Hamilton lake life focus of new book

Jeff Taylor has written a book about Hamilton lake.

Hamilton lake will have its stories revealed in a new book hitting shelves in time for Hamilton's 150th anniversary.

Author Jeff Taylor has spent 50 years working and living near the Hamilton lake, officially known as Lake Rotoroa, and wanted to write a book that had not been done before.

The book walks people through the history of the lake, from the origins and how it was formed; pre-European Maori uses for the lake; a time line of major events that have happened over the years; bird, fish, and plant life; two iconic homes built on the shores in the late 1800s and early 1900s, one of which was owned by Alfred Cox.

"The lake used to be known as Cox's Lake. Hamilton citizens used to come down to the lake and row across for parties at the lake house. It was quite an iconic home in those days, when Hamiltonians were partying 150 odd years ago," says Jeff.

The book includes a series of photos from the 1880s to today.

This has been a retirement project for the former pharmacist, who came to know many old-timers and local identities through his work.

Information has been scoured from the library and council's heritage files and Jeff has spoken to Waikato University and to Hamiltonians with stories to share about the lake.

"The bulk of the [information] has come from the Waikato University.

"They have done a lot of work on the origins of the lake. Hamilton City Library has got a very good gallery of historical photos and that is the basis of the book.

"It's not too technical though, I have kept it pretty lightweight."

Proceeds will go to Hospice Waikato, a charity close to Jeff and his wife Robyn as their daughter Nicola passed away after battling a brain tumour.

"I'm hoping it will be an ongoing fundraiser for Hospice after we have sold the initial flurry, I am hoping it will be a steady sale from the Veranda."

Richard Stowers from Stowers Graphics did the design work. The 120-pages hard cover book will be available from the Veranda Cafe, Hospice Waikato office, and from Jeff early July and will be sold for $20.

To contact Jeff, phone 021 0485 053 or email robyn.jeff@xtra.co.nz.