Thursday, September 15, 2016

Forthcoming changes to Queensland newspaper postage rates - 1896


Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), Wednesday 23 December 1896, page 5

Postage on Newspapers

It has already been stated in these columns that certain changes are to be made on the 1st of January in the rates of postage on newspapers.

The present rates of newspaper postage in Queensland are:

(1) Postage on newspapers published and printed in Queensland:

(a) To places inland or intercolonial including Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia, New Zealand, Western Australia, British New Guinea, Fiji, and the New Hebrides; each newspaper, not exceeding 10 oz., 0.5d.. For each additional 10 oz. or fraction thereof, 0.5d.

(b) To the United Kingdom; each newspaper, not exceeding 4 oz., 1d.. For each additional 2 oz. or fraction thereof, 0.5d.

(c) To Foreign Countries; each newspaper, not exceeding 4 oz., 1d.. For each additional 2 oz. or fraction thereof, 0.5d.

(2) Postage on foreign or intercolonial papers posted in Queensland.

(a) To places inland or intercolonial; each newspaper, not exceeding 10 oz., 1d.. For each additional 10 oz. or fraction thereof, 1d.

(b) To the United Kingdom or foreign countries; each newspaper, not exceeding 4 oz., 1d.. For each additional 2 oz. or fraction thereof, 0.5d.

(3). Bulk parcels, consisting of at least four newspapers, with or without supplements, printed and published in Queensland, not exceeding 14 lb. in weight, will be forwarded at the rate of ld. per lb., if posted by a recognised newspaper publisher or newsvendor, who must register his name at the local post office; such charge shall be levied on the aggregate weight of the parcels lodged at any one time. The stamps to be affixed to the "newspaper" postage docket, and shall be cancelled by the person posting the newspapers, by writing or printing across the stamps, and the post office receiving officer shall impress the docket with the date stamp of the office and send it to the Accountant at the Chief Office by the first mail. The parcels must be stamped at the receiving office with the "paid at" stamp and the date stamp of office.

With respect to the first of these regulations, the one dealing with the postage on newspapers printed and published in Queensland, no change is to be made.

With respect to the second of these regulations, the one dealing with the postage on foreign or intercolonial papers posted in Queensland, an important change is made in the postage on such papers sent to places in Queensland or any of the other colonies. At present the charge is 1d. for every 10 oz. or fraction of 10 oz. After the 1st of January it is to be 0.5d. for every 2 oz. or fraction of 2 oz. There is to be no change in the postage on foreign or intercolonial papers posted in Queensland to places in the United Kingdom or foreign countries. In point of fact the postage on foreign or intercolonial papers posted in Queensland to places in Queensland or any of the other colonies ii to be identical with the postage on such papers or Queensland papers for that matter if it is sent to the United Kingdom or foreign countries.

Then with respect to the third of the present regulations, the one dealing with the charge on bulk parcels of newspapers, there is also to be an alteration. The bulk parcel rate is to be abolished entirely except for papers printed and published in Queensland and sent to places in Queensland. For all other than Queensland papers, and for all Queensland papers sent to places outside the colony, the bulk rate will be abolished on and after the 1st of January.