Hamilton West Town Belt
Friday 1 March 2024 |
Camera Obscura,
Hamilton West town belt 1912 HCL_07049
This elevated view—once only possible from the top of the Frankton water tower - shows a developing Hamilton in the early 20th century. The tower, opened in winter 1913 and demolished in 1966, became a popular vantage point for photographers capturing panoramic scenes like this one across Ward Street.
At the bottom edge of the image is the roof of Maunder’s house, built around 1911. The road climbing the hill had no official name at the time, but was known locally as ‘Maunder’s Hill.’ It’s now called Tainui Street. In the centre stands Hamilton High School, opened in 1910, and beyond it are the Hamilton Horse Bazaar and saleyards, completed in 1907. The railway station sits to the left of the cluster of white buildings.