Correspondence.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 114, 24 September 1868, Page 3

Correspondence.

PIRACY. TO THE KDITOR OF THE STAR. Sir, — On Tuesday Inst you e;illed public attention to n gross system of piracy of private telegrams published in Uie Star. Ire gret to say that, in the absence of any copyright Jaw here, this most iniquitous system in carried on 10 a great extent, not simply as regards original matter in newspapers. An instance ba3 just come urnler my notice, where the same dishonest advantage has been taken in the case of another original publication. The Provincial Government of this province has issued, at considerable expense, a mojt perfect map of Canti-rbury, compiled from original surveys, and in every respect " issued immedi-ttely under its authority." It was intended to publish at a reasonable pris:e, that the public might reap the benefit, am) desiring only to be recouped for some portion of the cxpen-e of compilation and lithographing. Immediately upon its pub.ication, a firm in Cliristchureh obtained copies of the first two -beets of the above, and are now busily canvassing for orders with these identical maps t misleading the public, and inducing them to put down their ua-ues for a large price tor copies of what they supposft to be another original map, compiled and drawn by the vendors. Now, sir, 1 imagine the Government have it in thtir own hands to prevent this infringement of their rights, more particularly as each sheet of the map bears an imprint '' issued under authority of the Provincinl Governrat-nt." 1 may tell you that the publishers were informed of the intended piracy of this map, and were thereby induced to publish it at a much less cost than originally intended, with a view, if possible, of preventing such tricks. I be'ieve a copy-right law has lately been passed in Victoria. Why should we be behind the age here ? Why not have some preventive against such sharks stealing the result of your lsibours ? Your obedient servant, AKGUS.