168

In case of the absence from the jurisdiction of any person owning property therein, for a period of ten years or more, during which time there has been no knowledge or means of knowledge of his whereabouts afforded by him or obtainable by the exercise of reasonable diligence on the part of the heirs, beneficiaries, or other parties in interest of his estate, such heir, beneficiary or other interested party may institute a proceeding for the administration of the estate of such absentee owner, on the presumption that the latter has died intestate.