[§392-73]  Procedure.  The referee shallnot be bound by common law or statutory rules of evidence or by technical rulesof procedure, but any hearing or appeal before the same shall be conducted insuch manner as to ascertain the substantial rights of the parties.  No personshall participate on behalf of the director in any case in which that personhas a direct or indirect interest.  A record shall be kept of all testimony andproceedings in connection with an appeal, but the testimony need not be transcribedunless further review is initiated.  Witnesses subpoenaed pursuant to thissection shall be allowed fees at a rate fixed by the department and such feesshall be deemed part of the expenses of administering this chapter. [L 1969, c148, pt of §1]