That at the time fixed for the hearing of the petition as provided in the next preceding section, it shall be the duty of the board of county commissioners first to ascertain and determine whether notice has been given of the time of hearing as required by this act, and, if it shall be determined that such notice has been given, to make a declaration and finding of that fact and cause the same to be entered upon its records, and thereupon to hear all persons in favor of or opposed to granting any prayer of the petition, and all other evidence that it may desire to hear for the purpose of ascertaining whether such petition contains the proper number of signers possessing the qualifications prescribed by this act, and whether the statements in said petition are true; and if upon such hearing it shall be found that such petition is in conformity to the requirements of this act, then such board of county commissioners shall make a declaration and finding to that effect, and shall thereupon, without unnecessary delay, report said findings to the secretary of state.