Section 20: Lease for coconut plantations

20. Lease for coconut plantations (1) The Minister may grant by private contract leases of Pas Géométriques exceeding 2 hectares for the purpose of planting and cultivating coconut trees on the Pas Géométriques. (2) The leases may be for any period not exceeding 30 years and upon such terms as to the payment of rent and other conditions, more especially as to the apportionment of produce between Government and the lessee, as may be approved by the Minister. (3) The rent shall be payable in advance and, in default of payment of any instalment within one month after service of a notice claiming payment, the Minister may, by Order in writing, cancel the lease, and thereupon Government shall be entitled without any further formality to resume possession of the land. (4) No lease under this Act shall be granted except after notice published in 2 daily newspapers 2 weeks at least before any decision is taken. (5) Any lessee may, subject to such conditions as may be approved by the Minister, cut and remove any trees growing on the Pas Géométriques leased to him under this Act, for the purpose of planting or maintaining the coconut trees so planted in a proper state of cultivation. (6) Notwithstanding section 11, where after the granting of a lease, it is proved to the satisfaction of the Minister that the Pas Géométriques are unsuitable for the planting and cultivating of coconut trees, the Minister may cancel the lease and grant another lease under this Act without recourse to a public auction.