At such hearing the commissioner shall hear and consider evidence in support or in opposition to such claim. The testimony presented at such hearing shall be under oath and such hearing may be adjourned from time to time as the commissioner may deem necessary to afford the persons interested a full opportunity to present all of the necessary, relevant, and pertinent facts in connection with the merits of such claim in conformity with the rules of evidence in civil proceedings.
SDCL 21-32-6