The assessor shall have power to examine under oath any person or officer of a corporation with regard to the taxable property of himself, the corporation or others, or the truth of the matters contained in a claim for exemption of any person or corporation, and may compel the attendance of such persons and other witnesses and the production of books and papers by his order therefor, designating the time and place for such attendance and production. The order shall be served on the person, witness or corporation at least two days before the time named, either personally or by leaving it at the residence of the person or witness or at the office of the corporation. In case of failure to comply with the order, the assessor may apply ex parte to the Superior Court to compel the person or witness so to do.
N.J.S. § 54:4-16