When in any controversy between owners of adjoining lands as to their respective rights in any partition fence, it shall appear to the fence viewers that either of the owners had, before any complaint made to them, voluntarily erected the whole fence, or more than his just share of the same, or otherwise become proprietor thereof, the other occupant shall pay for so much as may be assigned to him to repair or maintain, the value of which shall be ascertained and recovered in the manner hereinbefore provided.