Hamilton Courthouse

Built in 1931, this was Hamilton's fourth courthouse and was supposed to last forever. It was attacked by arsonists in 1974, since then, the old courthouse has encountered local political obstacles on it's path to earthquake strengthening and refurbishment. Thus it has been left to languish for several decades, inspiring imploring pleas from all sides, but where these sentiments should be directed is such a quagmire that the situation remains.

The prime position of the courthouse on an immaculately shaped rise, a rare thing in a river city, is one of it's initial assets. The hill was a feature in the Land Wars, used as a "Pakeha Pa" or redoubt, in case of attack by Maori. The City's Anglican Church soon recognised the mana of the spot, and here constructed St Peter's Cathedral. There was room for another grand building and when it was built at great expense in 1931, the courthouse replaced old temporary buildings with style that Hamilton had not seen before and has not since. Architects used Roman columns and a grand entrance fronted by a three flights of stairs up the hillside to make more of the elevated and symmetrical position facing Anglesea Street.

As it turned out, the interior of the new white wonder may have been as stylish in appearance, but came flawed, both the Supreme and Magistrates courtrooms were reported to have diabolical acoustics. After one judge ordered the removal of the witness box to improve his chances of hearing evidence, the department took further action and added acoustic paneling.
The arson attack in 1974 was an unexpected and early death knell for the building, though the damage was internal, it gutted the Magistrates courtroom and half the Supreme Court. After justice had hopped around Hamilton in various temporary premises for several years, the new, next door, court building opened in 1981.