cannot serve to hide injuries to the envelope. The stamps or labels shall not be folded over the two sides of the envelope so as to cover the edge.


(4) The seals on an ordinary envelope shall be placed as shown below: -
Solomon%20Islands%20-%20Post%20Office%20Act%20[Cap%20113]00.png
(5) In the case of long envelopes with a seam down the centre, the seam shall be secured with seals placed not more than three inches apart.


(6) Letters which although addressed to a country or place to which the insurance system does not extend shall be deemed irregularly insured and shall be returned to the sender.


Prohibitions as to insured letters


70. The following shall not be accepted for postage or conveyance by post by insured letter;


(a) articles liable to customs duty, except when addressed to countries which admit dutiable articles forwarded in letters;


(b) living animals;


(c) coin, platinum, gold or silver, manufactured or not, precious stones, jewellery and other valuables.


Gold, etc. how to be sent


71. Articles of gold and silver, precious stones, jewellery, and articles of a like nature may be sent in the letter mails as insured boxes.


Dimensions of insured box


72. The weight and dimensions of insured boxes shall not be as set out in the Post Office Guide.


Securing, etc. of insured box


73. An insured box shall be tied crosswise with a single strong string (not two or more pieces joined) the two ends of the string being held together under a seal of fine wax bearing a private mark. The box shall also be sealed on the four sides with seals identical with that used for the ends of the string. The box shall not be wrapped in paper, but the top and bottom shall be covered with white paper to receive the address of the addressee, the declaration of the insured value and the impression of the official stamps.


Customs declaration


74. An insured box which is subject to the customs regulations and laws of the country of destination shall be accompanied by the requisite number of customs declaration forms prepared by the sender.


Form of customs declaration


75. The customs declaration forms used for parcels may be adapted so as to apply to insured boxes by altering the heading to "Insured Boxes" or "Boites avec valeur declare". Such forms shall specify precisely the style of packing and include a description of the box, its gross weight, and the total value of the contents.


Weight and value to be shown


76. The net weight and value of each of the different kinds of articles contained in an insured box shall be shown separately.


Prohibitions as to insured boxes


77. There shall not be conveyed by post or posted any insured box containing-


(a) letters or notes having the character of actual and personal correspondence. It shall be permissible to enclose in the box an open invoice, confined to the particulars which constitute an invoice, and also a simple copy of the address of the box, and of the sender;


(b) bank notes, currency notes or accurities payable to bearer;


(c) bonds and articles included in the category of commercial papers;


(d) opium, morphine, cocaine or any other drug to which the provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act apply:


Provided that this sub-paragraph shall not apply to any such drugs sent for medical or scientific purposes within Solomon Islands or to countries which admit them under this condition.


Redirection not permitted


78. Insured postal packets shall not be redirected to countries which do not accept insured postal packets of the class concerned.


Advice of delivery


79. The sender of an insured article may have sent to him an advice of the delivery of the packet to the addressee, or may, subsequent to the posting of the article, apply for information as to its disposal on payment of the prescribed fee.


Compensation


80. Compensation for the loss or damage of an insured article or its contents in the post shall not exceed the amount of the actual loss or damage, and shall not be paid on prohibited articles, or articles which have been taken delivery of without remark, or for damage or loss caused by the fault or negligence of the sender, or arising from the nature of the article or from tempest, ship-wreck, earthquake, war, the acts of the Queen's enemies, or other causes beyond control. Compensation shall not be paid for the loss of or damage to any article in respect of which the relative official documents have been destroyed through a cause beyond control.


Time for claim for compensation


81. No claim for compensation shall be admitted if made more than one year after the article was posted.


No legal liability


82. No legal liability to give compensation in respect of any article for which an insurance fee has been paid shall attach to the Comptroller either personally or in his official capacity. The final decision upon all questions of compensation shall rest with the postal authority of the country in which the loss or damage has taken place.


In valid insurance


83. Any insurance effected contrary to the foregoing regulations shall be invalid.


PART XIII


PARCEL POST


Interpretation


84. In this Part, the expression "parcel" means a postal packet which is posted as a parcel in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.


Name and address and declaration of contents


85. Every parcel shall bear on the outside of the cover thereof the name and address of the sender, and unless inscribed with the words "Parcel Post" and secured in such a manner as to allow of the contents being readily withdrawn and examined, shall have attached to the cover a form complying with the requirements of the Universal Postal Union Postal Parcels Agreement.


Parcel to be handed in at the post office


86. Every parcel for transmission shall be handed in over a post office counter during such hours as may be notified by the Comptroller. Any parcel posted in a posting box shall be subject on delivery to a fee as set out in the First Schedule in addition to any other charges which may be due thereon. Parcels received at a post office in a private post bag approved by the Comptroller shall be regarded and treated as if handed in-in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.

First Schedule


Certificate of posting


87. The sender of any parcel may, upon application at the time of handing in such parcel, obtain a certificate of the posting thereof. Such certificate shall not, however, imply any liability on the part of the Comptroller for any loss, injury, or delay which may subsequently take place in respect of such parcel.


Parcels liable to letter rate


88. Any parcel found to contain or to bear on the cover thereof any article or communication chargeable at the letter rate of postage shall, without prejudice in regard to any penalty which may be imposed under the Act, be surcharged on delivery with an amount equal to double the postage payable upon such article or communication if it had been transmitted separately.


Charges on redirected parcel


89. Every parcel redirected at the request of either the sender or the addressee thereof from one post office to another shall be subject upon delivery, in addition to any other charges which may be leviable thereon, to a charge equal to the postage which would have been payable upon such parcel if it were being transmitted for the first time from the one office to the other.


Stoppage and stoppage fee


90. - (1) Upon every parcel the transmission of which is stopped at the request of either the sender or the addressee thereof and delivered from the office at which stoppage is effected there shall be levied a stoppage fee as prescribed in the First Schedule, and such fee shall be payable on delivery in addition to any other charges which may be due upon such parcel.


(2) In the case of any parcel returned to the sender at his request before the same has been despatched from the office at which it was handed in, the sender shall have no claim in respect of the postage stamps affixed to such parcel if such stamps have already been cancelled.


(3) Any parcel stopped in transit for return to the sender or delivery to the addressee at any post office other than the office at which stoppage is effected, and any undeliverable parcel returned to the sender direct from the office to which the same has been forwarded for delivery shall be regarded as redirected from such office to another office and shall be subject to the usual charges in respect of such redirection.


Parcels for member of forces, etc


91. The Comptroller may, upon application, divert free of charge subject to such conditions as he may deem expedient, any parcel addressed to any member of Her Majesty's regular forces, or of the Police Force of Solomon Islands who may be moved in the course of duty from one place to another within Solomon Islands.


Return of unclaimed parcel


92. - (1) The Comptroller may return to the sender at the expense of the latter, any parcel which has not been claimed within a period of twenty-eight days from the date on which it was originally received at the office of destination.


(2) In the case of parcels coming from outside Solomon Islands, the, addressee may arrange for the retention of a parcel by the post office beyond the said period of twenty-eight days for a further fifty-six days upon an advanced payment of demurrage fees as prescribed in the First Schedule.

First Schedule


Delivery of parcel


93. - (1) The delivery of parcels otherwise than from money order offices shall not be obligatory, and any parcel addressed to any office other than a money order office may be detained by the Comptroller at the money order office to which such office is subordinate:


Provided that whenever any parcel is so detained the Comptroller shall cause the addressee thereof to be advised of the fact.


(2) The Comptroller shall cause the addressee of every parcel to be advised by post of the receipt thereof at the local post office and of its detention there.


Two or more parcels not to be sent as one


94. No parcel shall consist of or contain two or more parcels addressed to different persons at different addresses. If such parcel be discovered each if its contents shall be treated as a separate parcel and be charged for accordingly.


Packing of parcels


95. - (1) Parcels shall be so securely and substantially packed as not only to preserve their contents from loss or damage in the post, but also so as not to injure other parcels in the mail or any office of the post office.


(2) Hats, millinery, and similar articles shall be packed in rigid boxes of wood or other material or in stout "leather-board" boxes with lids extending about two-thirds of the depth of the box, or in strong cardboard boxes, protected externally by cross bars of wood consisting of two frames placed at right angles to one another and fastened together where they cross at the top and bottom.


(3) Weighty articles, such as iron castings, shall be packed in some soft material such as straw-roping or hay-roping.


(4) Musical instruments shall be enclosed in stout cases, with sufficient soft internal packing to prevent movement and to prevent damage through jolting.


(5) Pictures in frames shall be protected on the front and back by stout wooden boards each larger than the frame. Soft packing shall be placed firmly between the corners of the frame and the boards, but not so as to press on the glass.


(6) Sharp instruments may be transmitted as parcels, but only if the edges and points are carefully covered.


(7) Umbrellas, walking-sticks, fishing-rods, and other similar articles shall be enclosed in stout cases made of wood at least three-eighths of an inch thick, but the two small ends of such cases may be of lighter wood such as three-ply. Soft interior packing must be used in all cases where the handles are made of brittle or fragile substances.


(8) Thoroughly seasoned raw celluloid (including scrap celluloid), that is to say, celluloid which has been freed from all volatile solvents, or articles (other than Cinematograph and photographic films) manufactured of celluloid which has been similarly seasoned shall be packed in cardboard boxes, corrugated cardboard cartons, or wooden boxes, or completely enclosed in corrugated cardboard. Raw celluloid, containing volatile solvent that is to say sometimes called xylonite cake, also liquid celluloid (celluloid solutions), shall not be accepted for transmission. Calendars, and similar articles in which only a small quantity of celluloid is used, may be accepted under the ordinary conditions.


(9) Cinematograph and photographic films (inflammable films with a nitro-cellulose base) shall be packed in a tin case enclosed in a strong wooden box. If any part of the box is composed of more than one piece of wood, the pieces must be jointed together by means of tongues and grooves. A lining of suitable material shall be placed between the upper edges of the box and the lid; and the lid shall be firmly screwed down. A white label bearing the words "Films Inflammable" in plain black letter shall be affixed to the parcel.


(10) Suit, attaché, dressing and other similar cases shall be protected by wooden boards covering the sides.


(11) For liquids and substances which easily liquefy two receptacles shall be used. The outer receptacle shall be of strong wood or metal. Between this and the inner receptacle containing the liquid, space shall be left all round, and this space shall be filled with bran, sawdust, or other absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb all the liquid contents in the event of breakage.


(12) Powders shall have an inner covering securely closed, and a strong outer covering of metal, wood or leather.


(13) China, crockery and glass shall be firmly packed in rigid metal or wooden boxes with ample soft packing between the article and the top, bottom and side of the box.


(14) Food and other articles attractive to vermin shall be packed in receptacles which are vermin proof.


Delay of despatch, etc., for safety reasons


96. In any case where an officer of the post office may find it necessary or expedient for the safety or protection of parcels that any parcel should be forwarded or delivered by some later despatch or delivery than that for which the same was posted or despatched, or intended to be posted or despatched respectively, he may delay the despatch or delivery of such parcel, or make other and special arrangements as to the despatch or delivery thereof as may be deemed by such officer necessary or expedient in the circumstances of the case.


Request for treatment of undeliverable parcel


97. The sender of a parcel may request at the time of posting that if the parcel cannot be delivered as addressed it may be either-


(a) treated as abandoned; or


(b) tendered for delivery at a second address in the country of destination, and no other alternative shall be admissible. If the sender avails himself of this facility his request shall be written on the parcel and shall be in one of the following forms:-


"If not deliverable as addressed, abandon", or


"If not deliverable as addressed, deliver to."


Return of parcel in absence of request


98. In the absence of a definite request for abandonment a parcel which is undeliverable at the original address or at the alternative address if one is furnished shall be returned to the sender without previous notification and at his expense.


Delivery, etc., may be deferred to avoid delay in delivery of letters


99. Where the despatch or delivery from a post office in Solomon Islands of letters would be delayed by the despatch or delivery there from at the same time of parcels, such parcels, or any of them, may be detained in the office until the despatch or delivery next following that by which they would ordinarily be despatched or delivered.


Disposal of undeliverable parcels


100. The contents of unclaimed or undelivered parcels which have been returned to Solomon Islands, and cannot be delivered to the sender shall be sold or destroyed as directed by the Comptroller.


Compensation for uninsured and unregistered parcels


101. Uninsured and unregistered parcels shall be received and forwarded at the risk of the owners but compensation up to the maximum of two dollars may be allowed for total loss of, or damage to, a parcel securely packed and forwarded in accordance with these Regulations:


Provided that no compensation shall be paid for damage to any article inadequately or insecurely packed, or to any of the articles enumerated in regulation 108.


When compensation not payable


102. In no circumstances will compensation be paid in respect of an uninsured or unregistered parcel which has been lost or has sustained damage or loss of contents through any cause beyond control. Each claim for compensation must be supported by the production of the relative certificate of posting.


PART XIV


INLAND POST PARCELS


Charges on inland post parcels


103. Parcels may be accepted for registration upon payment of the prescribed fees in addition to ordinary postage.


General regulations


104. The general regulations regarding registration shall apply to registered parcels.


PART XV


INSURED PARCELS


Where parcels may be insured, etc


105. Parcels tendered for insurance shall be accepted at such post offices as the Comptroller may from time to time direct for transmission to and delivery at, any money order office within Solomon Islands and to any country with which an agreement is made relating to the transmission of insured parcels.


Packing of insured parcel, etc


106. Every insured parcel shall be packed carefully and substantially with due regard to the nature of the contents and the length of the journey, and shall be sealed with wax, lead or steel, bearing a private mark in such a way that it cannot be opened without breaking the seals or leaving obvious traces of violation; for instance, seals must be placed over each joint or loose flap of the coverings of a parcel and, if string be used in packing, a seal must be placed at the ends of the string where they are tied.


Parcels containing coin, etc


107. Parcels containing coin, platinum or bullion, watches, precious stones, jewellery or any, article of: gold or silver shall be insured for at least part of their value and they shall be enclosed in a strong box or case, which shall be sewn up or otherwise fastened in a wrapper of linen, canvas, strong paper, or other substantial material. In such cases the seals shall be placed along the edges of each join or loose flap at distances not more than three inches apart. The address of every such parcel shall be written on its actual covering.


Parcels containing perishable articles


108. Parcels containing any of the following articles shall not be insured against damage, but they may be insured against loss only, on payment of fees on the same scale as those for insurance of other articles against loss or damage, namely, liquids and substances which easily liquefy, perishable articles such as eggs, butter, flowers, fruit, and confectionery, and fragile articles such as china, glassware, millinery, and gramophone records.


Parcels containing jewellery exceeding $200 in value


109. Every parcel posted within Solomon Islands containing jewellery exceeding two hundred dollars in value shall be packed in a box measuring not less than three feet six inches in length and girth combined.


General regulations


110. The general regulations regarding insurance shall apply to insured parcels.


PART XVI


CUSTOMS DUES ON PARCELS


Assessment of duty, etc


111. When a parcel or a packet sent by post contains anything liable to duty under the laws relating to customs, which are now or may hereafter be in force in Solomon Islands, the Comptroller of Customs and Excise at the port or place at which such parcel or packet is landed shall assess the duty payable thereon. The parcel or packet shall then be sent to the office of destination where the postmaster shall retain possession of it until the addressee or his authorised agent shall have signed the parcel entry and receipt form and have paid all charges payable.


Inspection of parcel


112. Every parcel shall be subject to inspection in the presence of the owner thereof or his authorised agent, and to valuation by the Comptroller of Customs and Excise at the port of entry, or an officer authorised by him in that behalf.


Delivery to addressee only


113. No parcel shall be delivered by the postmaster except to the addressee thereof or his authorised agent. Every addressee of a parcel wishing it to be delivered to another person on his behalf must sign and deliver to the postmaster an authority in such form as the Comptroller may direct.


Production of invoice


114. The addressee of every parcel or his agent shall, when required to do so by the Comptroller, produce the invoice, if any, of the contents of the parcel.


PART XVII


REDIRECTION


Form and signature of notices, etc


115. - (1) All notices of removal and applications for the redirection of postal packets shall be signed by the persons to whom such packets are addressed.


(2) The printed form of notice, which may be obtained on application at any post office shall be used whenever practicable.


(3) Redirection orders by telegraph shall be accepted provided that signatures are in full and can be verified.


Changes of address


116. - (1) Changes of address shall be recorded for a period not exceeding six months and, if not renewed before the expiration of that time, shall be deemed to have lapsed.


(2) This service may be continued for a further period of six months on payment of a fee of fifty cents for every address recorded, and after that period, for every year thereafter, an annual fee of one dollar.


Letters addressed to care of private box holders etc


117. It shall not be obligatory upon the Department to intercept and re-address before delivery, letters addressed to the care of private box holders, hotels, lodging houses and warehouses.


Where interception to be made


118. - (1) It shall not be obligatory upon the Department to intercept postal packets at any office other than that to which they are addressed.


(2) Applications for the redirection of postal packets should be made directly to the postmaster of the office to which such packets are addressed.


No charge for redirection by surface mail except in case of parcels


119. - (1) No charge shall be made for redirection of postal packets by surface mail, except in the case of parcels, provided that the packet is re-posted not later than seven days after delivery, but postal packets which are properly prepaid for their first transmission, and on which the complementary postage appropriate to the further transmission has not been paid before their redirection, shall be charged with a rate equal to the difference between the amount of postage already paid, and that which would have been charged if the postal packets had been despatched in the first instance to the new destination. Postal packets requiring redirection by airmail, shall be fully prepaid or, alternatively, airmail charges shall be covered by written agreement to pay on delivery.


(2) Postal packets re-pasted for redirection later than seven days after delivery shall be charged at the prepaid rate and any packet which shall appear to the Comptroller to have been opened or tampered with shall be charged as freshly posted and unpaid.


Unpaid or insufficiently paid packets


120. - (1) Postal packets unpaid and insufficiently prepaid for transmission to the place of first address, if redirected to another address, shall, in addition to any charges already due thereon, be subject to a charge equal to the difference between the rate of postage from the original office of posting to the first address and the new address, provided that the rate of postage to the new address from the original place of posting is in excess of that to the first address.


(2) Postal packets which have originally circulated free of postage within Solomon Islands, shall be charged upon redirection beyond Solomon Islands at the rate applicable to prepaid postal packets of the same nature addressed directly from the place of origin to that of the new destination.


PART XVIII


CORRECTED ADDRESS OF POSTAL PACKET


Fresh postage payable on correction of address and reposting


121. Every postal packet, ordinary or registered, which being wrongly or insufficiently addressed, which is returned to the sender in order that the address may be corrected or completed shall when posted with the address completed or corrected be considered as a freshly posted postal packet on which new and distinct rates of postage shall be paid.


PART XIX


FRANKING OF POSTAL PACKETS


Persons authorised to frank postal packets


122. - (1) No person other than a person authorised under paragraph (2) shall frank postal packets for free transmission by post.


(2) The Minister, the Minister of Finance, the Head of any department of the Government, any District Commissioner, any other public officer authorised in that behalf by the Minister of Finance in his discretion, and all members of the National Parliament in relation to matters concerned with the public business of Solomon Islands, shall be duly authorised persons for the purposes of this regulation.


(3) Postal packets on the public service shall be franked for transmission by post either by means of a franking stamp approved by the Comptroller and bearing the designation of the department or office from which it is posted and the words "Official Paid"; or shall bear the signature of the sender, followed by his official designation, at the bottom left-hand corner of the envelope or cover.


(4) Every officer authorised to use a franking stamp shall be responsible for its proper use and custody according to these Regulations.


(5) Officers authorised to frank postal packets on the public service shall also be entitled to receive, without pre-payment of postage, letters and other documents addressed to them in their official capacity and superscribed "On Her Majesty's Service" provided such articles are on the public service, and not on the private business or in the personal interest of the sender.


(6) Any public officer who may receive any postal packet franked as being "On Her Majesty's Service", but which is not entitled to pass through the post without prepayment, shall forward the cover thereof, a certified copy of the contents, and a statement of its weight together with a report of the facts of the case, to the Comptroller, by whom the postage due thereon shall be collected from the sender, or other action taken as the Comptroller may deem fit.


(7) The privilege of franking shall not apply to postal packets which are intended for transmission beyond Solomon Islands.


PART XX


UNDELIVERED POSTAL PACKETS


123. The following may inter alia be regarded and treated as undeliverable:-


(a) postal packets with an incomplete, incorrect, or obscure address;


(b) postal packets addressed to initials or fictitious names, except when directed to the care of a person or a private post office box duly rented;


(c) unpaid or insufficiently paid postal packets addressed to a place to which the prepayment of postage is compulsory;


(d) postal packets supposed to contain enclosures the registration of which is compulsory, or the transmission of which to the place of address is prohibited;


(e) postal packets addressed to a deceased person which cannot be delivered to a lawful representative;


(f) postal packets the address of which applies equally to two or more persons or firms leaving it doubtful for whom they are intended;


(g) postal packets posted in contravention of the Act or these Regulations;


(h) postal packets addressed to a person who cannot be found at the address given and whose whereabouts are unknown;


(i) postal packets addressed to a poste restante or "to be called for" remaining undeliverable after the expiration of two months from the date of their receipt at the post office to which they are addressed;


(j) postal packets directed to a ship which it is known will not be at the port to which such articles are addressed within a period of six months from the date of their receipt at the post office at such port.


How undelivered packets to be dealt with


124. - (1) Every postal packet which remains undelivered at any post office to which it has been transmitted for delivery shall be kept at such office for delivery for a period of one month, and as soon as possible after the expiration of such period, if still undelivered, shall be forwarded to the General Post Office in Honiara to be there dealt with as provided by regulation 125:


Provided that postal packets originally posted outside Solomon Islands shall be kept for a period of two months before being dealt with in the manner indicated herein.


(2) Anything to the contrary notwithstanding in paragraph (1), any undelivered postal packet (other than a parcel or a newspaper) bearing on the outside of the cover the name and address of the writer or sender thereof may, after retention for the usual period at the office to which the same has been forwarded for delivery, be returned unopened to such writer or sender direct from such office; and any postal packet other than a parcel or a newspaper bearing on the address side of the cover thereof a request that it be returned to the sender if undelivered after the expiration of a specified period shorter than the time prescribed for the retention of undelivered postal packets generally shall be returned in like manner immediately after the expiration of the period specified in such request.


Disposal of undelivered packets


125. - (1) All postal packets other than parcels or printed papers remaining undelivered shall be disposed of in the following manner:-


(a) postal packets from places beyond Solomon Islands shall be returned, unopened, to the country of origin;


(b) postal packets originally posted within Solomon Islands shall be returned to the writer or sender thereof. When necessary all such postal packets may be opened by the Comptroller or a duly authorised officer of the Department:


Provided that every such officer shall before he enters upon his duties in this respect make and subscribe before the Comptroller a declaration in Form 1 in the Second Schedule;

Second Schedule


(c) postal packets remaining undelivered either to the addressee, or to the writer or sender thereof, may, unless they contain coin, or valuable or saleable articles be forthwith destroyed by the Comptroller or other duly authorised officer of the Department;


(d) postal packets found to contain coin or any valuable or saleable article shall be safely kept, and a list thereof, together with a memorandum of such contents shall be made and preserved for three months at the end of which time the coin shall be paid to the Consolidated Fund and the valuable or saleable article may be destroyed or converted into money as the Comptroller may direct, and the proceeds thereof shall be paid into the aforesaid Consolidated Fund.


(2) (a) Before an undeliverable postal packet on which postal charges may have become due is returned to the sender, such postal charges shall be paid by the sender.


(b) Printed papers of no value shall not be returned to the country of origin, or to the sender, unless their return has been asked for by means of a note on the cover.


PART XXI


POSTMASTERS AND THE PUBLIC


Information


126. No information shall be given respecting postal packets passing through a post office except to the persons to whom they are addressed; and in no other way shall information of a private character be made public.


Return of postal packets, etc


127. - (1) Except as provided in these Regulations, officers shall not return any postal packet to the writer or sender, or to anyone else, or delay forwarding it to its destination according to the address.


(2) Any person desiring the return of a postal packet posted by him must either obtain the consent in writing of the person to whom the same is addressed or an order from the Comptroller.


(3) Applications for the return of correspondence shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed in the First Schedule.

First Schedule


Weighing of postal packets


128. - (1) Officers of the Department are not bound to weigh postal packets for the public, but they may do so if their duty is not thereby impeded.


(2) This Regulation shall not apply to parcels which shall be tested both as to weight and size before being accepted.


Giving of change


129. Officers of the Department are not bound to give change, and when money is paid at a post office, whether as change or otherwise, no question as to its right amount, goodness or weight shall be entertained after it has been removed from the counter.


PART XXII


LICENCES TO SELL POSTAGE STAMPS


Application for licence


130. A person desiring a licence to sell postage stamps shall make written application to the Comptroller stating where his premises are situated and the nature of the business carried on by the applicant. As a general rule, licences will be issued only to persons whose business premises are situated outside a radius of half a mile from a post office, unless such premises are kept open beyond the normal postal hours of business.


Licence to sell stamps


131. For the convenience of the public and when deemed expedient, a licence may be granted in a form approved by the Comptroller to any person to sell such postage stamps as may be specified in the licence.


No charge for licence, etc


132. A licence shall be granted without charge, may be revoked at pleasure, and shall authorise the sale of postage stamps only at the premises named in the licence.


Notice to be exhibited


133. A notice shall be exhibited in some conspicuous place in front of the premises licensed, with the words "Licensed to sell Postage Stamps" painted in letters at least one inch in height and of proportionate breadth.


Purchase of stamps and commission


134. - (1) Supplies of stamps shall be purchased by licensed vendors for cash and vendors shall be allowed a commission of five per centum on purchases of stamps.


(2) Such commission shall not be allowed on purchases which total less than two dollars in value at any one time.


Dividing commission with public prohibited


135. Any, licensed vendor found dividing with the public the commission allowed under these Regulations on postage stamps purchased by him, or offering consideration with a view to inducing any person to purchase postage stamps at his place of business, shall be liable to have his licence cancelled.


Employment of agent


136. - (1) A licensed vendor shall not, in relation to the sale of postage stamps, appoint or employ any other licensed vendor as his agent or act as the agent of any other licensed vendor.


(2) If the Comptroller is satisfied that any licensed vendor is guilty of any contravention of this regulation he shall forthwith cancel his licence.


PART XXIII


PRIVATE LETTER BOXES


Private letter box may be let


137. The Comptroller may, in his discretion and subject to such conditions as he may deem necessary, let to any person or persons a private post office box at any post office for the delivery of postal packets addressed to the lessee thereof, and the rental of such box shall be in accordance with the scale prescribed in the First Schedule.

First Schedule


Discretion to refuse to let box


138. The Comptroller may refuse to let a private post office box to any person without assigning any reasons for such refusal, and may cancel the lease of any such box at any time without notice if it appears to him that any conditions of the lease have been infringed or if in his opinion the box is intended to be or is being used for objectionable purposes.


Use of private box


139. Private post office boxes shall be used exclusively for the reception of postal packets.


Entry to box


140. Each private box shall be opened and closed from without the office by the renter thereof by means of a door, a lock, and a key, which shall be kept in repair at the renter's expense, fair wear and tear alone excepted.


Rental fees


141. The rental fees shall be payable in advance and shall be calculated to 31st December in each year, any portion of a month being considered as a full month.


Temporary residents


142. Notwithstanding the provisions of these Regulations for payment of annual fees, persons who declare that they are temporary residents and desire to rent a private box for a limited time may be allowed to use such box for a period of not less than three months and not more than six months and in any such case a proportionate fee shall be charged calculated from the first day of the month in which the box is taken to the last day of the month in which the box is surrendered.


Deposit in respect of keys


143. - (1) The renter of a private box shall in addition to any other fee payable under these Regulations make a deposit of one dollar for each key issued. Such deposit shall be refunded if the key issued to the depositor for the private box is returned to the Comptroller within fourteen days from the date on which the tenancy expires.


(2) If a key of a private box be lost information in writing shall be at once given to the officer in charge of the post office in which such box is situated.


(3) When the loss of a key of a private box is reported as required by paragraph (2) a new lock shall be fitted to the box on the renter paying the sum of five dollars. On each occasion on which a lock is renewed a key of the new lock shall be issued to him.


(4) Notwithstanding anything in these Regulations the key of a private box shall be and remain the property of the Comptroller who may require the renter of a private box to return the key to him on such person ceasing to be the renter of the box.


Transfer of box


144. A private letter box may be transferred to the successor in business of the original renter, 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 renter at the time of transfer.


Right to deposit on transfer of box


145. When a private box is transferred, the right to refund of the deposit, as provided in regulation 143 shall pass to the transferee.


PART XXIV


PRIVATE MAIL BAGS


Private mail bags


146. The Comptroller may enter into arrangements with any person for the use of a private mail bag for the transmission of postal packets from the residence of such person to the nearest post office and vice versa, subject to such conditions as the Comptroller may deem expedient and to payment by the said person of the fee set out in the First Schedule.


One family or firm only use bag


147. Not more than one family or firm shall use the same private mail bag, but correspondence addressed to and send by guests of the renter of a private mail bag, is employees and the families of his employees, may be enclosed therein.


Rental fees


148. The rental fees shall be payable in advance and shall be calculated to 31st December in each year, any portion of a month being considered as a full month.


Use of private bag for registered packets, etc


149. - (1) By signing a form indemnifying the post office against any claim for loss, renters of private mail bags may have registered postal packets enclosed in their bags without the preliminary formality of giving receipts for these articles, otherwise such registered postal packets shall be forwarded to the nearest post office.


(2) No insured postal packets shall be delivered however until a signed receipt has been obtained.


Deposit in respect of duty, etc


150. Postal packets whereon postage, customs dues or other charges are payable may be enclosed in private mail bags without prior payment of charged if the renters have made a deposit with the postmaster to meet such charges.


Delivery of large parcels, etc


151. In cases in which large packets or parcels for a private mail bag renter are too numerous or too large to go into the private mail bag or bags paid for, the renter shall either take delivery of them at the nearest post office, or shall make his own arrangements for their delivery.


Dimensions of bag


152. - (1) The bag or bags, if more than one be necessary, shall measure twenty inches by thirty-six inches, and shall be fitted with a lock and two keys.


(2) One key shall be held by the post office and the other by the renter.


(3) Such bags and locks shall be provided and kept in repair by the renter at his own expense.


Cost of carriage of private bag


153. The prescribed fee shall not be deemed to include the cost of the carriage of private mail bags but shall be deemed to include the carriage by mail carrier if available or by contract vessels.


Discretion to refuse private bag, etc


154. The Comptroller in his absolute discretion may refuse any application for a private mail bag service, or may terminate any such service on the expiration of three months' notice of his intention to do so, and he shall thereupon refund a proportionate amount of the fee already paid in respect of such service.


PART XXV


FREIGHT ON MAILS WITHIN SOLOMON ISLANDS RATE OF PAYMENT


Freight on mails in Solomon Islands


155. There shall be paid to every master of any coasting vessel (not being a vessel under contract to carry mails) who shall receive and give a receipt for and deliver the country mails according to the direction thereof at the post offices of the several ports or places at which they may touch the rates prescribed in the First Schedule in respect of each mail packet, mail bag, or mail hamper so delivered by him.

First Schedule


Voucher in respect of mails carried


156. The master of any such coasting vessel as aforesaid shall, on receiving a mail, be furnished by an officer of the post office with a voucher addressed to the postmaster at any money order office in Form 2 in the Second Schedule showing the date of despatch, the number of mail packets and mail bags in the mail, and the amount payable on delivery of the mail and on delivery of the mail at its destination by the master of any such coasting vessel as aforesaid the officer of the post office receiving such mail shall give a receipt and record the date thereof as provided for in the voucher, and such master shall then take such voucher to the postmaster at the nearest money order office who shall on delivery of such voucher duly receipted as aforesaid, pay to such master the amount specified in such voucher and take his receipt therefor.

Second Schedule
Form 2


PART XXVI


FREIGHT ON MAILS BEYOND SOLOMON ISLANDS RATE OF PAYMENT


Freight on mails beyond Solomon Islands
First Schedule


157. The rates as set out in the First Schedule shall be paid to every master of any vessel (not being a vessel under contract to carry mails) about to depart from Solomon Islands to or for any place beyond Solomon Islands, who receives on board thereof any mail packet, mail bag, or mail hamper for the purpose of conveying the same beyond Solomon Islands.


PART XXVIII


BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE


Business reply service


158. - (1) Any person desiring a licence to use business reply cards shall make written application to the Comptroller.


(2) A licence shall be granted upon payment in advance of the sum of not less than two dollars to cover the charges likely to accrue during the month.


(3) Business reply cards, envelopes or wrappers shall be printed on the address side as shown here under-


POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY LICENSEE

NO POSTAGE STAMPS NECESSARY IF POSTED IN SOLOMON ISLANDS
BUSINESS REPLY SERVICES LICENCE NO.

Solomon%20Islands%20-%20Post%20Office%20Act%20[Cap%20113]01.png


(4) A fee of two cents in addition to normal postage shall be charged on each business reply card, envelope or wrapper returned through the post to the licensee.


PART XXVII


REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES


Registration of newspapers and magazines


159. - (1) Subject to the provisions of the succeeding paragraphs the proprietor or printer of a newspaper or magazine may register it at the General Post Office, Honiara, so as to obtain for it the preferential postage rates accorded to registered newspapers or registered magazines as set out in the Post Office Guide.


(2) The publication shall consist in great part of political or other current news and general topics.


(3) It shall be printed and published in Solomon Islands, or the United Kingdom, or in some other part of Her Majesty's Dominions, or the Republic of India, or the Republic of Pakistan, or the Republic of Ireland, or any British Protectorate or Protected State. The Comptroller may refuse to register any publication unless it is proved to his satisfaction that a responsible representative is maintained in Solomon Islands.


(4) A registered newspaper shall be published at intervals of not more than thirty days and a registered magazine at intervals of not more than three months.


(5) The full title and date of the publication shall be printed at the top of the first page.


(6) The fee for the registration of a newspaper or magazine shall be as prescribed in the First Schedule.

First Schedule


(7) Upon change of title, or place of publication, it shall be necessary for the newspaper or magazine to be re-registered.


PART XXIX


HOUSEHOLD CIRCULARS


Household circulars


160. - (1) All circulars or other printed papers on letter, leaflet or pamphlet form, addressed with a class designation such as "The Householder" or "The Owner" with or without a place of delivery and inscribed "Postage Paid", shall be deemed to be household circulars.


(2) Household circulars may be in covers or unenclosed, provided that circulars made of flimsy material or paper shall be posted in covers.


Postage rates


161. Postage for household circulars shall be paid in cash at the rates prescribed in the First Schedule.

First Schedule


Condition


162. The following conditions shall be observed by the senders of household circulars:-


(a) no household circulars shall be accepted for delivery unless a specimen copy shall have been submitted to the Comptroller and his approval obtained;


(b) the household circulars shall be presented at the post office counter in bundles of fifty, tied securely with string or rope;


(c) the household circulars shall be folded or be of a convenient size so that they may be placed without difficulty into letter boxes;


(d) the household circulars will be placed into private letter boxes and will be delivered by postmen to every household where a postman's delivery exists. Household circulars addressed to areas where there are no postman's delivery will be delivered over the post office counter;


(e) household circulars will not be accepted for delivery by the post office during the month of December. During the remaining months of the year household circulars will be delivered only at such times as may appear convenient to the Comptroller.


________


FIRST SCHEDULE


PART A


OVERSEAS POSTAL RATE


1. AIRMAIL (reg. 5)

(a) LETTERS


(i) ZONE 1


For the first 10 g or part thereof
60c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of the first 10 g.
35c

(ii) ZONE 2


For the first 10 g or part thereof
65c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of the first 10 g.
45c

(iii) ZONE 3


For the first 10 g or part thereof
75c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of first 10 g.
50c

(iv) ZONE 4


For every first 10 g or part thereof
80c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of first 10 g.
60c

(v) ZONE 5


For every first 10 g or part thereof
90c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of first 10 g
60c



(b) AEROGRAMMES (Reg. 5)
40c


(c) PRINTED PAPERS AND SMALL PACKETS (Reg. 5)


(i) ZONE 1


For the first 50 g or part thereof
60c

For every 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
35c

(ii) ZONE 2


For the first 50 g or part thereof
65c

For every 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
40c

(iii) ZONE 3


For the first 50 g or part thereof
75c

For every 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
45c

(iv) ZONE 4


For the first 50 g or part thereof
80c

For every 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
50c

(v) ZONE 5


For the first 50 g and part thereof
95c

For every 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
60c



(d) REGISTERED NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE (Reg. 5)


(i) ZONE 1


For the first 50 g or part thereof
50c

For every 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
30c

(ii) ZONE 2


For the first 50 g or part thereof
For every 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g 35
65c

For every first 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
35c

(iii) ZONE 3


For the first 50 g or part thereof
70c

For every 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
40c

(iv) ZONE 4


For the first 50 g or part thereof
80c

For every 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
45c

(v) ZONE 5


For the first 50 g or part thereof
90c

For every 30 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
50c

(e) POST CARDS (Reg. 5)


(i) ZONE 1


For every first 10 g or part thereof
30c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of the first 10 g
20c

(ii) ZONE 2


For the first 10 g or part thereof
35c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of the first 10 g
20c

(iii) ZONE 3


For the first 10 g or part thereof
35c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of the first 10 g
20c

(iv) ZONE 4


For the first 10 g or part thereof
40c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of the first 10 g
25c

(v) ZONE 5


For every first 10 g or part thereof
40c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of the first 10 g
25c

(f) LITERATURE FOR THE BLIND (Reg. 5)


For the first 50 g or part thereof
25c

For every 10 g or part thereof in excess of that 50 g
10c

2. SURFACE MAIL (Reg. 5)
(a) LETTERS

Weight of 50 g or less
40c
Weight over 50 g up to 100 g
90c
Weight over 100 g up to 250 g
$2.10c
Weight over 250 g up to 500 g
$2.50c
Weight over 500 g up to 1000 g
$6.00c
Weight over 1000 g up to 2,000 g
$9.25c


(b) PRINTED PAPERS (Reg. 5)

Weight of 50 g or less
45c
Weight over 50 g up to 100 g
75c
Weight over 100 g up to 250 g
$1.40c
Weight over 250 g up to 500 g
$2.50c
Weight over 500 g up to 1000 g
$3.90c
Weight over 1000 g up to 2000 g
$5.30c
For every 1000 g or part thereof in excess of 2000 g
$2.90


(c)REGISTERED NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE (Reg. 5)

Weight of 20 g or less
30c
Weight over 20 g up to 100 g
45c
Weight over 100 g up to 250 g
95c
Weight over 250 g up to 500 g
$1.60c
Weight over 500 g up to 1000 g
$2.80c
Weight over 1000 g up to 2000 g
$3.75c
For every 1000 g or part thereof in excess of 2000 g
$2.00c


(d) POST CARDS (Reg. 5)
20c


(e) SMALL PACKETS (Reg. 5)

Weight of 100 g or less
70c
Weight over 100 g up to 250 g
$1.35c
Weight over 250 g up to 500 g
$2.15c
Weight over 500 g up to 1000 g
$3.55c

3. MISCELLANEOUS TARIFFS

(a) REDIRECTION FEES (Reg. 116)


(i) Redirection for an initial period not exceeding 1 month
95c




(ii) Redirection for a period not exceeding 3 months commencing prior to the first anniversary of redirection.
$1.85c




(iii) Redirection for a period not exceeding 6 months commencing prior to the first anniversary of redirection.
$2.80c




(iv) Redirection for a period not exceeding 1 year commencing prior to the first anniversary of redirection.
$3.65c




(v) Redirection for a period not exceeding 1 year on or after the first anniversary of redirection.
$4.60c



(b) Request for stoppage, withdrawal of post, or alteration of address (reg. 90)
$1.10c


(c) Late Fee (reg. 11)
$1.10c


(d) Fee for enquiry or request for information (reg. 19)
$1.10c


(e) Registration fee for overseas registered articles only (reg. 5)
$1.10c


(f) Compensation to a maximum of 60 francs (19.60 SDR) per item (reg. 50)



(g) Compulsory registration fee (reg. 43)
$1.10c


(h) Certificate of posting (reg. 5)
$1.10c


(i) Acknowledgement receipt of Registered Articles (AR) (reg. 42)
$1.10c


(j) Postage charge account 15% handling/administrative fee of the total monthly transaction
$3.20c


(k) Aerogramme Forms
Small size (unstamped)
$0.40c
Large size (unstamped)
$0.90c


(l) POSTPAC ENVELOPES


Size 1 (133 x 190)
Postpac
@ $0.95c
Size 2 (178 x 254)
Postpac
@ $1.15c
Size 3 (203 x 280)
Postpac
@ $1.30c
Size 4 (254 x 381)
Postpac
@ $1.60c
Size 5 (324 x 450)
Postpac
@ $1.15c


(m) TAPE PRODUCTS


TIP-R-12
Packaging Tape (Polypropylane)
@ $0.95c
TIP-R-CNT 101
Double coated tissue Tape
@ $1.15c
TIP-R-M20
Reinforcement Filament Tape
@ $0.80c
TIP-R-92
Retractable Handy Cutter
@ $1.35c
TIP-66266
Loose Fill Foam
@ $1.45c
TIP-350
Security seal
@ $0.95c
TIP-L90103
Address Label
@ $0.70c
(a) BBL-3001
Cushionwrap (350 mm x 350 mm)
@ $1.20c
(b) BBL-3001
Cushionwrap (280 mm x 350 mm)
@ $0.80c

PART B


INTERNAL POSTAL RATES


1. LETTERS (Reg. 5)


Weight of 50 g or less
25c
Weight over 50 g up to 100 g
50c
Weight over 100 g up to 150 g
75c
Weight over 150 g up to 200 g
$1.00
Weight over 200 g up to 400 g
$1.25c
Weight over 400 g up to 600 g
$2.50c
Weight over 600 g up to 800 g
$3.50c
Weight over 800 g up to 1000 g
$4.50c
Weight over 1000 g up to 2000 g
$8.00c

2. PRINTED PAPERS



Weight of 50 g or less
20c
Weight over 50 g up to 100 g
40c
Weight over 100 g up to 150 g
60c
Weight over 150 g up to 200 g
75c
Weight over 200 g up to 400 g
$1.30c
Weight over 400 g up to 600 g
$1.90c
Weight over 600 g up to 800 g
$2.65c
Weight over 800 g up to 1000 g
$3.25c
Weight over 1000 g up to 2000 g
$5.05c
For every 1000 g or part thereof in excess of 2000 g
$1.60c

3. POST CARDS 9 (Reg. 5)
20c

4. SMALL PACKETS (Reg. 5)


Weight of 100 g or less
45c
Weight over 100 g up to 200 g
85c
Weight over 200 g up to 400 g
$1.50c
Weight over 400 g up to 600 g
$2.15c
Weight over 600 g up to 800 g
$2.60c
Weight over 800 g up to 1000 g
$3.10c

5. REGISTERED NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE (Reg. 5)


Weight of 100g or less
20c
Weight over 20 g up to 100 g
35c
Weight over 100 g up to 250 g
75c
Weight over 250 g up to 500 g
$1.00c
Weight over 500 g up to 1000 g
$1.70c
Weight over 1000 g up to 2000 g
$2.65c
For every 1000 g or part thereof in excess 2000 g
$1.40c

6. PARCEL (Reg. 5)


Weight of 1 kg or less
$2.50c
Weight over 1 kg up to 3 kg
$3.25c
Weight over 3 kg up to 5 kg
$4.50c
Weight over 5 kg up to 10 kg
$5.45c
Weight over 10 kg up to 15 kg
$6.60c
Weight over 15 kg up to 20 kg
$9.50c

7. LITERATURE FOR THE BLIND (Reg. 5) Free, but with weight limit and dimension as for letters.

8. FEE ON REGISTRATION (Reg. 5 & 103)

Where maximum limit of compensation is $20
60c
Where maximum limit of compensation is $40
75c
Where maximum limit of compensation is $60
$1.00c
Where maximum limit of compensation is $80
$1.30c
Where maximum limit of compensation is $100
$1.60c

9. BUSINESS REPLY POST (Reg. 5)

(a) Fee for a Monthly Licence
$5.00 or such higher fees as the Comptroller of P & T after consulting the intending licensee may determined.
(b) Fee for each time a business reply card, envelope or wrapping is returned through the Post to the Licensee.
05c

10. HOUSEHOLD CIRCULAR (Reg. 161) For every 20 g or part thereof
20c

11. MISCELLANEOUS POSTAL TARIFFS

(a) Advise of delivery after posting (Reg. 5)
25c
(b) Parcel Posted in a Posting Box (Reg. 86)
70c
(c) Demurrage fee (Reg. 92)

(i) No charge for first 30 days

(ii) For every one week or part thereof after those 30 days (Reg. 92)
70c
(d) Normal Registration fee (Reg. 5)
70c
(e) Return or withdrawal of a Postal Packet (Reg. 127)
60c
(f) Fee for enquiry or request for information (Reg. 19)
70c
(g) Fee for exchange of mint postage stamps (Reg. 10)
10% face value
(h) Registration fee for newspapers and magazines (Reg. 150)
$22.40c
(i) Freight for Internal Surface mail (Reg. 155)

(i) per packet
$2.50c
(ii) per bag
$4.00c
(j) Handing charge - taxed mail (overseas Articles only)
30c
(k) Compulsory Registration fee (Reg. 43)
70c
(l) Advise of delivery at time of Posting (Reg. 5)
70c
(m) Certificate of Posting (Reg. 5)
70c
(n) Acknowledgement of receipt of registered article (Reg. 42)
70c
(o) Postal Charge account 15% handling/administrative fee of the total monthly transactions

(p) AEROGRAMME FORMS:

(i) Small size (unstamped)
10c
(ii) Large size (unstamped)
20c

PART C


PRIVATE POST OFFICE BOX AND BAG RENTALS


1.
PRIVATE POST OFFICE BOX AND BAG RENTALS
(Reg. 137 & 146)



(a) General Post Office:
Small size box
$50.00c

Medium size box
$75.00c

Large size box
$100.00c


(b)
Provincial Offices:
Small size
$50.00c

Medium size box
$60.00c

Large size box
$70.00c


2.
Private Bag
$50.00c



3.
Key deposit for private Letter Box
$10.00c



4.
New lock for private box
$25.00c

PART D


PARCEL POST


(a) Via SYDNEY

Country
Up to
1 kg
Up to
3 kg
Up to
5 kg
Up to
10 kg
Up to
15 kg
Up to
20 kg
$
$
$
$
$
$
Australia Direct
8.50
19.10
30.10
57.30
85.00
112.80
Ascension Is
11.80
25.20
38.65
71.00


Bahamas (Via Sydney)
11.80
25.20
38.65
71.00


Include






Barbados






Belize






Bolivia






Bermuda






Cayman Is






Dominica






Dominican Republic






Ecuador






El Salvador






Falkland Is.






French Guiana






Grenada






Guadeloupe






Guatemala






Honduras






Leeward Is.






Martinique






Mexico






Netherlands Antillies






Nicaragua






Panama Republic






Peru






Puerto Rico






St. Lucia






St. Vincent






Suriname






Trinidad and Tobago






Turks &Caicos Is.






Belgium
16.00
29.80
45.15
78.50


Brunei
11.50
25.80
38.20
69.80


Botswana
11.90
26.30
39.10
71.80


Burma
12.30
26.45
39.10
71.80


Cameroon
13.00
27.00
39.50
62.30


Central African Republic
13.25
28.45
40.00
74.20


Chile
13.25
27.20
39.55
72.80


China (People's Republic)
13.25
28.45
40.00
74.20


Colombia
12.35
27.00
40.00
65.00


Congo (People’s Republic)
14.25
28.60
41.45
76.40


Cyprus
14.25
28.70
41.90
76.30


Czechoslovakia
16.00
30.35
44.80
78.05


Denmark
12.45
26.90
40.05
72.70


Egypt
16.90
29.80
45.10
78.05


France
18.60
33.15
47.50
83.25


French Polynesia
14.45
28.70
40.60
75.90


Germany (Democ. Republic)
16.05
30.35
43.95
78.20


Germany (Federal Republic)
12.45
26.80
42.10
75.90


Gibraltar
12.45
26.80
42.10
73.65


Greece
15.15
29.25
43.50
77.20


Hong Kong
12.45.
26.80
42.10
73.65


Hungary
13.35
28.00
43.40
73.65


India
13.75
28.90
43.60
75.80


Indonesia
14.10
28.60
44.35
76.50


Iran
12.00
26.00
41.55
73.50


Ireland
12.00
25.80
41.55
73.10


Israel
12.60
26.80
42.70
74.70


Italy
14.10
28.60
43.60
76.50


Ivory Coast
12.00
28.60
46.85
81.00


Jamaica
12.00
28.60
46.80
81.00


Japan
14.70
29.60
46.95
78.50


Jordan
12.45
26.45
42.30
73.50


Kenya
12.45
27.55
38.00
73.15


Korea (Rep. of South)
12.45
26.45
42.10
73.50


Kuwait
12.90
27.00
42.85
74.70


Lesotho
13.35
27.25
43.25
74.85


Liberia
12.20
26.10
42.25
74.95


Libya
14.25
28.60
42.35
76.40


Malawi
12.80
26.80
42.80
74.20


Malaysia
12.45
26.45
42.70
73.25


Malta
12.35
26.80
42.70
74.10


Netherlands
13.35
27.35
43.40
74.75


Nigeria
13.10
27.25
43.25
74.05


Norway
14.25
27.80
43.60
74.75


Pakistan
12.45
26.90
42.25
74.95


Philippines
12.45
26.45
42.25
73.70


Poland
13.35
27.55
42.45
74.95


Portugal
13.75
28.00
44.15
75.85


Qatar
13.35
27.80
44.80
76.85


Seychelles
12.35
26.10
42.25
73.60


Sierra Leone
13.35
27.80
43.50
74.95


Singapore
12.45
26.45
42.30
73.70


South Africa
13.75
27.80
44.15
75.80


Spain
14.25
28.45
44.55
75.95


Sri Lanka
15.15
29.15
44.90
76.05


Swaziland
11.50
25.65
41.80
73.40


Sweden
14.60
28.60
44.35
76.05


Switzerland
13.00
27.20
43.40
74.85


Taiwan
12.90
27.00
43.25
74.80


Tanzania
14.90
29.60
45.15
77.95


Thailand
13.75
28.00
44.25
76.05


Tristan da Gunha
10.75
24.45
40.05
70.70


Turkey
14.00
28.30
43.80
75.60


Uganda
13.55
26.45
42.35
73.80


USSR
17.80
33.15
50.30
85.70


Vatican City State
12.45
26.45
42.10
73.65


Yemen Arab Rep
12.90
27.35
43.25
74.70


Yugoslavia
14.00
28.45
44.70
76.95


Zaire (Rep. of)
12.35
26.35
42.45
74.05


Zambia
14.70
29.40
46.50
78.30


Zimbabwe
10.95
24.75
40.20
73.15



(b) Via NADI

Country
Up to
1 kg
Up to
3 kg
Up to
5 kg
Up to
10 kg
Up to
15 kg
Up to
20 kg
$
$
$
$
$
$
Canada
12.20
27.55
42.45
79.40


Cook Islands
11.90
25.80
38.10
68.45


Hawaii
11.10
27.35
42.10
78.65


New Caledonia
14.10
27.90
40.35
71.00


Niue Islands
11.90
25.80
38.10
68.45


Samoa (Western)
10.65
24.45
36.50
66.40


Samoa (USA)
11.10
27.35
42.10
78.70


Tonga
11.30
25.20
37.55
69.20


Tuvalu
10.75
24.40
36.70
66.45


United Kingdom
14.60
29.25
42.45
73.50


United States of America
11.10
27.35
42.10
78.70


Wallis and Futuna
14.10
27.90
40.45
70.00



(c) DIRECT ROUTE

Country
Up to 1 kg
Up to 3 kg
Up to 5 kg
Up to 10 kg
Up to 15 kg
Up to 20 kg
$
$
$
$
$
$
Fiji
9.55
26.35
34.85
64.15
97.45
127.00
Kiribati
7.85
21.50
32.80
61.15
89.40
118.05
Nauru
7.50
16.80
24.55
43.40


New Zealand
12.20
26.20
38.65
69.35


Papua New Guinea
7.75
17.70
26.05
47.15
70.00
92.20
Vanuatu
9.00
18.40
26.35
46.40
66.95
87.25

(d) OVERSEAS AIRLIFT RATES

Country
Up to 1 kg
Up to 3 kg
Up to 5 kg
Up to 10 kg
Up to 15 kg
Up to 20 kg
$
$
$
$
$
$
Australia
6.20
10.45
13.35
21.75
28.45
36.50
United Kingdom
10.20
17.50
23.55
37.50
52.65
67.50
New Zealand
6.70
14.90
20.85
34.60


Note: Only parcels up to 10 kg can be accepted in New Zealand

(e) OVERSEAS SURFACE PARCEL RATES

Country
Up to 1 kg
Up to 3 kg
Up to 5 kg
Up to 10 kg
Up to 15 kg
Up to 20 kg
$
$
$
$
$
$
Australia & Territories
5.70
8.95
11.20
15.90
21.65
24.75
New Zealand (Via Australia)
6.20
11.30
15.25
24.45


United Kingdom (Via Australia)
8.20
13.00
17.60
23.55
31.60
39.45
All Other Countries Via Australia Zone:












1
4.95
8.50
10.85
15.80


2
5.35
11.65
15.90
25.00


3
6.20
11.90
16.60
26.00


4
6.50
12.55
17.40
27.55


5
6.85
13.70
18.60
28.60


(See Appendix "C" for Zones)
Note: Only parcels up to 10 kg can be accepted in a‘decouvert transit mail and New Zealand.

(f) INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS MAIL CHARGES


Service
Charges per weight steps

Express
Country
Up to 500 g
Up to 1 kg
Up to 3 kg
Up to 5 kg
Up to 10 kg
Up to 15 kg
Up to 20 kg

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Australia
13.45
16.80
28.00
39.20
67.20
100.00
-
Belgium
30.25
45.95
94.10
142.25
-
-

Fiji
13.45
16.80
28.20
39.20
67.20
-

Hong Kong
16.80
20.20
42.60
64.95
126.55
182.60
238.60
Iceland
29.15
40.35
85.10
134.40
252.00
-
-
Ireland
29.10
40.35
85.10
134.40
252.00
-
-
Japan
11.20
22.40
67.20
112.00
224.00
-
-
New Zealand
15.70
17.90
29.15
40.30
68.35
-
-
Papua New Guinea
9.00
11.20
19.05
26.90
51.55
78.40
95.20
Singapore
11.20
16.80
33.60
56.00
112.00
168.00
-
Switzerland
28.00
40.30
80.65
123.20
235.20
-
-
Taiwan
11.20
17.90
40.35
62.70
118.75
174.70
-
United Kingdom
29.15
40.30
85.15
134.40
252.00
369.60
-
USA
22.40
33.60
56.00
78.40
134.40
-
-

(g) INLAND EXPRESS MAIL SERVICE CHARGES
$1.60

APPENDIX 'A'


POSTAL TARIFF


Postal Zones for Airmail


ZONE 1


Up to 3000 km


Fiji
Papua New Guinea
Vanuatu

ZONE 2


3000 km to 6000 km


Australia
Cook Island
Kiribati
Mauritius
Nauru
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Norfolk Is.
Pitcairn Is
Samoa
Tonga
Tuvalu

ZONE 3


6000 km to 12000 km


Burma
Brunei
Cambodia
Caroline Is.
Christmas Is. (Indian Ocean)
Cocos (Keeling Is.)
French Polynesia
Guam
Hawaii
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Macao
Malaya
Maldive Is.
Mariana Is.
Marshall Is.
Midway Is.
Philippines
Portuguese
Timor
Sabah
Sarawak
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
Wake Is.



ZONE 4


12000km to 20000 km


Abu Dhabi
Aden
Afghanistan
Antigua
Antilles
Ascension
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Bermuda
Bhutan
Botswana
Guyana
Brit. Honduras
Brit. Virgin Is.
Brunei
Canada
Cayman Is.
Cent. Afr. Rep.

Comoro Is.
China Peoples Republic of
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dubai
French Guiana
French W. Indies
Granada
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
India
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Korea
Kuwait
Laos
Lebanon
Leeward Is.
Lesotho
Madagascar
Malawi
Mexico
Montserrat
Muscat
Nepal
Nicaragua
Pakistan
Panama
Persian Gulf
Portuguese E. of (Mozambique)
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Reunion
Saudi Arabia

St. Kitts-Nevis- Anguilla
St. Lucia
St. Pierre & Miquelon
St. Vincent Sri Lanka
Seychelles
Sharjah
South Africa
Surinam
Swaziland
Syria
Taiwan
Tibet
Trinidad &
Tristan
Turks and
Uganda
Tobago
Cunha
Caicos Is.

United Arab Rep.
United States
Virgin Is. USA
Yemen
Zimbabwe




ZONE 5


20000 km and over


Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Argentina
Austria
Azores
Balearic Is.
Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Brit-Antarctica
Bulgaria
Cameroon Rep.
Canary Is.
Cape Verde Is.
Chad
Chile
Colombia
Congo (Brazzaville)
Congo (Kinshasa)
Corsica
Cyprus
Czechoslovakia
Dahomey
Denmark
Dominican Rep.
Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea
El Salvador
Ethiopia
Falkland Is.
Faroe Is.
Finland
France
French Somali Land
Gabon
Gambia
Germany Federal & Dem
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Guinea
Hungary
Iceland
Irish Rep.
Italy
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Liberia
Libya
Luxembourg
Madeira
Mali
Malta
Mauritania
Morocco
Netherlands
Niger
Nigeria
Norway
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Portuguese West African Provinces
Romania
Rwanda
St. Helena
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Spain
North Africa
West Africa
Sudan
Sweden
Switzerland
Tanzania
Togo Rep.
Tunisia
Turkey
USSR
United Kingdom
Upper Volta
Uruguay
Vatican State
Venezuela
Yugoslavia
Zambia



APPENDIX 'B'


POSTAL TARIFF


Limits of Size and Weight of Postal Articles for both Overseas and Internal


(a) LETTERS


Weight:
Maximum 2 kg


Size:
Maximum length, width and depth combined 200 mm but the greatest dimension may not exceed 600 mm. In roll form: Length plus twice the diameter, 104 mm but the greatest dimension may not exceed 900 mm.



Minimum: to have a surface measuring not less than 90 x 140 mm, with a tolerance of 2 mm. In roll form: length plus twice the diameter, 170 mm, but the greatest dimension may not be less than 100 mm.

Items of smaller dimensions than the minimum set out above shall nevertheless be admitted if they bear a rectangular address label of card or strong paper, the dimensions of which are not less than 70 x 100 mm

(b) POSTCARDS


Weight:
Maximum 2 kg


Size:
Maximum 105 x 148 mm, with a tolerance of 2 mm.



Minimum as for letters

(c) PRINTED PAPERS


Weight:
Maximum 2 kg


Size:
Maximum as for letters



Minimum as for letters

(d) BOOKS & PAMPHLETS


Weight:
Maximum 5 kg


Size:
Maximum as for letters



Minimum as for letters

(e) LITERATURE FOR THE BLIND


Weight:
Maximum 7 kg



Maximum as for letter



Minimum as for letters

(f) SMALL PACKETS


Weight:
Maximum 1 kg


Size:
Maximum as for letters



Minimum as for letters

(g) PARCELS


Weight:
Maximum 20 kg, except New Zealand where it is 10 kg.


Size:
Maximum size shall not exceed 1.05 meters for any one dimension nor 3 meters for the sum of the length and the greatest circumference measured in a direction other than that of the length.



(h) REGISTERED NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES


Weight:
Maximum 2 kg


Size:
Maximum as for letters



Minimum as for letters

APPENDIX 'C'


POSTAL TARIFF


Postal Zones for Overseas Parcels


ZONE 1


American Samoa
New Caledonia and its Dependencies
Brunei
New Zealand and its Territories
Caroline Islands
Philippines
Cook Islands
Pitcairn Islands
Fiji
Portuguese Timor
French Polynesia
Singapore
Hawaii
Tonga
Indonesia
Tuvalu
Kiribati
Vanuatu
Malaysia
Wallis and Futuna Islands
Mariana Islands
Washington Island
Marshall Islands
Western Samoa
Nauru


ZONE 2


Burma
Maldive Islands
Cambodia
Mauritius

Nepal
China
Pakistan
Hong Kong
Reunion
India
Ryukyu Islands
Japan
Seychelles

Sri Lanka
Laos
Thailand
Korea
Vietnam (Southern Zone)

ZONE 3


Afghanistan
Persian Gulf States
Canada
St. Pierre and Miquelon
Iran
Saudi Arabia
Iraq
South Arabia, Federation of (including Aden)
Ireland
Syria
Israel
United Arab Republic
Jordan
United States of America
Kuwait
Yemen
Lebanon


ZONE 4


Albania
German Democratic Republic
Algeria
German Federal Republic
Angola
Ghana
Ascension
Gibraltar
Austria
Greece
Botswana
Guinea
Belgium
Hungary
Bulgaria
Italy
Burundi
Ivory Coast
Cameroon
Kenya
Cape Verde Islands
Lesotho
Central African Republic
Liberia
Chad
Libya
Congo (Brazzaville)
Liechtenstein
Congo, Democratic Rep. of the
Luxembourg
Cyprus
Madagascar
Czechoslovakia
Malawi
Dahomey
Maii
Ethiopia
Malta
France (including Corsica)
Mauritania
French Somaliland
Morocco
Gabon
Mozambique
Gambia, The
Netherlands
Niger
Spanish Guinea
Nigeria
Sudan
Poland
Swaziland
Portugal (including Azores & Madeira)
Switzerland
Romania
Togo
Rwanda
Tristan da Cunba
St. Helen
Tunisia
St. Thomas and Prince
Turkey
Senegal
Uganda
Sierra Leone
Upper Volta
Somalia
Vatican City State
South Africa
Yugoslavia
South West Africa
Zambia
Spain (including Balearic and Canary Islands)
Zimbabwe

ZONE 5


Argentina
Falkland Islands and Dependencies
Bahamas
Finland
Barbados
French Guiana
Bermuda
Greenland and Faroe Island
Bolivia
Guadeloupe
Brazil
Guatemala
British Honduras
Guyana
Cayman Islands
Haiti
Chile
Honduras
Colombia
Iceland
Costa Rica
Jamaica
Cuba
Leeward Islands
Denmark
Martinique
Dominical Republic
Mexico
Ecuador
Netherlands Antilles
El Salvador
Nicaragua
Norway
Trinidad and Tobago
Panama
Turks and Caicos Islands
Panama Canal Zone
Uruguay
Paraguay
U.S.S.R.
Peru
Venezuela
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
Surinam
Windward Islands
Sweden


______


SECOND SCHEDULE


FORM 1
(Regulation 125)


DECLARATION


I, A.B., do declare that I will be true and faithful in the execution of the trust committed to my charge and that I will not intentionally read the contents of any postal packet which I may open under the provisions of any Act now or hereafter to be in force relating to the post office except so far as it may be necessary for the purpose of ascertaining the name and address of the writer or sender thereof and I will not divulge to any person whatsoever except the Comptroller of Posts and Telecommunications or other officer in immediate charge of the post office any of the contents of any such postal packet.


Declared before me at ................... this ................... day of ...................., 19..... .


Comptroller of Posts and Telecommunication


________


FORM 2
(Regulation 156)


MAIL VOUCHER


Post Office,

To the Postmaster,


On delivery of this Order by him to you duly received please pay to the master of the ..................................... the sum of ..................................... dollars and cents for the conveyance of .................. mail bags .................. mail packets from ...................... to ...................... as detailed on the back hereof which were despatched this day of .............................., 19..... .


Postmaster


The above described mails have been received by me to-day.


Postmaster.


Date: .........................., 19..... .


Received the above amount at:


Date: .........................., 19...... .


Signature.


Details of Mails
Bags
Packets



From:
To:






"
"






"
"






"
"






"
"







Total



____________


THE POST OFFICE (MONEY ORDERS AND POSTAL ORDERS) REGULATIONS


ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS


REGULATION


1. CITATION


PART I


MONEY ORDERS


2. HOURS OF BUSINESS
3. ARRANGEMENTS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES
4. RATES OF COMMISSION
5. LIMIT OF AMOUNT
6. PAYMENTS HOW MADE
7. FORMS
8. REMITTER TO FURNISH INFORMATION
9. CROSSING
10. REPAYMENT AND TRANSFER OF ORDERS
11. ALTERATION OF NAME OF PAYEE OR REMITTER
12. PAYMENT MAY BE STOPPED
13. DUPLICATE ORDERS
14. ADVICES
15. PAYMENT NOT TO BE MADE UNLESS ADVICE RECEIVED
16. PAYMENT SUBJECT TO FUNDS BEING AVAILABLE
17. ORDERS VOID AFTER TWELVE MONTHS
18. SIGNATURE OF PAYEE
19. PAYMENT THROUGH A BANK
20. MUTILATED OR DEFACED ORDERS
21. PAYMENT OF ORDER
22. PAYMENT OF ORDERS ABROAD
23. TELEGRAPHIC MONEY ORDERS
24. COMMISSION
25. REPAYMENT OR TRANSFER OF TELEGRAPHIC MONEY ORDERS
26. TELEGRAM OF ADVICE MAY INCLUDE SHORT COMMUNICATION FROM REMITTER
27. GENERAL REGULATIONS TO APPLY TO TELEGRAPH ORDERS
28. ADVICE OF PAYMENT
29. REMITTER TO FURNISH PARTICULARS
30. ADVICE OF PAYMENT
31. RETENTION OF ADVICE FORM UNTIL PAYMENT
32. NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR DELAY, ETC.
33. ADVICE OF PAYMENT OF TELEGRAPHIC ORDER
34. TELEGRAM ADVISING PAYMENT
35. GENERAL REGULATIONS TO APPLY TO ADVICES IN RESPECT OF TELEGRAPHIC ORDERS
36. SEARCH FEE
37. RECORDS TO BE RETAINED FOR TWO YEARS
38. NON-LIABILITY OF COMPTROLLER


PART II


POSTAL ORDERS


39. RESTRICTION ON PAYMENT OF POSTAL ORDERS
40. HOURS OF BUSINESS
41. WHERE POSTAL ORDERS ARE PAYABLE
42. POUNDAGE
43. STAMPS ATTACHED TO POSTAL ORDERS IN EXTENSION OF VALUE
44. ISSUE OF ORDERS
45. CROSSING
46. REPAYMENT TO REMITTER
47. ONLY RIGHTFUL OWNER ENTITLED
48. VALIDITY OF ORDERS
49. PAYMENT OF ORDERS
50. SIGNATURE IN PRESENCE OF POSTMASTER
51. INQUIRY AS TO PAYMENT
52. DUPLICATE ORDER
53. MUTILATED OR DEFACED ORDERS
54. PAYMENT OF POSTAL ORDER
55. PAYMENT OF ORDERS IN INTESTATE ESTATES
56. NON-LIABILITY OF COMPTROLLER


FIRST SCHEDULE
SECOND SCHEDULE


_____________


THE POST OFFICE (MONEY ORDERS AND POSTAL ORDERS) REGULATIONS (Sections 32 & 34)


LN 47/1971
LN 19/1986
LN 82/1990
LN 163/1993


[20th August 1971]


Citation


1. These Regulations may be cited as the Post Office (Money Orders Citation and Postal Orders) Regulations.


PART I


MONEY ORDERS


Hours of business


2. Money orders shall be issued and paid at such offices and during such hours as the Comptroller may direct, and the Comptroller may direct such of his officers as he may think fit to issue and pay money orders.


Arrangements with other countries


3. Money orders may be issued for payment in any country with which arrangements have made by convention for the direct exchange of money orders, or in any other country through the intermediary of a country with which a money order convention exists, and similarly money orders issued in such countries for payment in Solomon Islands may be paid at the money order offices specified in such orders.


Rates of commission


4. - (1) The rates of commission which shall be charged for the issue of money orders and any other charges leviable under these Regulations shall be as prescribed in the First Schedule.

First Schedule


(3) A further commission at such rate as may from time to time be notified by the intermediate country may be levied upon money orders issued for payment in a country with which arrangements do not exist for a direct exchange of money orders, which commission maybe deducted by such intermediate country from the amount of any such orders.


Limit of amount


5. - (1) No money order shall be issued for a sum exceeding eighty dollars.


(2) The Comptroller in his discretion may refuse to issue a money order to any person who fails to satisfy the Comptroller that he bona fide requires the money for domestic purposes or in the ordinary course of business in the country in which the money order is payable.


(3) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Comptroller in pursuance of paragraph (2) may appeal to the Minister of Finance whose decision shall be final.


Payments how made


6. All payments for money orders, whether by or to the public, shall be made in legal tender.


Forms


7. Money orders shall only be issued on such forms as the Comptroller may direct.


Remitter to furnish information


8. Before any money order shall be issued the remitter shall furnish all information that may be required by the issuing officer on such form as the Comptroller may direct.


Crossing


9. Except in cases in which the regulations of the country of payment do not admit of the crossing for payment through a bank of money orders issued in Solomon Islands, the remitter or payee of any money order may direct by crossing the order that it be so paid, in which case the name of the payee may be given or withheld at the remitter's option.


Repayment and transfer of orders


10. - (1) Any money order once issued shall not be cancelled.


(2) A money order may, however, be repaid to the remitter, or payment thereof may be transferred from one office to another in Solomon Islands in which case application for repayment or transfer shall be made by the remitter through the postmaster of the office of issue of the order, or by the payee direct to the postmaster of the office at which the order is payable, and such postmaster shall issue a new order payable at the money order office at which payment is requested for the amount of the original order, less the amount of a further commission equal to that which would be payable were the money being remitted for the first time.


(3) In the case of money orders issued in Solomon Islands and payable in another country, the repayment of which is desired, application for repayment shall be made by the remitter to the Accountant, General Post Office, Honiara, who shall seek the authority of the country in which the order was made payable for repayment to be made to the applicant. In all cases the application shall specify the date of issue, the amount of the order, the offices at which it was issued and payable, and the names of the payee and remitter as stated in the postmaster's advice.


Alteration of name of payee or remitter


11. The remitter of a money order may have the name of the payee or remitter as specified in the original application altered, or in the case of a crossed order have the endorsement directing payment to be made through a bank cancelled, upon payment of the fee prescribed in the First Schedule, and such alteration may, in the case of a money order issued for payment within Solomon Islands, be made by telegraph upon payment of such further charge as may be prescribed in the said Schedule.

First Schedule

Payment may be stopped


12. The remitter of a money order shall have full control over the money represented thereby until the order shall have actually been paid, and shall have the power to stop payment of the amount thereof upon payment of the fee prescribed in the First Schedule and upon application to the postmaster of the office at which the money order is payable in Solomon Islands, or in the case of an order payable outside Solomon Islands to the Accountant, General Post Office, Honiara. No liability shall attach to the Comptroller if the order is paid in spite of such application.

First Schedule

Duplicate orders


13. - (1) In the event of miscarriage or loss of a money order payable in Solomon Islands, or for any other sufficient reason, either the remitter or the payee of the order may obtain a duplicate thereof upon written application to the Accountant, General Post Office, Honiara, and upon payment of the fee prescribed in the First Schedule. In every case full particulars of the order referred to shall be furnished by the applicant.

First Schedule


(2) The issue of duplicates of money orders payable outside Solomon Islands shall be subject to the authority of the country of payment.


Advices


14. The postmaster at the office at which a money order shall be issued shall by the first post after the issue of such order advise the postmaster of the office of payment to pay the amount thereof to the payee on presentation of the relative order; but no money order, other than a telegraphic money order, shall be paid on the day on which it shall have been issued.


Payment not to be made unless advice received


15. No money order shall be paid unless the corresponding advice in accordance with regulation 14 has been previously received and in the case of an order issued outside Solomon Islands unless it bears the stamp of the exchange office of the country of issue.


Payment subject to funds being available


16. Payment of a money order shall be subject to the possession by the postmaster of the paying office of sufficient funds.


Orders void after twelve months


17. Except in cases in which the regulations of the country of payment stipulate a lesser period, any money order issued in Solomon Islands shall remain valid for twelve months after the last day of the month in which it shall have been issued, when it shall become void. Nevertheless, the Comptroller shall have the power to renew the currency of any money order issued in Solomon Islands which shall have become void if he shall so think fit, upon the application of either the remitter or the payee and upon payment of the commission prescribed in the First Schedule.

First Schedule


Signature of payee


18. - (1) Before any money order shall be paid the payee, except in cases where the money order is passed through a bank, shall sign his name in ink in the space provided for the purpose on the money order, or in the case of a telegraphic money order on the special form provided, and shall furnish such means of identification or proof of his authority to receive payment of the order as may be required by the postmaster of the office of payment.


(2) If the payee cannot write, his mark shall be attested by a witness in the presence of the paying officer.


(3) The signature of the payee shall correspond in every particular with the name of the payee as stated in the advice received by the paying postmaster from the postmaster of the office at which the order was issued.


(4) The payee shall also correctly state the name of the remitter of the money order. Nevertheless, the Comptroller may at his discretion authorise the payment of a money order purporting to be signed by the payee, but in a form differing from the name of the payee as given in the advice, and such signature shall in all cases be sufficient authority to the postmaster for the payment of the amount of the order, and it shall not be necessary to prove that the receipt was signed by or under the authority of the payee. If the order shall have been signed otherwise than in the presence of the postmaster he may require the person presenting the order to sign his name again upon the order in his presence.


Payment through a bank


19. When a money order is paid through a bank in Solomon Islands, it shall be sufficient as regards the receipt that it be crossed (by stamp or in writing) with the name of the bank, and be presented by some officer known to be in the employment of that bank.


Mutilated or defaced orders


20. Should any money order be presented for payment in a mutilated or defaced condition, or bear signs of any erasure or alteration having been made therein, payment may be refused.


Payment of order


21. Any money order in connection with which the requirements of these Regulations shall have been properly complied with shall be paid upon receipt of the official advice by the postmaster and presentation of the order unless the officer to whom it is presented has good reason for believing that the applicant is not properly entitled to receive the money.


Payment of orders abroad


22. Any money orders issued in Solomon Islands for payment in any other country shall be subject, as regards payment, to the rules which govern the payment of money orders in the country in which they are payable.


Telegraphic money orders


23. Money may be remitted by telegraphic money order between such money order offices in Solomon Islands connected by telegraph as may from time to time be notified by the Comptroller or to or from any other country with which arrangements shall have been made for an exchange of telegraphic money orders.


Commission


24. The rates of commission to be charged on the issue of money orders shall be as shown in the First Schedule.

First Schedule


Repayment or transfer of telegraphic money orders


25. - (1) Application for repayment to the remitter of a telegraphic money order issued and payable within Solomon Islands or for transfer of payment thereof from one office to another may be made by telegraph through the postmaster of any telegraphic money order office upon payment of the fee prescribed in the First Schedule.

First Schedule


(2) Should it be desired that repayment or transfer of payment be effected by telegraphic money order, a further commission, equal to the original commission in addition to the telegraphic fee, shall be deducted by the transferring office from the amount of such order.


(3) If it be desired that repayment or transfer of payment be made by post, a fresh commission at the rate for an ordinary money order only shall be deducted.


Telegram of advice may include short communication from remitter


26. The remitter of a telegraphic money order, on paying for the additional words required, may add to the official telegram of advice any short communication in English which he may wish to send to the payee.


General regulations to apply to telegraphic orders


27. Except where otherwise provided in these Regulations, telegraphic money orders shall be subject to the regulations governing ordinary money orders.


Advice of payment


28. The remitter of any money order issued in Solomon Islands for payment within the same or in any country which may from time to time be notified by the Comptroller may, either at the time of the issue of such order or subsequent thereto, and upon payment of the fee prescribed in the First Schedule, be advised of the date of payment of such order, provided that application for such advice be made within twelve calendar months from the date of the issue of the order.


First Schedule

Remitter to furnish particulars


29. The remitter of any money order, advice of the payment of which is desired, shall furnish all such particulars in regard thereto as may be required by the postmaster at the office at which application for such advice of payment is made, together with the remitter's name and full address.


Advice of payment to be sent


30. When any such money order shall have been paid the postmaster at the office of payment shall forward to the remitter by first post, free of postage, an advice of payment stating the date upon which the order was paid.


Retention of advice form until payment


31. If any such money order shall not have been paid at the time of the arrival of the advice of payment form at the office of payment, the advice of payment form shall be retained by the postmaster at such office until the order shall have been paid.


No responsibility for delay, etc


32. The Comptroller shall not be responsible for any failure or delay in advising the remitter of the payment of any money order.


Advice of payment of telegraphic order


33. The remitter of any telegraphic money order issued in Solomon Islands for payment within the same or in any country which may from time to time be notified for the purposes of these Regulations by the Comptroller may upon application either at the time of application for the money order or at any time within twelve calendar months from the date of the issue of the order, and upon payment of the fee prescribed in the First Schedule, be advised by telegraph of the payment of such order.

First Schedule


Telegram advising payment


34. Upon payment of a money order in connection with which a telegraphic advice of payment shall have been paid for, the postmaster at the office of payment shall, so soon as may be, despatch to the remitter a telegram stating the date upon which the order was paid.


General regulations to apply to advices in respect of telegraphic orders


35. In all other respects the regulations applying to advices of payment in connection with ordinary money orders shall be held to apply to advices of payment in connection with telegraphic money orders.


Search fee


36. In the event of the remitter or payee or the authorised representative of either desiring information in regard to the issue or payment of any money order and being unable to specify the date of issue, the fee prescribed in the First Schedule shall be charged in respect of each month's accounts searched.

First Schedule


Records to be retained for two years


37. A record shall be kept by the Comptroller for a period of not less than two years of every money order issued or paid under these Regulations.


Non-liability of Comptroller


38. After once paying a money order, by whomsoever presented, the Comptroller shall not be liable to any further claim nor shall he be liable to pay compensation for loss or injury arising out of delay in payment of a money order, or out of any other irregularities in connection with a money order.


PART II


POSTAL ORDERS


Restriction on payment of postal orders


39. Subject to the provisions of regulation 41, the payment of postal orders under these Regulations shall be restricted to postal orders issued by the Comptroller, and such postal orders shall be valid only within Solomon Islands.


Hours of business


40. Postal orders shall be issued and paid at such offices and during such hours as may from time to time be notified by the Comptroller, and the Comptroller may direct such of his officers as he may think fit to issue and pay postal orders and to superintend the execution of these Regulations.


Where postal orders are payable


41. Postal orders may be issued for payment in any country which may from time to time be notified by the Comptroller, and postal orders issued in such countries for payment in Solomon Islands may be paid at the postal order offices specified in such orders.


Poundage


42. The rates of poundage which shall be charged for the issue of postal orders and any other charges leviable under these Regulations shall be as prescribed in the Second Schedule.

Second Schedule


Stamps attached to postal orders in extension of value


43. Valid postage stamps of Solomon Islands not exceeding nineteen cents in value and three in number may be affixed to the face of any postal order to supplement its value and such order shall be cashed on presentation for the full value of the order and the stamps combined.


Issue of orders


44. Before any postal order shall be issued, the remitter shall pay to the postmaster the amount of the order and the poundage due thereon, and shall furnish all such information as may be required by the postmaster. The postmaster shall then stamp it with the date-stamp of his office, indicating the date upon which the order is issued.


Crossing


45. Except in cases in which the regulations of the country of payment do not admit of the crossing for payment through a bank of postal orders issued in Solomon Islands, the remitter or payee of any postal order may direct by crossing the order that it be so paid.


Repayment to remitter


46. A postal order in which the name of the payee or the office of payment has been inserted may, at the discretion of the Comptroller, be repaid to the remitter.


Only rightful owner entitled


47. The possession of an order shall not entitle any person other than the rightful owner thereof to the amount represented thereby.


Validity of orders


48. No postal order shall be paid after the expiration of six months from the last day of the month in which it shall have been issued unless application is made on the approved form to the Comptroller and upon payment of the fees prescribed in the Second Schedule.

Second Schedule


Payment of orders


49. - (1) Before any postal order shall be paid, the payee, unless it be presented through a bank, shall fill in the name of the office at which the order is to be paid (if this has not already been done), and sign his name in ink in the space provided for the purpose on the order, and shall furnish such means of identification or proof of his authority to receive payment of the order as may be required by the postmaster of the office of payment.


(2) If the payee cannot write, his mark shall be attested by a witness in the presence of the paying officer.


(3) The signature of the payee shall correspond in every particular with the name of the payee as stated in the postal order. Nevertheless, the Comptroller may at his discretion authorise the payment of a postal order purporting to be signed by the payee but in a form different from the name of the payee as stated in the order.


(4) Such signature shall in all cases be a sufficient authority to the postmaster for the payment of the amount of the order, and it shall not be necessary to prove that the receipt was signed by or under the authority of the payee.


Signature in presence of postmaster


50. If an order shall have been signed otherwise than in the presence of the postmaster, he may require the person presenting such order to sign his name again upon the order in his presence.


Inquiry as to payment


51. The remitter or payee of any postal order shall, upon application at any time within twelve months of the issue thereof, and upon payment of the fee prescribed in the Second Schedule, be furnished with information as to the payment of such order and full particulars of the order and all other information as may be required by the Comptroller shall be furnished by the applicant.

Second Schedule

Duplicate order


52. - (1) Upon satisfactory proof of the loss or destruction of a postal order, and upon payment of the fee prescribed in the Second Schedule, a duplicate of the original order may be issued at the discretion of the Comptroller.

Second Schedule


(2) In every application for a duplicate order the applicant shall give an undertaking in writing to refund to the Comptroller the amount of the duplicate order should the original order subsequently be paid or prove to have already been paid.


Mutilated or defaced orders


53. Any postal order presented for payment in a mutilated or defaced condition, or bearing signs of any erasure or alteration having been made therein, may be refused payment.


Payment of postal order


54. Any postal order in connection with which the requirements of these Regulations shall have been complied with shall be paid upon presentation of the order unless the officer to whom it is presented has good reason for believing that the applicant is not entitled to receive the money.


Payment of orders in intestate estates


55. Should the payee of any postal order die intestate before payment of such order is effected, and letters of administration be not produced to the Comptroller, the Comptroller may at his discretion pay the amount of such order either to the next-of-kin of the deceased payee or to such other person as may to the Comptroller appear to be entitled thereto, and every such payment shall be a valid and effectual discharge against any demand or claim made upon the Comptroller by any other person as being the lawful representative of such payee, and any such person claiming as aforesaid shall have his remedy by recourse against the person who shall have received such payment and not otherwise.


Non-liability of Comptroller


56. After once paying a postal order, by whomsoever presented, the Comptroller shall not be liable to any further claim nor shall he be liable to pay compensation for loss or injury arising out of delay in payment of a postal order, or out of any other irregularities in connection with a postal order.


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FIRST SCHEDULE


LN 163/1993


MONEY ORDER FEES


Commission on Money order (re. 4)
20¢ per SI$ or part thereof plus through commission (20¢ per order) where applicable.
Alteration of name of payee or remitter (reg. 11)
85¢
Stoppage of Payment (reg. 12)
85¢
Issue of duplicate order (reg. 13)
Fee equivalent to original commission with a minimum of 85.
Advice of payment (reg. 28)
85¢
Search fee (reg. 36)
$3.35 in respect of each months account search.
Commission on Telegraphic Money Order (reg. 24)
Fee equivalent to the commission on an ordinary order plus telegraphic charges where applicable.
Repayment of transfer of Telegraphic Order (reg. 25)
Fee equivalent to original commission plus telegraphic charges where applicable.
Advise of payment of Telegraphic Money Order (reg. 33)
85¢ plus telegraphic charges.

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SECOND SCHEDULE


POSTAL ORDER FEES


Poundage on Postal Orders (Reg. 42)


Denomination
Poundage
Denomination
Poundage
20c
4c
$5.00
11c
40c
4c
$6.00
11c
60¢
$7.00
11¢
80¢
$8.00
11¢
$1.00
8c
$9.00
11¢
$1.50
$10.00
11¢
$2.00
$15.00
20¢
$3.00
11¢
$20.00
20¢
$4.00
11¢




Payment of Out of Date Postal Order (Reg. 48)
Fee equivalent to original commission plus single rate postage if application
is not lodged direct with the
Accountant, General Post Office,
Honiara.
LN 163/1993
Inquiry as to Payment of Postal Order (Reg. 52)
85¢

Issue of a Duplicate Postal Order (Reg. 52)
Fee equivalent to original commission plus single rate postage if application is not lodged direct with the Accountant, General Post Office, Honiara.

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