Hamilton Post office - a Victoria Street landmark

Hamilton Post office was situated in Victoria Street opposite the Bank of New Zealand which was on the corner of Hood Street. It is now ‘Artspost Galleries & Shop’. The formal Bank of New Zealand building is now a café/bar called ‘The Bank’.

HCL_02240, Hamilton City Libraries

This post office was built in 1900 and 1901 after the previous wooden building burnt down in the early hours of 7^th October 1899. The new building was opened on 5^th August 1901.

HCL_01664, Hamilton City Libraries

The New Zealand flag at the top of the flagpole shows that this photo was probably taken on the Auckland Anniversary Day in January.

HCL_01405, Hamilton City Libraries

An extensive addition to the right was added in 1916, including the central doorway to the right-hand end. On 1^st November 1920, it became a Chief Post Office. 

HCL_04874, Hamilton City Libraries

This was Hamilton Post Office for 39 years. Here it is decorated for the Silver Jubilee of King George V.

The Hamilton Post Office remained there until December 1940 when a new post office building opposite Garden Place was opened. The Chief Postmaster moved from this building which then ceased to operate as a Post Office. All the architectural adornments were removed later. In 1964 this building became the New Social Security Building.