The Measure of the Man: The Life of Archie Bogle CBE, FNZIS, Surveyor of the Century

Archie Bogle, charismatic, multi-talented Kiwi, doyen of the survey profession, progressed

from pioneer to modern times, gave service to the community and his Institute that will

never be eclipsed. A high-quality volume of 335 pages in full colour well illustrated and

contributing to the social history and development of New Zealand.

Not a book about surveying per se but about a remarkable man who happened to be a

surveyor.

What a kiwi he was: Actor, Bridgebuilder, Conservationist, Conversationalist, Engineer,

Editor, Family man, Friend of Māori, Land developer, Leader, Linguist, Orator, Poet, Pioneer,

Scholar, Singer, Soldier, Sportsman, Surveyor, Raconteur, Town planner and Writer. Indeed,

what a man to measure! An exceptionally well-rounded man. Divided into three parts.

The first is a reprint of Archie’s partial autobiography first published 50 years ago under the

title Links in the Chain published by the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors written by a

master of penmanship such that it was still being requested 30 years after being sold out.

It’s a great yarn told in the inimitable and humourous style that was Archie’s own.

The second, entitled, Surveyor Extraordinaire is a short biography of his fascinating life and

career. It tells how he earned the book’s sub-title, and was possibly the originator of the

term, “a legend in his own lifetime”

Part three, The Best of Bogle fleshes out the first two. There are anecdotes, poems,

speeches and stories from his fertile pen exhibiting his wit, wisdom and worldliness

including some exploits in both World Wars. Comments from peers and friends are also

presented in recognition of this outstanding man.