§ (3.) Upon receipt of such petition, and upon due proof of the proper advertisements having been published and notices served, the Board shall take such petition into consideration, and may either dismiss the same or direct an inquiry in the district in which the land is situate, or otherwise inquire as to the propriety of assenting to the prayer of such petition; but until such inquiry has been made in the district after such notice 1120 as may be directed by the Board, no Order shall be made affecting any land without the consent of the owners, lessees, and occupiers thereof.
§ Any such inquiry may be held by a person appointed by the Board in the manner and with the powers hereinbefore provided, or if the Secretary for Scotland by any writing under his hand shall so direct, such inquiry shall be held by the sheriff, not being a sheriff substitute resident within the district.