§ 10. Power to investigate before grant. Before granting any lands or
any interest therein, including lands under water, the commissioner of
general services may summarily inquire into the rights of the person
applying for such grant, on such proof as, by regulation, the
commissioner may prescribe. The commissioner may take testimony and
proofs in any matter or application before him, and the fees of
witnesses and the expense of procuring their attendance shall be paid
from the state treasury out of any funds available therefor by
appropriation, on the audit and warrant of the comptroller, on the
certificate of the commissioner. The commissioner shall establish
reasonable rules to guard against false or fraudulent applications and
for such other purposes as he may deem proper. At any such inquiry or
hearing, the commissioner may be represented by a deputy or other
representative designated by him.