Telegraphs - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition telegraphs

Definition :

Telegraphs. See the Telegraph (Construction) Acts, 1863 to 1925, by which provisions are made for transferring telegraphs to the Postmaster-General. Telegraph means a wire or wires used for the purpose of telegraphic communication, with any casing, coating, tube, or pipe inclosing the same, and any apparatus connected therewith for the purpose of telegraphic communication, and any apparatus for transmitting messages or other communications by mans of electric signals (Acts of 1863, s. 3, and 1869, s. 3). This definition includes telephones. The destruction or removal of an electric telegraph or the obstruction of message is a misdemeanour by the Malicious Damage Act, 1861, ss. 37, 38 and as to offences in regard to telephones, see Post Office Act, 1935 (25 & 26 Geo. 5, c. 15). See WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. As to the monopoly possessed by Government by means of the exclusive privileges given by the Acts to the Postmaster-General, see Postmaster-General v. National Telephone Co., 1909, AC 269.

As to disputes, see RAILWAY AND CANAL COMMISSION.