Common Law Procedure Act 1854

VI Power to Judge to direct Arbitration at Time of Trial, when Issues of Fact left to his Decision.

If upon the Trial of any Issue of Fact by a Judge under this Act it shall appear to the Judge that the Questions arising thereon involve Matter of Account which cannot conveniently be tried before him, it shall be lawful for him, at his Discretion, to order that such Matter of Account be referred to an Arbitrator appointed by the Parties, or to an Officer of the Court, or, in Country Causes, to a Judge of any County Court, upon such Terms as to Costs, and otherwise, as such Judge shall think reasonable; and the Award or Certificate 6f such Referee shall have the same Effect as herein-before provided as to the Award or Certificate of a Referee before Trial; and it shall be competent for the Judge to proceed to try and dispose of any other Matters in question, not referred, in like Manner as if no Reference had been made.