(a)Appointment and Compensation. The land court may appoint special masters. As used in these Rules, the word "master" includes a referee, an auditor, an examiner, or an assessor. The compensation to be allowed to a master shall be fixed by the court, and shall be charged upon such of the parties or paid out of any fund or subject matter of the action, which is in the custody and control of the court, as the court may direct. The master shall not retain the report for compensation; but when the party ordered to pay the compensation allowed by the court does not pay it after notice and within the time prescribed by the court, the master is entitled to a writ of execution against the delinquent party. (b)Hearing Before Master. When any matter shall be referred to a master, the master shall assign a time and place for hearing which shall not be less than 10 days thereafter; and the party in whose behalf the reference is made shall serve the adverse party, at least 7 days before the time appointed for the hearing, with a summons, or such other notice as may be ordered by the court, requiring the adverse party's attendance at such time and place, and make proof thereof to the master; and thereupon, if the adverse party summoned shall not appear to show cause to the contrary, the master may proceed ex parte; and if the party obtaining the reference shall not appear at the time or place or show cause why the party does not, the master may proceed ex parte.Amended November 6, 2019, effective 11/17/2019.