Chapter 70 — Salvage

Unofficial online text published by the Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes; the printed volumes of the Kansas Statutes Annotated are the authoritative version. Current through the 2025 session laws.

Article 1 General Provisions

§ 70-101 Taking up boat, raft or timber

When any boat, raft, lumber, staves, shingles, logs, rails, posts, cordwood or other valuable timber shall be lost or wrecked upon any river or creek any person may take up and secure the same.

History: L. 1869, ch. 85, § 1; February 25; R.S. 1923, 70-101.

§ 70-102 Return to owner on proof of right; premium cost

When any person shall claim such property and shall prove his right to the same before any judge of a court of competent jurisdiction in the county where said property was taken up, the same shall be restored to such owner upon the payment to salvor of a premium for salvage equal to ten percent (10%) of the valuation of such property, to be determined by such judge, if not agreed upon by such owner and salvor, and the legal costs of proceedings.

History: L. 1869, ch. 85, § 2; L. 1873, ch. 127, § 1; R.S. 1923, 70-102; L. 1973, ch. 134, § 54; July 1, 1974.

§ 70-103 Oath of salvor; sale of property, when; notice; disposition of proceeds

Within two (2) days after the taking up and securing of any such wrecked property, the salvor shall make oath before a judge of a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which such property is taken up or secured, that the property was lost or wrecked, and in a perishable condition, and that he or she was not directly or indirectly instrumental in causing the property to be so wrecked or lost, and also the quantity, quality and estimated value of such property, and the time and place of taking up, and that he or she has not disposed of or secreted any part of the same.

If such property be not claimed and proved by the owner within ten (10) days after the filing of such affidavit, such judge, on the application of such salvor, shall issue a warrant directed to the sheriff of such county directing the sheriff to sell the same at vendue, first giving ten (10) days' notice by three (3) advertisements, put up in public places within the county, of the time and place of sale; and if such property be not claimed and proved by the owner, and the salvage and costs paid, then such property shall be sold, and the proceeds shall be returned to such judge, who shall pay to the proper parties the salvage and the costs of proceedings, and the remainder, if any, shall be paid to the state treasurer as provided in K.S.A. 20-2801, and any amendments thereto, unless the owner shall make proof of his or her right to the same within three (3) months. If the name or initial of the owner of any log, tow, or other property, be plainly marked or branded thereon, then the salvor shall in addition to the foregoing proceedings also give notice to the owner, if known from such mark or brand.

History: L. 1869, ch. 85, § 8; L. 1873, ch. 127, § 2; R.S. 1923, 70-103; L. 1974, ch. 446, § 22; L. 1978, ch. 105, § 28; January 1, 1979.

§ 70-104 Penalty for violations

If any person shall retain, sell or dispose of any such property wrecked, lost or adrift, without complying with each and all of the requirements of this act, such person shall be deemed guilty of the larceny of such property, and on conviction thereof shall be punished as for the unlawful taking, stealing and carrying away of such property.

History: L. 1869, ch. 85, § 9; L. 1873, ch. 127, § 3; April 4; R.S. 1923, 70-104.