Capricornian (Rockhampton), Saturday 5 January 1884, p. 14
A notifications of much interest appears in the Government Gazette of the 15th December re extension of regulations for use of adhesive parcels, stamps and cloak room tickets, and amended parcels rates on all Queensland railways, which will come into force on the 1st January, 1884 (to-morrow). Adhesive parcel stamps, similar to postage stamps, will be issued at all principal railway stations, and parcels bearing them will be forwarded without booking. They will also be sold by authorised agents. The railway Department will not be responsible for any miscarriage, etc, the reduced rates being strictly conditional on all parcels being forwarded solely on the risk of the owner, and delivery of them may be made irrespective of the ownership thereof, to the person who, from his description of the parcel or other evidence, appears to represent the owner or his agents. Packages of fresh fish, fruit, butter, eggs, milk, dead game or poultry, fresh meat, ice, vegetables (not bulky), and bags of bread, may be forwarded at stamped parcels rates, but hats and bonnet boxes and cases of millinery will be charged double rates. When a package such as fish, butter, eggs, milk, fresh meat, etc, will not allow a stamp to properly adhere a label should be secured to the package, on which the stamp can be affixed. Live poultry, bicycles, feathers, furniture, glass, mirrors, perambulators, pictures, sewing machines, wicker-work, and wire cages, will not be conveyed at stamped parcels rates. When the stamps affixed are not of the full value for the weight or distance according to table of rates, and the sender omits or refuses to affix the additional stamps necessary, the stamp may either be cancelled and the parcel forwarded and surcharged at destination, or the Department may refuse to receive the same. When two or more parcels are consigned to one person the rate will be charged on each separately. All stamped parcels must be brought to the station at least five minutes before the time fixed for the departure of the train they are to be sent by; but the Department will not guarantee to forward by any particular train. The stamped parcels rates apply only to packages 56 lbs. and under. In no case will a receipt be given for a stamped parcel, and 25 per cent extra will be charged if they are booked.
Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), Tuesday 19 November 1889, page 7
QUEENSLAND CENTRAL RAILWAY. PARCEL RATES
All parcels to be at stations thirty minutes before the advertised time of departure of the train by which the senders wish them forwarded,
?, hats, bonnets boxes, and cases of millinery, and items of clothing double rates. Parcels over £10 value and under £50 double rate; £60 and over, quadruple rate Although these rates are charged, and the value of parcels declared, the Commissioner will not hold himself responsible for contents.
Newspaper parcels and despatches, half-rates; minimum charge, 6d,
Packed parcels, quadruple rates.
All parcels arriving at stations should be taken delivery of within twenty-four hours after arrival. If left over that time they will be subject to the following charges, vis:
Large parcels, 6d.; and small parcels, 3d.) up to 48 hours. And if over 48 hours, an extra charge of 2d. on large parcels and ld. on small per diem, will be made.
Special Regulations for issue of adhesive Parcel Stamps
1. Adhesive Parcel Stamps, similar to Postage Stamps, will be issued at the office of the Commissioner for Railways, Brisbane, and at all the principal Railway Stations. Parcel Stamps will also be sold by such agents as may from time to time be approved.
2, Parcels bearing the above stamps will be forwarded without booking.
8. The Railway Department are entirely exempt from responsibility, the reduced rates charged being strictly conditional that all parcels forwarded under the stamped parcel system are solely at the risk of the owner,
4. The delivery of stamped parcels may be I made, irrespective of the ownership thereof, to the person who, from his description of the parcel or other evidence, appears to represent the owner or his agents. Every care will be taken for the delivery, but without responsibility as per conditions above. Stamped parcels, to whomsoever delivered, are solely at owners' risk.
5. Packages of fresh fish, fresh meat, tee, and bread, will be charged at half stamped parcel rates.
6. Hat and bonnet boxes, and cases of millinery will be charged double rates.
7. When a package such as fish, butter eggs, milk, fresh meat, etc etc will not allow a stamp to properly adhere, a label should be secured to the package, on which the stamp could be properly affixed,
8. No receipt will be given for stamped parcels under any circumstances.
9. When the stamps affixed are not of the full value for the weight or distance according to table of rates, and the sender omits or refuses to affix the additional stamps necessary the stamp may either be cancelled and the parcel forwarded and surcharged at destination, or the Department may refuse to receive the same,
10. When two or more parcels are consigned to one person the stamped parcel rate will be charged on each parcel separately.
11. All stamped parcels must be brought to the station at least five minutes before the time fixed for the departure of the train they are to be sent by; but the Department will not guarantee to forward by any particular train.
