Margaret Bernal, a sociologist, poet and cultural heritage specialist based in Washington D.C. has researched
articles related to Paul Hofman-Bang. Paul moved to Jamaica and became a silk-wormer greatly contributing to this trade. His wife returned to Denmark after his death in 1931 and passed away in 1959. Margaret has found the
following articles in The Jamaican Gleaner.
Wednesday, May 6, 1931, Kingston
PASSING OF MR. P. HOFMAN-BANG - Rendered Invaluable Work In Production of Jamaica Reeled Silk.
HIS ACHIEVEMENTS
On Recent Tour of Europe Won Silver Medal of French Institute of Silk Reeling. The Gleaner regrets to chronicle this morning the passing of Mf. P. Hofman-Bang, SericuMurlst, which sad event took place in Manchester yesterday forenoon, following a somewhat short period of illness. Mr. Hoffman-Bang rendered invaluable services toward the fostering of an industry which, bids fair to earn good markets abroad, and the interest he displayed when he started a training centre, in silk-reeling for the girls around Mandeville has registered for him a mark that will be difficult to be surpassed. At the beginning of operations in connection with the silkworm Industry he worked in conjunction with th e Jamaica Agricultural Society, and was very enthusiastic over the work that was done by the Jamaica girls, who showed a ready aptitude to the training he gave them, commending them favourably in reports which went abroad. For some years past the Government of Jamaica had been making a grant of a few hundred pounds for the encouragement of the silk worm industry, and during last year the sum of ￡ 700 was provided in the estimates for furthering this new and interesting line. The reeled material forwarded to England brought favourable reports and showed that silk of a good quality could be produced here,—the local Government deciding that if the industry could be well established it would become one of the minor productions which would enable the small settler to add appreciably to his income. In this direction, the Jamaica Government received the support of Empire Marketing Board, which offered contributions of ￡ 700 a year for two years, and ￡ 500 for a third year, provided the local Legislature voted equivalent sums. Mr. Hofman-Bang had already a full mastery of the running of the silkworm plant, and had done an immense amount of good work in connection therewith, but as it was necessary for him. to gain a certain amount of information on certain points relative to placing, the industry on a sounder footing, the Government decided in the Spring of last year that he should make a trip to Europe to gain such further information. In consequence thereof, accompanied by his wife (to whom the Gleaner now tenders its sincere condolence in this her hour of grief) he sailed for Europe in May last year, and during the months he was away he attended a six weeks course in the south of France, in connection with the manufacture of silk, the visit being made under the auspices of the Imperial Institute of London. Whilst attending the French Government College in Montpellier, called "Lecole Supericure de Sericulture " Mr. Hofman-Bang obtained the diploma as "Sericulteur Brevete" attaining the, position of first in rank among" others who sat for the examination, and for which no was awarded THE SILVER MEDAL of the College. He afterwards visited several places in France, including the French Filatures Silk Reeling Establishment and the French Grienagos Station for the production of silkworm eggs, also three French Government silk stations. Mr. and Mrs. Hofman-Bang returned to the island on the 25th September last, the Sericulturist being full of hope for the successful prosecution of the big and interesting fleld for good work that was ahead of him, and in which he always had at heart, the welfare of the Jamaica girls, who would be able to learn something that would benefit them in the future. But a few months ago a long and interesting report by him on the general outlook of the industry (which he thought a promising one) was laid on the table of the Legislative Council, and it was while moving about the areas of Manchester where his activities were chiefly confined, that he was stricken with an illness, which has terminated his activities. Of a rather winning disposition, courteous, and kind, a Sericulturist of the first rank;. but taking precedence to that, a true gentleman, Mr. Hofman-Bang has left a place in the live of a humble people among whom he laboured during the past four or five years with particular interest, that will be difficult to fill. The funeral service will be held at St. George's Church, Mile Gully, at 10 o'clock this morning.
Friday May 8, 1931, Kingston
(From our Correspondent). MILE GULLY, May 6. The mortal remains of Mr. P. Hofman-Bang, Sericulturist were laid to rest here today in the St. George's Church cemetery at 10 o'clock. The funeral was largely attended. Mr. Hofman-Bang died yesterday at his home at Shooter's Hill after a short illness. To his sorrowing wife the community tenders Its deepest sympathy.
Thursday May 14, 1931, Kingston
With the death of Mr. Hofman-Bang, the work of developing the silk worm industry in Jamaica was left without an active head, and it therefore became necessary for someone to take charge of this work. Associated with Mr. Hofman-Bang was Mr. W. Cradwick,, late Agricultural Instructor for Manchester who knows a great deal about sericulture, and Mr. Cradwick has had to take over the work which the deceased gentleman used to do. At present Mr.Cradwick is going around the country gathering up the loose ends, and in a short time it is expected that he will submit a Report to the Government. His Excellency the Governor is keen on sericulture, and in view of the aid which the Development Board in England has given, has urged this island to continue efforts to establish a silk worm industry. During-a recent debate, however, His Excellency intimated that should nothing hopeful be done this year, he would not recommend a continuance of the silk worm campaign. Mr. L. C. Nunes, Justice of the Peace, presided in Petty Sessions at the Kingston R.M. Court yesterday, and disposed, of a number of minor cases, in which small fines were Imposed on convicted defendants. Mr. A. D. Pixley, Deputy Clerk of the Courts, prosecuted. The Judging of the Prize Holdings In connection with the Prize Holdings competitions in Manchester has been completed; and the report is now being prepared. It, is hoped that the report will be ready to admit of the prizes and certificates being distributed at the half yearly 'meeting of the Branches Associated, to be held in Mandevllle on the 13th June.
Friday July 17, 1931 Kingston
Mrs. Hofman-Bang, widow of the late Mr. Hofman Bang, who was the Silk Worm Instructor of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, leaves the island today on the S S . "Jamaica Planter" for England from where she will proceed to Denmark, her native land. She takes with her the best wishes to a number of friends whom she and her late husband have made during their residence in Jamaica. It might not be generally known that on the same day of the death of Mr. Hofman-Bang, a couple of months ago, a cablegram was received here from Holland announcing the death of his mother.
Monday December 28, 1931, Kingston
CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was read from Mrs. E. Hofman-Bang in which she acknowledged the society's sympathy in the loss of her husband Mr. P. Hofman-Bang.
Page updated: 2-Oct-2024
