Penalty for neglecting to perform contract and to return advance

(1) Every tradesman who, having contracted with any person to perform any work for reward, whether the amount of the reward is at the time of the making of the contract fixed and agreed upon or not, and received any sum or sums of money not exceeding in the whole the sum of fifty dollars either in anticipation of the reward or for the purchase of materials necessary for such work, or for any other purpose in relation thereto, neglects or refuses without lawful excuse to perform that contract, either within the time specified for the completion thereof or, in the absence of any agreement as to time, within such time as the magistrate considers reasonable, and neglects or refuses, when so required, to repay to the person with whom he contracted, or to his agent lawfully 5 authorised, the sum or sums of money so received, commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding twenty- five (2) That tradesman shall be also adjudged to repay to the person with whom he contracted, or his agent, the sum or sums of money so received by him under the said contract.