N.Y. Judiciary Law § 117: Powers of official referees

§ 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.