N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 243:11

On the service date specified by the court on the summons, if it appears to the court that sufficient notice of the petition has been given and that all preliminary steps have been taken, and the capital stock has been subscribed by responsible parties, in good faith, with the intention of building the road, and if no sufficient objection is made, the court shall refer the petition to the department of transportation or to a board of 3 referees appointed by the court, as they shall deem best, to find and report the facts bearing upon the petition.