Reference for trial

In any cause or matter, other than a criminal proceeding by the State– (a) if all the parties interested who are not under disability consent; (b) if the cause or matter requires any prolonged examination of documents or any scientific or local investigation which cannot in the opinion of the Court or a judge conveniently be made before a jury or conducted by the Court through its other ordinary officers; or (c) if the question in dispute consists wholly or in part of matters of account, the Court or a judge may at any time order the whole cause or matter, or any question or issue of fact arising therein, to be tried before a special referee or 37 arbitrator respectively agreed on by the parties, or before an official referee or officer