Section 11A

(1)

The Estate Distribution Officer shall, in relation to the hearing of a petition for distribution, have all the powers of a

Magistrates’ Court in the exercise of its civil jurisdiction for the summoning and examination of witnesses (including any person on whom a notice of the petition is required to be served under section 9), for the administration of oaths or affirmations and for compelling the production and delivery to him of all documents, including issue documents of title and other documents evidencing title.