North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 74. Mines and Quarries § 74-28. Confirmation of report; payment of damages; rights of petitioner

After the filing of the report and confirmation thereof by the clerk, who shall have power to confirm or, for good cause, set aside the same, the petitioner shall have full right and power to enter upon such lands and make such ditches, drains, or other necessary work: Provided, he has first paid or tendered the damages, assessed as above, to the owner of such lands or his known and recognized agent, if he be a resident of this State, or have such agent in this State. If the owner be a nonresident and have no known agent in this State, the amount so assessed shall be paid by the petitioner into the office of the clerk of the superior court of the county for the use of such owner.