COURTESY TO PRESS

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6421, 29 November 1923, Page 1

COURTESY TO PRESS

VIEWS OF A CONTEMPORARY

The following interesting leading article appeared in a recent issue of the “Waipa Post.”:— “Sometimes promoters of entertainments, etc., make a grievance of the- fact that no mention or report of the function appears in the local paper. This is usually because no press ticket is sent to the office. It is unreasonable to expect a. man to pay for admission and then write up a report, which is worth far more than the admission money. t paper representatives invariable pay admission when they attend patriotic entertainments, which is quite right. No city paper sends a reporter unless a ticket is first received, and promoters take good care that it is. We have known some in charge to say, “Neyer mind a ticket, just pass in.” But someone who doesn’t understand the position might be at the door, and an awkward scene occurs.” These remarks, are from a contemporary, and hit the position off neatly. Te Awamutu is particularly lax in connection with according the usual press privileges. In fairness though, it must be said that some organisations are particularly courteous in this respect, but they are the exceptions. We believe that in most cases the neglect to send an invitation or complimentary ticket is merely want of thought, although in connection with one or two concerns in the district it is dictated by meanness. The unfortunate newspaper man is a popular mark for every person collecting donations or subscriptions for any object, secular or sectarian, and pays his way in connection, as our contemporary says, with all charitable or patriotic objects. Whilst on this subject we would draw the attention of all secretaries and conveners of meetings to the necessity of advising the office lof any meetings called. Holders of meetings expect the courtesy of a report, we, on our part, expect reciprocal courtesy in the way of a notification of all meetings, to be held.