Penalty for unlawful occupation

(1) Every person who is found in the unlawful occupation of national lands is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars upon the information of the Commissioner or any other person authorised by him. (2) It shall be lawful for the Minister, if he thinks fit, whenever any improvements have been made on any national lands by any person in unauthorized occupation of such land, to cause to be added to the price of such land the value of such improvements. (3) If the occupant becomes the purchaser, the Minister may exercise his discretion as to the payment of the value of the improvements by such occupant, and if any other person becomes the purchaser, it shall be lawful for the Minister in his discretion to return the amount of the value of such improvements to the occupant. 19