New York Consolidated Laws, Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law - RPA § 1105. Service of order;  powers of court or referee

Where an order requiring the production of the tenant for life, or proof that he is living, is made as prescribed in section 1104, a certified copy thereof must be served, at least fourteen days before the time therein specified, upon the person required to make the production or proof, or upon his attorney.  Upon presentation of proof of service, by affidavit, the court or the referee must, at the time and place specified in the order, or at the time and place to which the hearing may be adjourned, hear the allegations and proofs of the parties, respecting the identity of any person produced, with the person whose death is in question or, if the latter person is not produced, respecting the reasons for the failure to produce him, and whether he is living.  Where a referee is appointed, he has the same powers, and is entitled to the same compensation, as a referee appointed for the trial of an issue in a civil action in a court of record.