Mode of giving evidence
57.  In any proceeding under this Act before the Registrar, the evidence shall be given by statutory declaration in the absence of directions to the contrary, but, in any case in which he thinks it right to do so, the Registrar may take evidence viva voce in lieu of or in addition to evidence by declaration. Any such statutory declaration may in the case of appeal be used before the court in lieu of evidence by affidavit, but if so used shall have all the incidents and consequences of evidence by affidavit.
     In case any part of the evidence is taken viva voce the Registrar shall in respect of requiring the attendance of witnesses and taking evidence on oath be in the same position in all respects as a referee appointed by the court under section 21 of the Arbitration Act [Cap. 10].