Victoria Street - 100 years ago

This Tourist Series postcard captures a southerly view along Victoria Street, taken just north of the Collingwood Street intersection. The scene offers a fascinating snapshot of Hamilton in the mid-1920s, with the presence of a Buick motor car helping to date the image.

The Buick, a model introduced in 1924, displays a registration plate issued in 1925 and due to expire in 1926, narrowing the likely date of the photograph to that brief period. Judging by the sharp morning shadows cast by the vehicles, it appears to have been taken around 10 or 11am on a summer’s day.

In its time, the Buick would have cost approximately £445 (around $890 NZD then), equivalent to over $51,000 in today’s money. Though lacking modern conveniences like air conditioning or power steering, it was considered a high-quality vehicle.

Following closely behind is a bus en route to Frankton, offering a rare double glimpse into the transport history of early 20th-century Hamilton.

If you have any information you would like to pass on or would like to buy an electronic copy of the photo, please e-mail heritage@hcc.govt.nz quoting: HCL_01020