(1) The statements of claim shall stand in the place of pleadings, and issues may be made thereon.
(2) Whenever requested so to do the state engineer shall furnish the court with any information which the state engineer may possess, or copies of any of the records of the state engineer's office which relate to the water of said river system or water source.
(3) The court may appoint referees, masters, engineers, soil specialists, or other persons.
(4) In all proceedings for the determination of the rights of claimants to the water of a river system or water source, the filed statements of claim shall be competent evidence of the facts stated therein unless the same are put in issue.