1. If the case is referred, the referee or master shall forthwith proceed to hear the same, and shall file his report within ten days after the conclusion of the testimony.

2. Any referee or master failing to at once proceed with the hearing, or to file his report within the time aforesaid, may be removed by the court, in which case he shall not receive any pay or allowance whatever for his services; and the court may thereupon hear the case or appoint a new referee or master. The fees of the referee or master shall be taxed and paid as costs in the case.

3. Exceptions to the report of the referee or master may be filed by either party. If no exceptions are filed within three days after the report is presented to the court, it shall be confirmed, and judgment entered thereon.