tps.org.au

Here is a new topic that seems to be neglected somewhat.

Is this posted in the right section of the BB?

Bulk postage was introduced in Tasmania circa 1896(?), according
to the two RSPV green books.

Does anyone have a copy of the regulations for bulk postage that
applied prior to November 1902 and preferably before 1901? It is
well known that under the Federal rules of November 1902, stamps
affixed to bulk postage dockets were retained by the Post Office
and subequently destroyed under supervision. Hence, stamps on
bulk postage dockets should not have survived - and few did.

What were the rules in the late Colonial era? I have a sneaking
suspicion that some of the £1 De La Rue issues of 1897 in used
condition actually came from bulk postage dockets. I wonder if
the sender (normally a businessman) was able to keep the docket
after posting that large bundle of circulars or other bulk mail. If
so, this could explain why many used £1 stamps still survive - as
long as due care was taken in removing the stamps from paper,
due to the tendency of the ink to run in water.

I have seen a nice postally used pair of the £1 used at Zeehan. In
what way could that pair have been used postally? One possibility
would be on a large packet of bullion (gold or silver) or was it used
for bulk postage, perhaps to numerous shareholders in the mining
company?

Bill

Update at long last!

Postal Guide No.17 (Jan 1899) says that postage could be paid in cash for a large
number of letters or newspapers lodged at the same time but not to Qld or WA.
(See top of page 30.) This provision is not present in Postal Guide No.16 (Jul 1898).

The quantity indicated by 'large' is not precisely defined so we can't say much more.

This does not explain the existence of the 'postage paid' markings showing 1d or 2d
impressed on bulk mail, recorded in the Green books, p.137 (Vol.1) and p.115 (Vol.2)
with dates as early as 21/2/96 for 1d (Hobart) and 19/5/96 for 2d (Hobart). In the
case of Launceston, earliest dates in Green books are 8/7/97 (1d), 21/8/97 (2d).

It seems that a few large businesses were able to make their own arrangements with
the Post Office re bulk mail from early 1896. Likely candidates would be businesses
such as Tattersalls, Walch & Sons (Hobart) and Birchall & Sons (Launceston).