Procedure when plaintiff fails to appear or to prove his case

(1) If on the day of hearing or at any adjournment thereof the plaintiff does not appear, and does not sufficiently excuse his absence, the action may be struck out. (2) If he appears, but does not make proof of his claim to the satisfaction of the court, the magistrate may nonsuit him or give judgment for the defendant. (3) In either case, where the defendant appears and does not admit the claim, the magistrate may award the defendant in addition to costs, a further sum not exceeding five dollars by way of compensation for his trouble and attendance which the magistrate in his discretion thinks fit.