31.—Whenever, either before, on or after the operative date, any property of whatsoever nature or kind devolves upon the State by way of escheat or becomes the property of the State as bona vacantia or by virtue of section 28, the Minister may, if he thinks proper so to do, waive, in whole or in part and in favour of such person and upon such terms (whether including or not including the payment of money) as he thinks proper having regard to all the circumstances of the case, the right of the State to such property.