Wellington 12th. April 1848. Sir, I beg to inform your Excellency that there is a sum of One hundred pounds (£100) due to the absentee natives of the Ngamotu tribe; which was promised to them by Governor Fitz Roy, as their share of compensation for the block of three thousand five hundred acres purchased at New Plymouth in 1844. This sum, the absentee natives object to receive for their claims, unless they also receive an instalment of One hundred and thirty pounds (£130), due on the 11th. of next October, as their share of compensation for the additional block of nine thousand seven hundred and seventy (9770) acres, recently purchased from the resident natives at New Plymouth, and in which they have a large interest. I should therefore submit to your Excellency that as there are several Ngamotu claimants (independent of those who are resident at Wellington) at present collected here from Arapaoa and other parts of Cook Strait, in consequence of the Waikanae migration to Taranaki, that a most favourable opportunity is offered for settling their claims, and finally extinguishing their rights and those of the Wellington natives to the lands at Ngamotu, by paying them the One hundred pounds, together with the instalment of One hundred and thirty, on their fully agreeing to, and confirming on their part, the conditions of the deeds executed by the New Plymouth natives, who received the first instalment, and who fully understand, by a clause inserted in the Deed of October 11th. 1847, of which they have a copy, that the two subsequent instalments for the lands therein described, are to be paid either to the resident or absentee natives, as the Governor - or whoever is appointed by him to make the Payments - may think proper. I may further add that as nearly as I can ascertain, the numbers of the absentee natives (claimants to the Ngamotu purchase) residing in this Province, are 555, 1 490 at Wellington, 55 at Arapaoa, and 10 at Nelson. Of this number, it may be safely calcuated that 200 would shortly return to New Plymouth if their claims are not settled and this would not only prevent their peaceable and progressive improvement, on the lans on which they are now established, but also occasion varuous difficulties at New Plymouth, by their return. Under all the circumstances, I should recommend to your Excellency that these payments should be forthwith made. I have, etc., etc., (Signed) Donald McLean Inspector of Police. To:- His Excellency The Lieut. Governor