(1) The supreme court may make rules regulating pleadings, practice, and procedure in such action or proceeding; and in the absence of such rules, the law relating to pleadings, practice, and procedure in civil actions, so far as applicable, shall control.
(2) The court may order a reference as authorized by Rule 53, M.R.Civ.P.; and in the event of a reference, the referee or referees shall have the powers provided in such rule and shall receive such compensation as shall be fixed and allowed by the supreme court.