Our Heritage Collection, located on Level 3 of the Central Library, aims to preserve Hamilton's rich cultural and historical legacy. Also important is providing a sense of Hamilton's place in New Zealand and the global community.
 
While the focus of our collecting is on Hamilton and the Waikato, we also hold a large collection of books on NZ history, art and culture as well as government information such as statutes and reports. Books such as Domesday Book are part of our cultural heritage and are still valuable to genealogists boasting long pedigrees. However, Heritage is more than just books ....

Spotlight on the Union Bridge

Union Bridge (1879 – 1910)

Designed and built by W. Breakell

Construction began on 19 December 1878

Opening ceremony: 20 November 1879 by a procession marshalled by Captain McPherson which included a volunteer band, fifty cavalry, equestrians, conveyances and about three hundred children.

Cost to build: $18,000

Length: 150 metres; constructed primarily of Kauri wood.

Toll: 1/6 (15c) for a horse and cart; 1c for a pedestrian.

The need for a bridge across the Waikato to connect Hamilton East and West arose at public meetings in 1874. Crossing the river at this time was difficult and dangerous. People crossed in a punt known as the "Colonel's Canoe" and later a pull and trolley punt which consisted of two canoes tied together. Cattle had to swim across. Funding and location were the main issues that delayed construction of the bridge. After a very spirited discussion period of five years, funds were obtained from the government in the form of loans and grants when the east and west townships combined to form a borough. A site was chosen between Moule's Redoubt and Victoria Street and construction began in December 1878 with a ceremony on the river bank to witness the placement of the first pile. There were construction delays because the river bed had not been properly tested and longer piles were needed. The additional funding for the longer piles was obtained from the government. The bridge was completed in November 1879 and christened the Union Bridge during a ceremony that included most of the population.

The Union Bridge was originally a toll bridge, which was extremely unpopular with the citizens of Hamilton. On 1 January 1883 the toll was abolished and another celebration ensued. The toll booth that was situated next to the bridge on the east bank was later utilized as the first library in Hamilton.

However, after a couple of years it became apparent that maintenance of the wooden structure would be an ongoing concern. In 1884 Hamilton resident and engineer, D. M. Beere, did an inspection and reported that two of the pilings were defective and the decking would require repairs very soon. By 1904 the bridge was falling apart and the flood of 1907 only made the situation worse. With the advent of the motor car, the wooden Union Bridge had become obsolete as only one car at a time could cross. In fact, the bridge had become so rickety that horse and cart traffic was also restricted. The Union Bridge was replaced by the steel Traffic Bridge in 1910, which was built along side of it. The concrete foundations of the Union Bridge can still be seen in the Waikato River when the water is low.