(1) At the time, upon the date and at the place stated in the abatement summons, thehousing court shall, subject to subsection (2), inquire into the application for an abatement order.
(2) If the responsible person or his representative fails to appear in compliance withthe abatement summons, the housing court may—
(a) upon proof of service of the abatement summons on the responsible person; or
(b) upon proof that the responsible person cannot be found by diligent search; proceed in terms of subsection (1) in his absence.