No. 202/1939:

THE INLAND POST WARRANT, 1939.

THE INLAND POST WARRANT, 1939.

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS AND TELEGRAPHS.

INLAND POST.

THE INLAND POST WARRANT, 1939. DATED 29th JULY, 1939.

The Minister for Finance, on the representation of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs as testified by his signature hereto, and in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Post Office Acts, 1908 to 1937, and of every and any other power him in this behalf enabling, hereby by this Warrant orders as follows :—

PRELIMINARY AND GENERAL.

1.—(1) This Warrant may be cited as the Inland Post Warrant, 1939.

(2) This Warrant shall come into operation on the 1st day of September, 1939.

2. The Interpretation Act, 1937 (No. 38 of 1937), applies to this Warrant.

3. In this Warrant—

" The Minister."

(1) The expression " the Minister " means the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.

" Ireland."

(2) The expression " Ireland " shall be construed as not including any area which is, for the time being, not within the area and extent of application of the laws enacted by the Oireachtas.

" Letter."

(3) The expression " Letter " means any postal packet which is not a postcard, printed packet, sample packet, newspaper, parcel, or literature for the blind.

" Postcard."

(4) The expression " Postcard " means a card of the authorised dimensions bearing either an impressed or an adhesive stamp denoting a rate of postage, and, except where the context otherwise requires, includes a reply postcard.

" Reply Postcard."

(5) The expression " Reply Postcard " means a postcard in two parts, connected together, and of such a character that the person receiving the same through the post may, without further payment, again transmit one part of such card through the post.

" Printed Packet."

(6) The expression " Printed Packet " means a packet which consists of or contains one or more of the following articles or documents :—

(a) Books and other publications or works of a literary character, whether containing written dedications or not, and any other written or printed matter not being in the nature of a letter (on paper or on some substance ordinarily used for writing or printing).

(b) Sketches, drawings, paintings, photographic prints, and engravings on paper or on some substance ordinarily used for the purpose, provided it is not a brittle or exceptionally fragile substance.

(c) Maps, plans and charts, on paper or some other substance ordinarily used for the purpose, provided it is not a brittle or exceptionally fragile substance.

(d) The binding or mounting of any article hereinbefore described, provided such binding or mounting be of a kind ordinarily used for the purpose, be not made of glass, or any brittle or exceptionally fragile substance, and be transmitted in the same packet with the article in respect of which it is used.

(e) The following documents, whether containing matter in the nature of a letter or not, provided they respectively conform to the following conditions :—

(f) Anything necessary or convenient for the safe transmission of any of the before-mentioned articles by post when transmitted in the same packet with the article in respect of which it is so used.

Any two or more documents coming within the definition of a printed packet may appear on the same sheet of paper, provided they are kept wholly distinct from one another.

On any printed packet or on its cover it is allowed to indicate, by hand or by a mechanical process, the name, description and address of the sender or of the addressee, and the date of despatch, the sender's signature, telephone number and telegraphic address and code.

In this definition expressions referring to print or printing shall be taken to refer to any species of type-printing easy to recognise, and to include lithography, hand stamping, or any mechanical process ordinarily used to produce a number of identical copies of written matter, and easy to recognise, but except in relation to circulars shall not be taken to include type-printing after the fashion or in imitation of type-writing, or the reproduction of type-writing by the Mimeograph or any other mechanical process ordinarily used to produce a number of identical copies of written matter. Any formula of courtesy or of a conventional character which may be written on any particular document may be written on the envelope, or on a fly leaf, or on a loose sheet accompanying the document, instead of on the document itself.

Expressions referring to writing shall be taken to include type-writing or any mechanical or other process ordinarily used to produce a single document.

" Newspaper."

(7) The expression " Newspaper " means—

(a) a newspaper and any supplement thereto as respectively defined by the Post Office Act, 1908, and any subsequent Act ;

(b) a publication which is within the definition aforesaid in all respects save as regards the proportion of advertisements to other matter and which was stamped as a newspaper before the 15th day of June, 1855.

" Sample Packet."

(8) The expression " Sample Packet " means a packet containing a specimen (without saleable value) of goods for sale :—

(a) either with or without any article or document transmissible as a printed packet, and

(b) either with or without a cover or label for the return of the sample to the dealer by whom the sample was originally posted.

" Literature for the Blind."

(9) The expression " Literature for the Blind " means books and papers impressed in " Braille," or other special type, for the use of the blind.

" Parcel."

(10) The expression " Parcel " means a postal packet which is posted as a parcel in accordance with the provisions of this Warrant or any Warrant amending the same.

" Postal Packet."

(11) The expression " Postal Packet " means any letter, postcard, printed packet, sample packet, newspaper, parcel, and literature for the blind.

" Express Packet."

(12) The expression " Express Packet " means a postal packet conveyed and delivered by special messenger at the request of the sender or the addressee, throughout its whole course in the post or any part thereof.

" Express Delivery Office."

(13) The expression " Express Delivery Office " means any post office from time to time authorised by the Minister for the reception of postal packets for conveyance and delivery by special messenger.

" Late Fee Postal Packet."

(14) The expression " Late Fee Postal Packet " means a postal packet posted after the ordinary hours of collection for particular despatches by being handed in at such post offices or otherwise posted in such manner as may be prescribed.

" Inland Cash-on-Delivery Parcel."

(15) The expression " Inland Cash-on-Delivery Parcel " means a parcel upon which the Minister undertakes at the request of the sender to collect or secure the collection of a sum of money (in this Warrant referred to as a Trade Charge) on his behalf from the addressee of the parcel as a condition of delivery and upon which the sender has paid the fee for the Inland Cash-on-Delivery Service.

" Inland."

(16) The expression " Inland " when used in relation to any postal packet or any description thereof, means posted within Ireland and addressed to some place in Ireland.

"Re-direction"

(17) The expression " Re-direction " as applied to a postal packet includes re-posting.

" Jewellery."

(18) The expression " Jewellery " means :—

(a) gold, silver, or platinum or other precious metal in a manufactured state, that is to say, a state in which value is added to the raw material by skilled workmanship, and in this definition are included any coins used or designed for the purposes of ornament ;

(b) diamonds and precious stones ;

(c) watches, the cases of which are entirely or mainly composed of gold, silver or platinum or other precious metal ; and

(d) any article of a like nature which, apart from workmanship, has an intrinsic or marketable value.

" Paper Money."

(19) The expression " Paper Money " means—

(a) legal tender notes ; notes of any bank of issue, or notes which are current, in Ireland or any other country or state ;

(b) Money Orders and Postal Orders ;

(c) unobliterated postage or revenue stamps, whether embossed or adhesive ;

(d) exchequer bills, bank post bills, bills of exchange, promissory notes, cheques, credit notes which entitle the holder to money or goods, and all orders and authorities for the payment of money, whether negotiable or not ;

(e) bonds, coupons, and securities for money, whether negotiable or not.

" Fictitious Postage Stamp."

(20) The expression " Fictitious Postage Stamp " means any facsimile or imitation or representation of any stamp for denoting any rate or duty of postage whether of Ireland or of any other country or state.

" Postal Form."

(21) The expression " Postal Form " means a form issued by or under the authority of the Minister.

" Prescribed."

(22) The expression " Prescribed " means prescribed by the Minister.

4. Except where it is in this Warrant otherwise expressly provided, the provisions of this Warrant shall be deemed to apply exclusively to inland postal packets and to postal packets transmitted between Ireland and Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, so far as relates to the posting, conveyance, delivery and treatment thereof under the authority of the Minister.

RATES AND CONDITIONS OF POSTAGE AND CERTAIN SERVICES.

5.—(1) There shall be charged and paid upon the postal packets specified in the first column of the First Schedule hereto the rates of postage respectively specified in the second column thereof ; the limits of size and weight of such postal packets shall not (except with the special permission of the Minister) exceed those respectively specified in the third and fourth columns of the said Schedule ; and the transmission thereof by post shall be subject to the conditions set out in the fifth column of the said Schedule and to the further conditions and provisions contained in the body of this Warrant.

(2) There shall be charged and paid for the services specified in the first column of the Second Schedule hereto the charges specified or referred to in the second column of the said Schedule and the said services shall be subject to the provisions contained or referred to in the third column of the said Schedule and to the further conditions and provisions contained in the body of this Warrant.

(3) There shall be charged and paid for the conveyance of an express packet conveyed in the manner specified in the first column of the Third Schedule hereto fees at the rates specified in the second and fourth columns of the said Schedule. The services shall be subject to the limits of size and weight of the postal packets conveyed referred to in the third column of the same Schedule, to the provisions specified in the fourth column thereof and to the further provisions contained in the body of this Warrant.

GENERAL CONDITIONS.

6.—(1) There shall not be posted or conveyed or delivered by post any postal packet—

(1) Consisting of or containing any indecent or obscene print, painting, photograph, lithograph, engraving, book or card, or any other indecent or obscene article, whether similar to the above or not ; or

(2) Having thereon, or on the cover thereof, any words, marks, or designs of an indecent, obscene or grossly offensive character ; or

(3) Consisting of or containing—

(a) any explosive substance ;

(b) any dangerous substance ;

(c) any filth ;

(d) any noxious or deleterious substance ;

(e) any sharp instrument not properly protected ;

(f) except with the special permission of the Minister, any living creature ;

(g) any article or thing whatsoever which is likely to injure other postal packets in course of conveyance, or any receptacle in which the same are conveyed, or an officer of the Post Office or other person who may deal with such packet ; or

(4) Containing or bearing any fictitious postage stamp or any counterfeit impression of a stamping machine used under the direction or by the permission of the Minister ; or

(5) Purporting to be prepaid with any stamp or impression of a stamping machine which has been previously used to prepay any other postal packet, or any other revenue duty or tax ; or

(6) Having thereon or on the cover thereof any words, letters, or marks (used without due authority) which signify or imply, or may reasonably lead the recipient thereof to believe, that the postal packet is sent on the business of the State ; or

(7) Having thereon or on the cover thereof any words, marks, or designs of a character likely, in the opinion of the Minister, to embarrass the officers of the Post Office in dealing with the packet in the post ; or

(8) Of such a form or so made up for transmission by post as to be likely, in the opinion of the Minister, to embarrass the officers of the Post Office in dealing with the packet in the post ; or

(9) Having anything written, printed, or otherwise impressed upon or attached to any part of that side of the packet which bears the address at which the packet is to be delivered, which, either by tending to prevent the easy and quick reading of the address of the packet, or by inconvenient proximity to the stamp or stamps used in the payment of postage, or in any other way, is in itself, or in the manner in which it is written, printed, impressed, or attached, likely in the opinion of the Minister to embarrass the officers of the Post Office in dealing with such postal packet.

(II) Where the Minister has prescribed any particular colour, form or design for use in relation to a particular class of postal packets, it shall not be lawful to post or tender for conveyance by post any other postal packet of such colour, form or design.

7.—(1) There shall not be posted, or conveyed, or delivered by post any postal packet consisting of or containing two or more postal packets (of the same or of different descriptions) addressed to different persons who are at different addresses.

(2) If any such postal packet be posted, or tendered for conveyance by post, each postal packet contained therein may be forwarded to the addressee thereof charged with an additional rate of postage according to the prepaid rates fixed by this Warrant.

8. Every postal packet must be made up and secured in such manner as in the opinion of the Minister is calculated to prevent injury to any other postal packet in course of conveyance, or to any receptacle in which the same is conveyed, or to an officer of the Post Office or other person who may deal with such packet, and where the Minister has made any special rules in relation to the packing of any particular packet or article, such rules shall be observed.

9. Subject to the provisions of any Enactment and to the provisions of this Warrant, the postage payable on every postal packet must be prepaid.

10.—(1) Postage may be prepaid either—

(a) by adhesive postage stamps ; or

(b) by impressions of stamping machines working under the direction or by the permission of the Minister ; or

(c) by the use of a stamped envelope, cover, postcard, or other postal form ; or

(d) by the use of an embossed or impressed stamp cut out of or otherwise detached from an envelope, cover, postcard, or other postal form ; or

(e) in such manner as the Minister may from time to time prescribe.

Provided that—

(i) No stamp or impression of a stamping machine which is imperfect or mutilated or defaced in any way shall be used in payment or to denote payment of postage,

(ii) no stamp indicating on the face thereof payment of a registration fee as well as postage shall be used in payment of postage on any unregistered postal packet, and

(iii) packets bearing the impression of stamping machines and packets intended for impression by stamping machines shall be accepted only at such Post Offices as the Minister thinks fit and within such hours, and under and subject to such rules, conditions and restrictions as the Minister shall from time to time prescribe.

11.—(1) A person who regularly makes extensive use of the Post may, with the consent of the Minister, open a deposit account for the payment of postage at such Post Offices as may be appointed for the purpose and under such conditions as may from time to time be prescribed.

(2) The sender shall pay, in respect of each period of twelve months, an annual fee for each such account as specified in the second column (opposite paragraph 4 of the first column) of the Second Schedule hereto and shall sign an undertaking to pay on demand the amount of any postage due to the Minister.

(3) The sender shall also pay, by way of deposit, a sum sufficient to prepay postage for a week, month or other convenient period, and at the end of such period shall remit to the Minister the amount of the postage which shall have become due.

12. Where postage is prepaid the stamp or impression on the envelope, cover, postcard, or other form shall be in such position as the Minister may deem convenient.

13. Except with the special permission of the Minister, nothing shall be written, printed, or otherwise impressed upon, or across, the postage stamp on any postal packet.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS AS TO POSTCARDS.

14. The following special conditions shall apply to postcards :—

(1) A postcard shall be made of cardboard or paper stout enough not to hinder its manipulation and (except as the Minister shall otherwise direct or authorise in regard to reply postcards) no writing or printing, other than the name and address of the addressee, shall appear on the right-hand half of the face thereof.

(2) Nothing whatever shall be in any manner attached to a postcard except—

(a) Postage stamps in payment of postage or of sums payable as late fee or for registration or for advice of delivery or for express delivery ;

(b) Illustrations, drawings, engravings, photographs, stamps of any kind, paper bearing the address or other written or printed matter. Provided that all such articles shall be of such nature as not to alter the character of the postcard, and shall consist of paper or other very thin substance and shall adhere completely to the postcard. Provided also that stamps likely to be mistaken for stamps used for payment of postage shall not be affixed to the address side of a postcard.

(3) The two parts of a reply postcard may be folded together, but, save as aforesaid, a postcard or a reply postcard shall not be in any way folded, but shall be sent in one piece, unenclosed and open, through the post.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS AS TO PRINTED PACKETS.

15. The following special conditions shall apply to printed packets :—

(a) Every such packet shall be subject to examination in the post.

(b) Every such packet shall be posted either without a cover or in an unfastened cover or in a cover which can be easily removed for the purpose of examination without breaking any seal or tearing any paper or separating any adhering surfaces or cutting any string.

(c) Any such packet posted without a cover shall not be fastened or otherwise treated so as to prevent easy examination.

(d) Any such packet shall not contain or bear any communication in the nature of a letter.

(e) A circular which is reproduced from or produced after the fashion or in imitation of a type-written document shall not be sent by post as a printed packet save under such conditions as the Minister may from time to time direct.

(f) Paper money shall not be posted or conveyed or delivered by post in a printed packet, but this condition shall not apply to a stamped proxy paper or to a stamped and addressed card, wrapper or envelope forwarded by the sender of the packet in order that such card, wrapper or envelope may be returned through the post to such sender or some person designated by him.

(g) Any such packet shall not contain any article sent as goods or merchandise or any sample of material of any kind.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS AS TO NEWSPAPERS.

16.—(1) The provisions of the First Schedule hereto relating to newspapers apply exclusively to newspapers registered in the manner provided by this Warrant.

(2) The proprietor of any newspaper may register it at the General Post Office, Dublin, for transmission by post, on payment to the Minister of a fee of five shillings.

(3) The registration of a newspaper may be renewed from year to year, on payment to the Minister of a fee of five shillings.

(4) Any newspaper not registered as aforesaid will, if posted, or tendered for transmission by post, be charged with postage as a printed packet, letter, or parcel of the same weight, whichever treatment involves the lowest charge.

17.—(1) Every newspaper or packet of newspapers shall be posted either in a cover open at both ends, and so that the same can be easily removed for the purpose of examination, or without a cover and tied with string which can be removed without cutting.

(2) Every newspaper when posted shall be so folded and covered (if posted in a cover) as to permit the title to be readily inspected.

(3) An article not part of the newspaper shall not be posted in the newspaper or in the same cover with the newspaper.

(4) A newspaper and a cover of a newspaper shall not bear anything (not being part of the newspaper) except—

(1) the names, addresses and descriptions of the sender and addressee with index or reference numbers and letters ;

(2) a request for the return of the newspaper in the event of non-delivery ;

(3) the words " With compliments," " Specimen Copy," or " Voucher Copy " ;

(4) the title of the newspaper, and a reference to its registration for transmission by post ; and

(5) a reference to any page of or place in the newspaper to which the attention of the addressee is directed.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS AS TO SAMPLE PACKETS.

18. The following special conditions shall have effect with regard to sample packets :—

(a) The use of the Sample Post will be restricted to bona fide trade samples and no article will be admissible unless it is a specimen of goods for sale. The specimen must be in itself without saleable value. The Sample Post must not be used in any circumstances for the conveyance of goods of any kind for sale or consigned in execution of an order (however small the quantity) sent from a dealer to an actual or possible purchaser, or for the transmission of articles from one private person to another.

(b) Every such packet shall be subject to examination in the post. Articles sent by Sample Post must be sent in covers open at the ends or in unsealed envelopes or packed in such a manner as to allow the Postal Staff to examine them easily. The upper left-hand corner of the packet should be clearly marked " Sample." Seeds, tea, flour, drugs and similar articles which cannot be sent in open wrappers or covers may be sent in boxes or bags made up in such a way as to admit of easy examination.

(c) The name and address of the firm by whom the packet is sent must be printed or conspicuously stamped on the outside of the wrapper or on the address label, preferably at the top left-hand corner and at right angles to the name and address of the addressee.

(d) A packet sent by Sample Post must not contain a letter or any communication in the nature of a letter, but a document admissible at the Printed Paper rate may be enclosed.

(e) Sample packets shall not be transmitted between Ireland and Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS AS TO LITERATURE FOR THE BLIND.

19. The following provisions shall apply to postal packets consisting of literature for the blind :—

(a) Every packet shall bear on the outside thereof the inscription " Literature for the Blind " and the written or printed name and address of the sender.

(b) Every packet shall be subject to examination in the post.

(c) Every packet shall be posted either without a cover or in a cover open at both ends and so that the same can be easily removed for the purposes of examination.

(d) A packet shall not contain any article not being literature for the blind (except a label which may bear the name and address of the person to whom the packet is to be returned).

(e) A packet shall not contain any communication or inscription either in writing or in ordinary type (except the title, date of publication, serial number, names and addresses of printer and publisher, price and table of contents of the book or paper, and any key to, or instructions for, the use of the special type).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS AS TO PARCELS.

20.—(1) All parcels intended to be transmitted by post shall (except as otherwise provided in this Warrant) be posted by being handed in at a post office in the manner hereinafter provided, on the days and within the hours during which such office shall be open to the public for the posting of parcels.

(2) Every parcel must be packed and enclosed in a reasonably strong case, wrapper, or cover, in such a manner as in the opinion of the Minister is calculated to preserve the contents from loss or damage in the post, and to prevent any tampering with its contents.

21. In respect of every parcel intended to be posted at a post office, the sender shall hand it to an officer on duty at the counter in such office. If such parcel does not exceed the limits of weight or measurement mentioned in the First Schedule hereto, the postage thereon, according to the rates mentioned in that Schedule, shall be paid in accordance with Regulations 10 or 11 of this Warrant, and any such parcel shall not be forwarded by the post until the postage chargeable thereon shall have been properly paid ; and if any such parcel shall be left at a post office without the postage chargeable thereon having been properly paid, such parcel shall be detained, and may be returned or given up to the sender thereof, or otherwise dealt with or disposed of in any manner authorised by this Warrant.

22. The Minister may, if he thinks fit, from time to time authorise such officers as he may direct to receive parcels for the post otherwise than at a post office under such rules and conditions as he may from time to time prescribe.

23.—(1) Parcels intended to be transmitted by post between Ireland and Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, shall not be posted, forwarded, conveyed, or delivered, except subject to such Regulations as are referred to in Section 14 of the Post Office Parcels Act, 1882.

(2) In respect of every parcel posted in Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, and intended to be delivered in Ireland, to which such Regulations as aforesaid apply, and upon the contents of which any duty is payable under the Customs Acts, there shall be charged and paid such further sum or fee not exceeding sixpence as the Minister shall direct.

24. Where the sender of a parcel addressed to Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, desires that the parcel may be delivered to the addressee free of all Customs duties and other charges thereon, the following rules shall apply to the parcel :—

(a) The parcel shall be posted at a Post Office prescribed by the Minister for the purpose ;

(b) There shall be charged and paid on the parcel in addition to all postage payable thereon, the amount of the Customs Duty, and of all other charges payable on the delivery of such parcel, and such further sum or fee not exceeding one shilling as the Minister shall direct ;

(c) The sender shall sign an undertaking (in such form as the Minister may from time to time prescribe) to pay on demand the amount of such Customs Duty and other charges as aforesaid ;

(d) The sender shall also, if so required, pay, by way of deposit, at the time of posting the parcel, such sum as the Minister may prescribe in respect of such Customs duties and other charges.

IRREGULAR POSTING.

25. If any postal packet is found, when in the post, not to comply with the conditions applicable to its transmission, it shall be forwarded charged with the lowest rate of postage which is applicable to the packet, provided that—

(1) If forwarded as a letter, postcard or printed packet, the conditions in the fifth column of the First Schedule hereto (being the conditions relating to letters, postcards and printed packets) shall apply.

(2) If forwarded as a parcel, it shall be charged with the appropriate rate of postage and an additional fee of one penny, less any postage prepaid.

(3) The Minister may, in any case, in his discretion, instead of forwarding the packet, return the same to the sender, or otherwise dispose thereof as he may think fit.

RE-DIRECTION.

26.—(1) Any postal packet may be re-directed from its original address, or any substituted address, to the same addressee at any other address.

(2) Any postal packet (other than a parcel) so re-directed as aforesaid shall be transmitted by post free of any charge or rate of postage in respect of such transmission, provided that such packet is re-directed on the day of its delivery at the address from which it is re-directed, or on the day next following.

(3) In calculating the period within which a re-directed packet may be transmitted free of charge, under this Regulation (hereinafter referred to as " the period of free re-direction "), the following days shall not be computed, that is to say, a Sunday, Christmas Day, Good Friday, or a Public Holiday.

(4) Upon any postal packet (other than a parcel) re-directed at any time subsequent to the period of free re-direction, and upon any parcel whenever re-directed, there shall be charged in respect of each re-direction and (if not previously paid) shall be paid by the addressee thereof in money upon the delivery of such packet or parcel the following additional rate of postage and fees (that is to say) :—

(a) In the case of an unregistered postal packet or parcel an additional rate of postage equal in amount to the rate of postage originally chargeable thereon ;

(b) In the case of a registered postal packet or parcel the said additional rate of postage together with an additional registration fee according to the provisions of this Warrant.

Provided that the Minister may remit such additional rate of postage and (where applicable) registration fee in the case of a parcel (whether registered or unregistered) re-directed within the period of free re-direction, if the parcel is re-directed to an address served from the same Delivery Office or to an address within the same Town Delivery Area.

27.—(1) In any case where an officer of the Post Office has reasonable cause to believe that a packet, purporting to be re-directed, has been posted as a re-directed packet with a view to evading the payment of any postage chargeable by law upon such packet, he may, before the delivery of such packet, require the addressee (who shall furnish proof of identity to the satisfaction of such officer) to sign a receipt for the same.

(2) Any re-directed closed packet which appears to have been opened before being re-directed, and any packet which purports to be re-directed, but which appears to have been treated in a manner designed to evade the payment of any postage chargeable thereon by law, shall be dealt with and charged as an unpaid packet of the same description or otherwise dealt with as may be authorised by the Minister.

RETURN OF POSTAL PACKETS.

28.—(1) The following provisions shall apply to any postal packet (other than a parcel) chargeable by law with a postage not less than the minimum letter rate in force for the time being which cannot be delivered through want of a true direction, or by reason that the addressee is dead, or cannot be found, or has refused the same, or has refused or neglected to pay any charges thereon, or for any other sufficient reason :—

(a) Where the full name and address of the sender appear legibly on the outside of such packet (as is hereby authorised notwithstanding anything in this Warrant contained) the packet shall be returned to the sender unopened, but subject to payment of any charges to which it has become liable.

(b) Where the name and address of the sender do not appear on the outside of such packet or are illegible, the packet may be opened by any officer of the Post Office duly authorised in that behalf, and if the name and address of the sender can be ascertained, the packet shall be returned to the sender, subject to payment of any charges to which it has become liable.

(c) Where the name and address of the sender cannot be ascertained, the packet may be dealt with or disposed of as the Minister may in his discretion direct or authorise.

(2) The following provisions shall apply to any postal packet chargeable by law with a postage less than the minimum letter rate in force for the time being which cannot be delivered for any such reason as aforesaid :—

(a) Where a request for the return of such postal packet to the sender thereof, or some person designated by him, appears on the outside of such packet (which request is hereby authorised notwithstanding anything in this Warrant contained), such packet shall be charged with an additional rate of postage equal in amount to the prepaid rate of postage originally chargeable upon the packet, and such rate of postage shall be payable by the sender of such packet, and the packet shall, upon payment of such rate of postage and any other charges to which it has become liable, be returned to the sender thereof or to the person so designated by him as aforesaid.

(b) Where such a request as aforesaid does not appear upon the packet, but where the packet has been insufficiently prepaid, or where from any other cause the Minister deems it expedient so to do, he may tender such packet to the sender thereof charged with an additional rate of postage equal in amount to the prepaid rate of postage originally chargeable upon the packet, and the packet shall, upon payment of such rate of postage and any other charges to which it has become liable, be returned to the sender thereof.

(c) Where such a request as aforesaid does not appear upon the packet, or where upon the tender of the packet to the sender thereof he refuses or fails to pay the charges to which the packet has become liable by law, the packet may be dealt with or disposed of in such manner as the Minister may in his discretion direct or authorise.

29. The sender of a postal packet addressed to a post office to be called for by the addressee may add to the address of such packet a request that the packet may, if not called for within the time specified in such request, be returned to the sender or some person designated by him.

In such case such packet shall, at the expiration of the time specified in the request (and subject to and in accordance with the rules in force for the time being as to the return of postal packets) be returned as specified in such request, and may, if necessary, be opened for that purpose by an officer of the Post Office duly authorised in that behalf.

Provided that if the time specified in such request exceeds the time during which the packet would (according to the rules of the Post Office in force for the time being) be retained at the post office to which it is addressed, the packet shall, notwithstanding any such request, be dealt with in accordance with such rules.

30. With regard to—

(a) parcels which are addressed to a post office to be called for, or to a place beyond the limits of the postal delivery of any town or district, or to a ship at any port in Ireland, and which are not called for or delivered within such reasonable times as the Minister may from time to time prescribe ; and

(b) parcels which cannot be delivered for want of a true direction, or by reason that the addressee is dead, or cannot be found, or has refused the same, or has refused or neglected to pay any charges thereon, or for any other sufficient reason,

the following provisions shall apply, that is to say :—

(1) The parcel shall, as the Minister may from time to time direct, be retained at or forthwith forwarded to such place as the Minister may from time to time appoint, and may, if necessary, be there opened and examined.

(2) Where the name and address of the sender can be ascertained from the parcel, the parcel shall be returned to him free of charge.

(3) Where the name of the sender cannot be ascertained from the parcel, the parcel shall be retained pending a claim from the sender or addressee. In default of any claim within a period of three calendar months, the parcel shall be disposed of in such manner as the Minister may in his discretion direct or authorise.

(4) Where, in the case of a parcel which cannot be delivered for want of a true direction, the sender corrects the address of the parcel, the parcel shall be forwarded to the corrected address subject to the following conditions :—

(a) Where the corrected address of the parcel is served from the same Delivery Office or is within the same Town Delivery area as the original address, and the parcel is not, at the time of such correction, lying at a returned letter office, no new charge shall be made with respect to the delivery of the parcel.

(b) Where the corrected address of the parcel is not served from the same Delivery Office or is not within the same Town Delivery Area as the original address, or the parcel at the time of such correction is lying at a returned letter office, the sender shall pay an additional rate of postage equal in amount to the rate of postage which shall have been originally chargeable on such parcel.

(5) Notwithstanding anything herein contained, a parcel shall not be given up or returned by post to the sender except upon payment by him of any charge to which the parcel has become liable under the provisions of any such Regulations as are referred to in Section 14 of the Post Office (Parcels) Act, 1882.

(6) The Minister may require proof to his satisfaction that an applicant for a parcel is entitled to receive the same.

(7) Where an applicant fails to prove to the satisfaction of the Minister that he is entitled to receive the parcel, or refuses or fails to pay any charges to which the parcel has become liable, the parcel may be dealt with or disposed of in such manner as the Minister may in his discretion direct or authorise.

(8) Any parcel in the possession of the Minister which becomes offensive or injurious to any officer of the Post Office, or other person, or to other parcels, or which is likely from its character or condition to become offensive or injurious as aforesaid, or to become valueless before it can be delivered or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Warrant, may forthwith be dealt with or disposed of in such manner as the Minister may in his discretion direct or authorise, notwithstanding that the provisions of this Warrant as to the return of such parcel have not been, or have only partially been, complied with.

(9) Where a parcel cannot be delivered by reason that the addressee has refused or neglected to pay the Customs or other charges thereon, or for any other reason ; and

(a) the name and address of a substituted addressee has been furnished by the sender or addressee and the parcel is forwarded to the substituted address ; or

(b) the parcel is subsequently delivered or re-transmitted to the original address thereof at the request of the sender or addressee ;

there shall be charged and paid by the addressee to whom the parcel is delivered additional postage at the appropriate rate chargeable for transmission from the original to the substituted address, or in respect of such delivery or re-transmission as the case may be.

EXPRESS DELIVERY.

31. An express packet must bear the word " Express " or such other words or such lines or marks as shall be prescribed.

32. An express packet must be posted by being handed to an officer of the Post Office in accordance with such conditions as shall be prescribed, or, in the case of a postal packet not conveyed by special messenger during the first part of its course, posted in the manner in which other postal packets are posted under this Warrant.

33. The sender or addressee of an express packet may require the messenger who delivers the packet to convey an express packet by way of reply. There shall be charged and paid in respect of the last-mentioned packet the charges specified under Provision No. 3 in the fourth column (opposite paragraph 1 of the first column) of the Third Schedule hereto.

34.—(1) The fees for express delivery of express packets posted at offices in Ireland for delivery therein shall be fully prepaid, except where the Minister otherwise directs. Provided that the Minister may forward a packet as an express packet although the full sums chargeable thereon are not prepaid and if the addressee refuses to pay the deficiency it shall be paid by the sender.

(2) In the case of an express packet posted in Ireland for delivery therein (after transmission by post) in which the sender is unaware of the distance from the office of delivery to the place o address and wishes to have the packet delivered free of charge he should endorse the cover " charges guaranteed " and add his name and address. Any deficiency will be collected from him in due course. In such a case the packet must bear at least the minimum express fee and postage.

(3) Express packets originating in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, addressed to places in Ireland, on which mileage fees would become due in respect of distances in excess of a mile from the express delivery office, may be delivered by ordinary post if there is evidence of difficulty in collecting the amount from the addressee.

(4) In no case shall the Minister be bound to deliver by express messenger any express packet not fully prepaid unless the addressee pays all sums due and payable thereon.

35. The provisions of this Warrant relating to the compulsory registration of postal packets containing coin, or jewellery, shall not apply to a postal packet conveyed as an express packet throughout the whole course of its transmission by post.

36. Subject to the provisions of this Warrant as to express delivery, all express packets shall be forwarded, conveyed, and delivered in all respects subject to the provisions of the Acts and Regulations in force for the time being in relation to inland postal packets, so far as the same are applicable, provided always that express delivery in Ireland shall be limited to such days and within such hours and to such distance from the express delivery office, as well as such mode of delivery, as the Minister may from time to time prescribe.

REGISTRATION.

37. Subject to the provisions of this Warrant, any postal packet may be registered.

38. The following rules shall apply to the registration of postal packets :—

(1) The packet must be posted by—

(a) being handed for registration to an officer on duty at a post office ; or

(b) being handed for registration to some officer of the Post Office authorised to receive packets for registration though not on duty at a post office.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Warrant all sums chargeable on the registration of the packet, and all postage chargeable thereon, must be prepaid.

(3) Subject to the provisions of this Warrant, on the posting of the packet a certificate of posting, bearing thereon an acknowledgment that the registration fee has been paid, must be obtained.

(4) Provided that in the case of the re-direction of a registered postal packet paragraphs (2) and (3) of this Regulation shall not apply, and, if the person tendering the packet for registration does not prepay the postage and sums chargeable on the packet, a certificate of posting stating that the said postage and sums have not been paid must be obtained.

39. On the delivery of a registered postal packet the person to whom the packet is addressed or his servant or agent shall give a written receipt for the same in the form prescribed by the Minister. Where such person or his servant or agent refuses to give such a receipt the packet may be withheld and dealt with or disposed of in such manner as the Minister may in his discretion direct or authorise.

40. For the registration of a postal packet as described in paragraph 1 of the first column of Part I of the Fourth Schedule hereto there shall be charged and paid the registration fee (hereinafter called " the ordinary registration fee ") and (where applicable) the late fee respectively specified in the second and third columns of the said part of the said Schedule.

41. Any postal packet—

(a) on which, or on the envelope or cover of which, the word " registered, " or any other word, phrase, or mark conveying the impression that the packet is registered or intended to be registered, is written or impressed, or which contains coin or jewellery ; or

(b) which or the envelope or cover of which bears any word, phrase, name, label, design, mark or other indication implying in the opinion of the Minister that such postal packet contains any article having an intrinsic or marketable value ;

shall be registered (all which packets are hereinafter called " postal packets subject to compulsory registration ") and if found in the post unregistered may be detained for the purpose of registration, at any Post Office through which it shall pass, until the ordinary despatch of packets next after that by which such packet ought otherwise to have been forwarded.

42. If any postal packet which is subject to compulsory registration shall be posted without registration, such packet shall be charged with the registration fee specified in the second column (opposite paragraph 2 of the first column) of Part I of the Fourth Schedule hereto.

43.—(1) The following provisions shall apply to—

(i) any letter or parcel found open in the post or which cannot be delivered for want of a true direction, or by reason that the addressee is dead, or cannot be found, or has refused the same, or has refused or neglected to pay any charges thereon, or for any other sufficient reason, and

(ii) any printed packet, sample packet, newspaper, or packet of newspapers :—

Where any such postal packet is found to contain—

(a) a postal order not crossed to a banker in which the name of the payee has not been inserted in accordance with the direction on such order ;

(b) any cheque or dividend warrant which is not crossed to a banker or made payable to order ;

(c) any bearer security (including a share warrant, scrip or subscription certificate, bond or relative coupon) ;

(d) any bank note or currency note ;

(e) any postage stamps ;

(f) any other article (except coin or jewellery) of a value (in each case) of ten shillings or over,

such postal packet shall be registered and shall be forwarded to the addressee or tendered to the sender thereof (as the case may be) charged with the ordinary registration fee.

(2) Where upon tender of such postal packet to the addressee or sender thereof he refuses or fails to pay the charges to which the same has become liable by law, such packet may be dealt with or disposed of in such manner as the Minister may, in his discretion, direct or authorise.

COMPENSATION FOR LOSS AND DAMAGE.

44.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Warrant, if any article of pecuniary value enclosed in, or forming part of, a registered postal packet be lost or damaged whilst in the custody of the Minister, the Minister may pay to any person or persons who may, in the opinion of the Minister, establish a reasonable claim to compensation (having regard to the nature of the article, the care with which it was packed and other circumstances), such sum as he may think just ; provided that if the registration fee paid in respect of the postal packet so lost or damaged as aforesaid is the ordinary registration fee of threepence or one of the higher registration fees specified in the first column of Part II of the Fourth Schedule hereto (any of which higher registration fees may be paid by the sender) the sum paid by way of compensation shall not exceed the sum specified in the second column of the said Part of the said Schedule opposite the amount of the registration fee paid.

(2) The compensation payable in respect of a registered parcel shall be in substitution for, and not in addition to, any compensation which would have been payable under this Warrant in case the parcel had not been registered.

45. If any article of pecuniary value enclosed in, or forming part of, an unregistered parcel be lost or damaged whilst in the custody of the Minister, the Minister may pay to any person or persons who may, in the opinion of the Minister, establish a reasonable claim to compensation (having regard to the nature of the article, the care with which it was packed, and other circumstances) such sum, not exceeding two pounds, in respect of such parcel as he may think just.

46. If any article of pecuniary value enclosed in, or forming part of, an unregistered express packet, which is conveyed by special messenger throughout its whole course in the post, be lost or damaged whilst in the custody of the Minister, the Minister may pay to the person or persons who may, in the opinion of the Minister, establish a reasonable claim to compensation (having regard to the nature of the article, the care with which it was packed, and other circumstances) such sum, not exceeding two pounds, in respect of such packet as he may think just.

47. If any postal packet which is subject to compulsory registration shall be posted without registration, no claim to compensation will be considered by the Minister to arise in respect of the loss or damage (if any) of any article enclosed in, or forming part of, such packet.

INLAND CASH-ON-DELIVERY SERVICE.

48. Subject to the provisions of this Warrant, the Minister will, at the request of the sender, collect from the addressee of any parcel (whether registered or not) which is posted at post offices appointed for the purpose in Ireland for delivery in Ireland, any Trade Charge in respect of any articles contained in such parcel, and will remit to the sender the amount of such Trade Charge.

49. No Trade Charge exceeding £20 will be collected under this Warrant.

50. There shall be charged and paid on every Inland Cash-on-Delivery parcel, in addition to the postage at the ordinary rates and any other charges payable on such parcel, a fee according to the scale of fees set out in the Fifth Schedule hereto.

51. The Cash-on-Delivery Fee on any Inland Cash-on-Delivery parcel shall be prepaid by the sender in stamps affixed to the parcel.

52. The following rules shall apply to the posting of an Inland Cash-on-Delivery parcel :—

(1) The parcel shall be posted by being handed in at such post offices as shall be appointed for the purpose.

(2) The sender shall (in addition to any other steps necessary in connection with the posting of the parcel) :—

(a) Write on the cover of the parcel or on a label affixed thereto the name and full address of both the addressee and the sender, the words " Cash-on-Delivery " and the amount of the Trade Charge to be collected.

(b) Fill up in duplicate on the prescribed form the name and full address of both the addressee and the sender, and the amount of the Trade Charge which should be collected.

(c) Obtain a certificate of posting signed by the officer of the post office receiving the parcel.

53. The following rules shall apply to the delivery of an Inland Cash-on-Delivery parcel :—

(1) The parcel shall not be given to the addressee thereof or opened at his request until the Trade Charge and any other charges due thereon have been paid.

(2) A receipt will not be given for a Trade Charge collected and after it is collected such charge will not under any circumstances be refunded to the addressee.

(3) Cheques cannot be accepted in payment of Trade Charges or other charges.

(4) If the amount of the Trade Charge exceeds £10 the parcel will not be taken out for delivery by postman, but will be retained at the post office. The addressee will be advised of its arrival on the prescribed form, by post. The Trade Charge in such cases must be paid at the post office and delivery of the parcel taken within such period as the Minister may from time to time prescribe.

(5) If, upon the first tender of a parcel (upon which the Trade Charge does not exceed £10) at the place of address, the amount of the Trade Charge and other charges thereon is not paid, the parcel (if not a perishable parcel) will within such period as the Minister may from time to time prescribe :—

(a) be delivered to the addressee at the post office ;

(b) at the request of the addressee be tendered at the place of address a second time, charged with an additional delivery fee of 4d.

(6) In the case of a perishable parcel, irrespective of the amount of the Trade Charge, the Minister may in his discretion regard it as undeliverable at any stage during the course of transmission by post.

54. Where an Inland Cash-on-Delivery parcel is not delivered in accordance with the provisions of this Warrant the parcel shall be returned to the sender charged :—

(1) with any fees payable thereon (excluding the Trade Charge) ;

(2) with fresh postage at ordinary rates for the return of the parcel to him.

55. The Minister shall upon receiving from the addressee the amount of the Trade Charge on an Inland Cash-on-Delivery parcel remit the same to the sender of the parcel by means of a Money Order free of commission. Such Order will be crossed for payment through a bank and will bear on the face particulars sufficient to enable the sender by comparison with the certificate of posting to identify the parcel to which the Order relates.

The postage on the letter conveying the Money Order to the sender of the parcel will be prepaid by the Post Office.

56. Compensation for loss or damage in course of post of an Inland Cash-on-Delivery parcel will be dealt with under the Regulations for compensation for loss or damage governing the inland parcel post as applicable to parcels posted in Ireland for delivery therein.

57. The Minister, in order to prevent delay to ordinary mail matter, reserves the right to defer, when necessary, the delivery of Inland Cash-on-Delivery parcels.

58. An application as to the disposal of the amount of a Trade Charge on an Inland Cash-on-Delivery parcel will not be entertained by the Minister unless made within such period from the date of posting of the parcel as the Minister may from time to time prescribe.

59. Inland Cash-on-Delivery parcels shall not be transmitted between Ireland and Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

MISCELLANEOUS.

60. Where any postal packet, from its size, weight, character, or condition is, in the opinion of the Minister, unfit for transmission by the route by which such packet would ordinarily travel in the post, such packet may be detained and forwarded by such other route as the Minister may think fit.

61. Where the despatch or delivery from a post office of letters would be delayed by the despatch or delivery therefrom at the same time of printed packets, sample packets, or postcards, such printed packets, sample packets or postcards or any of them, may be detained in the post office until the despatch or delivery next following that by which they would ordinarily be despatched or delivered.

62. The Minister may give effect to the provisions of this Warrant as to the loss or damage of articles enclosed in, or forming part of, a registered postal packet, an express packet or a parcel, out of such aids or supplies as may be from time to time provided and appropriated by the Oireachtas for that purpose, but anything contained in, or done under, or in pursuance of, this Warrant shall not render him liable, either personally or in his official capacity, to any action or other legal proceedings in respect of, or in consequence of, any such loss or damage ; and the decision of the Minister on all questions arising between him and any person claiming payment in respect of the loss or damage of any article enclosed in, or forming part of, a registered postal packet, an express packet or a parcel, shall be final and conclusive.

63. The Minister may, in any case in which he may consider it just or reasonable so to do, remit any postage or any sum made payable under this Warrant.

64. Any postal packet which is posted in contravention of the provisions of this Warrant, whether as regards the nature of its contents, the mode of posting, or packing, or otherwise, may, subject to and consistently with the special provisions of this Warrant, be either returned or given up to the sender thereof, or dealt with or disposed of in such other manner as may be authorised by the Minister.

65.—(1) Subject to such Rules as may be prescribed, the Minister may, upon application being made in the prescribed manner by the addressee of any postal packets :—

(a) re-direct the postal packets from their original address to the same addressee at any other address ;

(b) retain the postal packets and deliver them to the addressee or his agent upon his calling therefor at the office of delivery ;

(c) temporarily withhold the postal packets from delivery to the addressee thereof.

(2) In such cases as the Minister may direct, there shall be charged and paid by the addressee in respect of the services provided for in this Regulation such fees (periodical or otherwise) as may be prescribed.

66. Subject to such Rules, and upon payment of such fees (periodical or otherwise) as may be prescribed, the Minister may :—

(1) Collect postal packets (other than parcels) from private posting boxes situate on private premises.

(2) Provide at prescribed Post Offices private boxes or private bags into which postal packets may be placed to be called for by the addressee of such postal packets or his agent or, in the case of private bags, to be delivered to the addressee by an officer of the Post Office.

REPEALS.

67. The Warrants mentioned in the Sixth Schedule hereto are hereby repealed.

THE FIRST SCHEDULE.

RATES OF POSTAGE.

THE SECOND SCHEDULE.

CERTAIN SERVICES AND CHARGES THEREFOR.

THE THIRD SCHEDULE.

EXPRESS DELIVERY SERVICES.

THE FOURTH SCHEDULE.

REGISTERED POSTAL PACKETS.

PART I.

PART II.

THE FIFTH SHEDULE.

CASH ON DELIVERY PACKETS.

SCALE OF FEES PAYABLE.

THE SIXTH SCHEDULE.

WARRANTS REPEALED.

Inland Post Warrant 1903 (a).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 1) Warrant, 1904 (b).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 6) " 1906 (c).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 8) " 1906 (d).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 11) " 1910 (e).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 12) " 1910 (f).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 13) " 1911 (g).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 14) " 1911 (h).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 15) " 1914 (i).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 17) " 1918 (j).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 18) " 1918 (k).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 19) " 1919 (l).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 20) " 1920 (m).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 21) " 1920 (n).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 22) " 1920 (o).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 23) " 1921 (p).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 26) " 1924 (q).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 27) " 1925 (r).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 28) " 1925 (s).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 29) " 1928 (t).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 30) " 1928 (u).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 31) " 1936 (v).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 32) " 1937 (w).

Inland Post Amendment (No. 33) " 1938 (x).

(a) S.R. & O. 1903, No. 1077.

(b)   " 1904, No. 1746.

(c)   " 1906, No. 682.

(d)   " 1906, No. 792.

(e)   " 1910, No. 865.

(f)   " 1910, No. 1041.

(g)   " 1911, No. 787.

(h)   " 1911, No. 1169.

(i)   " 1914, No. 1774.

(j)   " 1918, No. 584.

(k)   " 1918, No. 1543.

(l)   " 1919, No. 632.

(m)   " 1920, No. 805.

(n)   " 1920, No. 874.

(o)   " 1920, No. 1622.

(p)   " 1921, No. 1057.

(q) S. R. & O. No. 33 of 1924 .

(r)  " No. 25 of 1925.

(s)  " No. 64 of 1925.

(t)   " No. 9 of 1928.

(u)  " No. 30 of 1928.

(v)  " No. 203 of 1936.

(w)  " No. 134 of 1937.

(x)  " No. 113 of 1938.

Given under the Official Seal of the Minister for Finance this 29th day of July, 1939.

(Signed) J. J. McELLIGOTT.

(Signed) OSCAR TRAYNOR.

Minister for Posts and Telegraphs.