Section 23

In all cases of reference to a special referee or arbitrator under an order of the court or a judge thereof in any cause or matter, the special referee or arbitrator shall be deemed to be an officer of the court and shall have such authority and shall conduct the reference in such manner as is prescribed by Rules of Court, and subject thereto as the court or a judge thereof directs.

The report or award of any special referee or arbitrator on any such reference shall, unless set aside by the court or a judge thereof, be equivalent to the judgment of a judge.

The remuneration to be paid to any special referee or arbitrator to whom any matter is referred under order of the court or a judge thereof shall be determined by the court or a judge thereof.