Part of the Chinese Garden at the Hamilton Gardens

Ducks on a smooth Hamilton Lake

Hamilton Memorial Park gardens

This lovely well kept garden is beside an area often hired from the Hamilton City Council for taking wedding photos. Though the area is special, these gardens are typical of the beauty of the city's flower gardens.

A nice blue flower ar the Waitakaruru Sculpture Park



Mercer Traffic Bridge

This bridge crosses the Waikato River at Mercer, a community about half way between Hamilton and Auckland. The river is broader here than at Hamilton as Mercer is about 68 kilometres, about 43 miles down stream.

A Light Fitting on the Victoria Bridge, Hamilton
These lanterns look very attractive on the Victoria Bridge, installed during the last major upgrade a few years ago. Though electric they have that old world look about them.

The Rose Gardens at Hamilton Gardens
A part-view of the Rose Gardens which make up a big part of the prized Hamilton Gardens. There are many different named rose varieties here, and many are valued varieties grown by Sam McGredy, world renowned rose grower and breader, originally from Ireland and now living in New Zealand. His roses include names such as the pink Sexy Rexy and the red climber Dublin Bay.

Some of his later roses received New Zealand names, such as Aotearoa.

My Grandfather's grave headstone

I never knew my grandfather. He died before I was born - of gas poisoning which caused him respiratory problems. He was exposed to the gas during his time on the battlefields during the First World War. His death and burial occured in Hamilton on return from the War.

This grave is in the Hamilton East Soldiers' Cemetery.

Patchwork and Quilt display

This display of the Waikato Patchwork and Quilters Guild was featured at last year's Waikato A and P show. Those who are not involved in this sort of activity generally do not appreciate how much work goes into making features such as these.