Survey equipment like this chain divided land into sections in preparation for European settlement. Surveyors measured distance between two topographical points using chains like this. It has 100 links, each about 20 centimetres long and measures 66 feet (20 metres) in total. It is divided into four “rods” which are marked by a brass pendant with two, three, or four “fingers”. This chain belonged to the chief surveyor of New Plymouth, Frederic Alonzo Carrington. Carrington’s original survey maps reveal he was a skilled professional but many settlers were dismayed with his choice for the town’s location as there was no harbour, making it hard for shipping to safely visit.