Hainisch, Michael#
b. Schottwien (Lower Austria), Aug. 15, 1858, d. Vienna, Feb. 26, 1940, statesman, social and economic politician, son of Marianne Hainisch; studied law, pursued projects in agricultural matters and social policy. Managed his estate near Spital am Semmering as a model enterprise (his cow "Bella" was renowned for remarkable milk productivity), organised adult education associations, helped found Vienna Central Library and the Deutsche Turnerschaft (German Gymnastics Club) in Vienna (1890). Follower of the Austrian Fabian movement, later on tended towards the Pan German People's Party but had no party affiliation. H. was the first president of the Federal Republic of Austria from Dec. 9, 1920 until Dec. 10, 1928 (2 periods of office). was active in promoting agriculture, the electrification of railways, tourism, trade between Austria and Germany, folkloric traditions and the passing of a law protecting historical monuments. Minister of Trade in the Schober government from 1929/30, honorary member of the Academy of Sciences.
Works#
Die Zukunft der Deutschoesterreicher, 1892; Heimarbeit in Oesterreich, 1906; Statistik der Deutschoesterreicher, 1909; Die Landflucht, 1924; Aus mein´ Leb´n, 1930 (Gedichte); Was Z´samklabts, 1935; 75 Jahre aus bewegter Zeit, 1978.Literature#
F. Weissensteiner, Die oesterreichischen Bundespraesidenten, 1982; NOeB.