Clause 290

The Judges of the District Court shall be commissioners for the purpose of taking evidence under this Part, and the Court may refer the whole or any part of the examination of any witnesses under this Part to any person hereby appointed commissioner.[U.K.s. 348.][Aust. s. 290.]

Every commissioner shall in addition to any powers which he might lawfully exercise as a District Judge, have in the matter so referred to him the same powers as the Court of summoning and examining witnesses of requiring the production or delivery of documents of punishing defaults by witnesses and of allowing costs and expenses to witnesses.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court the taking of evidence by commissioners shall be in open court and shall be open to the public.

The examination so taken shall be returned or reported to the Court in such manner as the Court directs.