Above: Surveyors at work Right: A Gunter’s chain
It was invented by an English clergyman and mathematician almost 300 years earlier. Based on the breadth of a plough strip, the “chain” had become the legal measurement for land and the basis for government maps – as well as the length of a cricket pitch. From the starting point stake, the chain was dragged out to its full length and another stake placed at the end of it. This was continued until the desired amount of land had been surveyed. All sorts of difficulties were encountered, from trees and scrub to waterways and swamps, not to mention the distortions created by rises and falls in the landscape. The chainman worked under the direction of the surveyor, who meticulously recorded the details and directions in his notebook. Comments on vegetation and soil types were also recorded, all to be transferred to a map that evening in the confines of his tent. These plans became the basis for the government’s maps which controlled the issue of title deeds and leases to the people of Victoria. ‘Tyab’ (now Tyabb) is on the map Callanan’s survey marked out a future township which he named “Tyab”, according to the local government parish of the same name. It seemed a good site - on gently sloping land between two creeks, Kings and Olivers, and overlooking Western Port. continued next page... June 2026 PENINSULA essence | 69