YOUNG CRIMINAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 August 1928, Page 8

YOUNG CRIMINAL

NEW METHODS IN AUSTRIA

At the historic town of Eggenburg, in Nether Austria, the Institute for the Education of Youthful Criminals and Destitutes celebrated its fortieth anniversary.

After the war modern educational methods —found their way into Austria, and have been successful ever since. In pre-war years youthful criminals were brought to the institute by gendarmes, and frequently thrashed and chained. To-day the gates of the institute are wide open, and kindly officials accompany the new inmates to the place. Groups of them are formed and placed under the care of tutors, who give them instruction in the ideals of society. Those groups which make good progress receive autonomy. The young inmates are trained at several schools and workshops. Punishment is only meted out to those who violate the interests of a group, but the punishment is not. drastic--thd culprits, for instance, may only get occasional instead of regular work. Both boys and girls consider if. an honour to go through a nuinbefc 02 courses and pass their examinations. When one escapes he is brought back', without being punished. The groups have to make up for individual damage to property, and for theft-;. It is still rather difficult to find employment for those who are dismissed from the institute. Much praise is due to Dr. Heeger, the director, who manages the place on behalf of the Vienna municipality.