The examination provided for in this chapter shall be summary, and either party named in the writ of fieri facias may be examined as a witness in the inquiry, and the court or judge may appoint a referee, who shall have full power and authority to hear and reduce to writing the evidence of the parties to the writ, and to administer such oaths or affirmations as may be necessary for the purposes of the investigations, the referee being hereby authorized to administer oaths or affirmations to the witness, in the same manner and with like effect as magistrates or other officer now authorized by law to administer oaths or affirmations. Said referee shall hear the evidence in the cause promptly and report such evidence to the court or judge in writing. The evidence of each party sworn as a witness and testifying, and reduced to writing, by order of the court or by the referee as aforesaid, shall be subscribed by the witness, and a jurat shall be attached thereto by the referee or the clerk of the court.