Section 800. Boards of inquiry in labor disputes

Where any strike, lockout,
  or  other  labor dispute exists or is apprehended, the commissioner, for
  the purpose of inquiring  into  the  causes  and  circumstances  of  the
  dispute  may, if he thinks fit, refer any matters appearing to him to be
  connected with or  relevant  to  the  dispute  to  a  board  of  inquiry
  appointed by him for the purpose of such reference; and the board shall,
  either  in  public  or  in  private, at its discretion, and at any place
  within the state, inquire into the matters referred  to  it  and  report
  thereon  to  the commissioner. Provided, however, that no such reference
  shall be made unless and until there shall  have  been  filed  with  the
  commissioner  a certificate of the state board of mediation stating that
  in its opinion efforts to effect a voluntary settlement of  the  dispute
  have been unsuccessful.