§ 117. Powers of official referees. As to all motions, actions or
proceedings submitted to an official referee by stipulation of the
parties appearing therein, or order of the court, except matrimonial
actions, the same shall be deemed duly referred to said official referee
and he shall proceed therein with the same power and authority as a
justice presiding at a regular special term of the supreme court and
entertain and grant motions for a new trial, grant stays and orders to
show cause, and he shall have similar jurisdiction and authority as to
any other action or proceeding referred to him by order of the supreme
court including matrimonial actions. Every official referee shall have
the power to administer oaths and take acknowledgments; the violation of
an order of such official referee may be punished as for a contempt of
court by the court at special term.