CONDITIONS IN GERMANY

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1929, Page 7

CONDITIONS IN GERMANY

Nothing throws so vivid a light on the condition ol Uorniaiiy as the publication ol Lins year’s ponce report, just issued by the .Minister of the Interior The seitlea state of both currency and wages is denoted by a great decrease of tnolts, large and small, tne plight of the farming population is shown by such an increase in arson that special courses are now being held for country police on the possible causes of fire.

The nervous condition of the younger generation at a higher pitch than ever oetorc is shown in the increase of murderous attacks by adolescents in ali classes of the population, as well as of suicides. 'there are more and more sordid domestic dramas, due to the housing shortage and an increase ol alcoholism.

13ut, it is pointed out, the most striking factor in the development ol me social situation is the tendency to organise and to centralise crime. The gang has taken the place of the lone enemy of society, the pre-war criminal has become a nieinoer of a well-run and well-balanced association. W’iiat enthusiasts for the sports movement have done among the schoolboys had been copied by watchers in other circles. "Sports clubs” are rapidly taking the I dace of pre-war “lottery leagues” or social dubs.”

Most of ibc memhers have served a term of imprisonment, but the socially dissaLishod of all classes are eligible. English romances have neon ransacked for the theoretical structure, American real-life examples for the practical aj> plication of their rules. Whereas the English nickname “Tres,” “Bill” or “Bob,” and the outward trappings are pleasing as signs of man’s eternal love of play-acting and dressing up, the main business of the rings is to provide lor tin 1 essentials of the criminal life.

Cl uI is mu y vary in name, hub L lie pay men l of live marks entrance fee and a running; suliseriptiun of one mark weekly, members are lent at Hiny central quarters not only suitable garments, but the necessary tools for the particular job in hum!, money is advanced for fares, and Lhe services of a competent lawyer provided before and al'Ler the coup, whose tips are invaluaule. information is also given as to tne different idiosyncrasies of nightwatchmen or policemen on a particular heat. Very expensive safe-opening appliances may be obtained this way. The statutes of membership are severe on certain points. The greatest crime is to steal from a fellow member or knowingly to get the better ol him in any way. The rings provide for a .comrade in prison, sending him parcels and remembering his family. They do even better when he dies, and the size of the funeral and plentitude of goal cheer offered is a point of honour. These funerals and the annual hall held at one of their favourite meeting places are the chief social events of the organisation.