Section 39. Hearings and subpoenas

The commissioner, the members of the
  unemployment insurance appeal board, the deputy  commissioner,  referees
  and  any other officer of the department designated by the commissioner,
  shall have power:
    1. To issue subpoenas for and compel the attendance of  witnesses  and
  the   production  of  books,  contracts,  papers,  documents  and  other
  evidence;
    2. To hear testimony and take or cause  to  be  taken  depositions  of
  witnesses residing within or without this state in the manner prescribed
  by  law  for  like  depositions  in  civil actions in the supreme court.
  Subpoenas and commissions to take testimony shall be  issued  under  the
  seal of the department.