A Brief History of Seddon Park
Seddon Park is home to Hamilton's main cricket ground. It is used as a test venue, an international one day venue and is the home of Northern Districts Cricket. It is also set to be a host venue for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022.
The land on which Seddon Park would be established was part of Hamilton's west town belt. Being next to the railway line the two sections were reserved by the Crown for railway purposes. In 1886, when no longer needed, the land was transferred to the control of the Hamilton Domain Board. The Board leased the land to a Mr Qualtrough for 14 years and it was known as Qualtrough’s paddock. Between 1903 and 1905 there was talk of using part of the area for the Hamilton saleyards but this idea was voted down by the people of Hamilton West.
The park was named after the recently deceased Premier Richard John Seddon in July of 1906. Seddon Park referred to the area bordered by Norton and Seddon roads, Tristram (formerly Hinemoa) Street and the railway line.
Excerpt of Hamilton Domain Board Minutes, 13 July 1906, p.330
Excerpt from 1927 Map of Hamilton Borough showing location of Seddon Park
According to a history in a 1991 test match programme, in 1908 Seddon Park became the town’s major cricket ground and soon after this a wooden pavilion was built, but it wasn't just a cricket ground. For many decades other sports were played at the park including hockey, soccer, rugby, athletics, and even cycling. The park was used for other activities such as band practices and concerts, school cadet drill inspections and in 1945 striking dairy workers were addressed at the park’s pavilion.
Until major reconstruction in 1953, Seddon Park was predominantly a multi-level grassed area bordered by trees. The old wooden pavilion looked out onto a sealed pathway which was used by pedestrians and cyclists travelling between London Street and Seddon Road. Cars could drive onto the park from the London Street end and spectators could sit on the grass bank between the pathway and the playing fields which were at a lower level.
The 1953 reconstruction of Seddon Park started in January of that year with earthwork to improve the existing turf. A playing circle - that would accommodate 3 cricket pitches (2 for weekly use and a representative pitch in the centre), a hockey ground, a soccer ground and an athletics track - would be enclosed by a 20 foot bank. The old pavilion was renovated and a new reinforced concrete grandstand of the same size was built next to the pavilion. The circular grounds were fully enclosed by hedges so that big matches which required gate access could be played at the park. Beautification outside the playing grounds occurred and car parking moved to the Bryce Street end.
One year later the first match was held at the transformed park. The two day match was between Waikato and Fiji. Fiji won by 8 wickets.
Programme from cricket match between Waikato and Fiji, 1954. HCLE_03499
The Northern Districts' Cricket Association was formed in 1953 and Seddon Park has been its home ever since. The first ODI was played Feb 15 1981 against India and the first test, over ten years later Feb 22-26, 1991 against Sri Lanka.
Do you have memories of watching or playing at Seddon Park? Add a comment to item on our Heritage Collections Online, or complete an expression of interest form to be interviewed by our Oral History Librarian, we'd love to hear from you!