Tasmanian Postal History From 1868
Continuing from the earlier timeline, this page continues a brief summary of Tasmanian postal history from 1868.
Those seeking more detailed information about Tasmanian Postal history should consult “Tasmanian Postal Acts and Regulations” Parts 2 onwards by A E Orchard, Magpie Publications, or the original Acts mentioned below.
| 1869 |
Postal Act 1869. 33 Victoria No 5. Introduced few new features, mainly consolidated previous Acts. Registration fee reduced from 1/- to 6d. Rates remained at 1d for Town letters, 2d for Suburban letters, 6d for Ship letters to Australian colonies and NZ. |
| 1869/70 |
San Francisco route commenced via Sydney, NZ and Honolulu. Rate 1/- per half oz, being 6d to Sydney and 6d to US. Little mail likely carried however. The service collapsed in 1871. |
| 1870 |
Act to ammend the Postal Act of 1869. 34 Victoria No 4. Rates reduced and simplified. Inland letters 2d per half oz, Intercolonial ship letters 3d, Suburban letter category abolished, deemed Inland letters.
New category of Free mail introduced – mail under the Scab Act 1870.Soldiers and Sailors letters 1d plus any foreign transit costs. |
| 1870 |
New “Regulations for Postmasters” booklet produced. This is a useful guide to Post Office operations from 1870 to 1881 |
| 1871 Nov 8 |
Report on effects of reduced postage rates tabled in Parliament. A 31% increase in the number of Inland letters and a 14% increase in the number of Intercolonial letters was reported, but a decrease in total revenue of £2,800 compared with the same period the year previous. The report concludes the reduction in income would gradually disapear as the volume of letters continues to increase. |
| 1871 Nov 28 |
Post Office returns tabled in Parliament showing all Post Offices in Tasmania and volume of mails. Useful reference document ( see Tas Postal Acts and Regulations part 4, T Orchard, Magpie Publications) |
| 1870 Dec |
End of the route via Marseilles to UK due to Franco-Prussian war. This had been a quicker route than via Suez though the French charged an extra fee. A route via Brindisi was available as an alternative at 1/1 per half oz letter. From 20 Jan 1871 the rate was reduced to 9d. |
| 1871 Nov |
Mails to Europe from Tasmania incuding to France and most other European countries now via Brindisi rather than via Southhampton, a considerable saving in time but more expensive. E.g. 11d per quarter oz to France. |
| 1872 May |
First use of rail for mail services when Launceston – Deloraine line established. Perth used as exchange point for mails coming South from Hobart |
| 1873 May 20 |
Cheaper Late letter system for mails between Tasmania & Victoria and NSW. Letters could be handed to ships as Loose Letters ( not included in standard mail bags) upon payment of an additional 3d. Replaces the 1/- Late Fee to Victoria |
| 1873 |
Carriage Duties Act – letters to and from Collectors of Carriage Duties to be sent free. |
| 1873 Jan/Feb |
First Intercolonial Conference discussed mail routes and costs between Australian States and UK. Standardisation not achieved and no changes made to Tasmanian postal rates |
| 1874 |
Routes for mail via San Francisco and Torres Strait announced |
| 1876 Nov 1 |
Rates for Europe via Brindisi reduced, except for France |
| 1877 May 1 |
Mail on trunk route between Hobart & Launceston carried via train service and mailcoach ceased operating.. Mail closed in both cities at 5:30, late mail being accepted until 6:15 pm, and arrived at General Post Offices both cities at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. Local mail routes and closing times for a number of towns between Hobart and Launceston were altered as a result. |
| 1877 Jul 1 |
Tender for English and Intercolonial mails between Launceston and Melbourne renewed for 5 years, Tasmanian Steam Navigation Company retaining the contract |
| 1880 Feb 3 |
Rates for mail to Europe charged at via Brindisi rate of 8d per half oz. Southampton route abandoned. |
| 1880 Feb |
Victoria negotiated the P&O contact changing frequency of mail from monthly to fortnightly. Tasmania renegotiated its Bass Strait contact with Tas Steam Navigation Co accordingly |
| 1880 |
Post Office returns tabled in Parliament. These provides much detail on the operation of the Post Office in Tasmania including Towns with postal service and method of carriage of mails – foot, horse, omnibus, train etc. See Orchard, Part 4, PP 137 |
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Cover franked with 2d Sideface issue from Campbell Town to Launceston. 2d pays the Inland letter rate which was reduced from 4d to 2d per half oz in 1870. Barred numeral 16 of Campbell Town cancels stamp, and arc-type cds of Cambridge shows the date, 11 Jan 1874.
