In the discharge of the duties imposed by this chapter, the department, any referee, the members of the Board of Review, and any duly authorized representative of any of them shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations, to take depositions, certify to official acts, and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda and other records deemed necessary as evidence in connection with a disputed claim or the administration of this chapter.