Reporters’ Rights

Southland Times, Issue 12769, 30 November 1893, Page 3

Reporters’ Rights

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I have waited patiently to see a report of the recent concert’held here in aid of the Catholic Church. There are three papers published in Invercargill. I have seen rather a condensed report in the Times, but none in either of the other two. Now, I am informed on very good authority, that Father Keenan, who had the sole management of the concert, absolutely refused complimentary tickets to the correspondents here, of whom we have three, one for each paper. It is a self-sustaining fact the correctness of this statement, for were the reporters furnished with tickets no doubt reports would have appeared long ere now. It is open to question if the proceeds of any previous concert held in Winton exceeded this one. My own opinion is that it is the general custom for each reporter to be sent two complimentary tickets, leaving it to their own discretion whether they make use of them or otherwise; or, as correspondents are not always supposed to be known as such, the office of the respective papers is, I presume, the proper place to send them. It is exceedingly hard and unreasonable to expect correspondents to pay for admission to a concert or anything else, and then report on it as well. It is unfair to those contributing to an entertainment such as the one at issue that their items are not commented on. Therefore in their interests,, in the interests of correspondents, in the interests of the newspapers, and the public at large, I would like if you were to give your opinion on this important matter, which no doubt will be considered more definite and final than that of yours, &c., Primum Mobile. Winton, 28th Nov.

[You are quite right. .If tickets are not furnished, or verbal invitations given, with instructions to door-keepers to pass them, it is assumed reporters are not wanted.—Ed.]