Section 24, The Escheat Ordinance

The equitable grounds in the last section referred to shallinclude those arising from the continued peaceable possession by persons who, not having any knowledge or notice of the escheat, have, previous to the passing of this Ordinance, purchased bona fide, and for a fair and reasonable value from others who might be presumed to be entitled as rightful owners, or arising from the continued peaceable possession by the husband or widow, illegitimate children, or grandchildren of a deceased owner: Provided always that no recommendation for consideration on equitable grounds shall be made except in special cases to be expressly reported by the Judge, unless the claim to the land shall have been duly filed and preferred under section 3.