91 - Proceedings upon return of order to show cause; trial of issue.

§  91. Proceedings upon return of order to show cause; trial of issue.  At the time and place mentioned in the order to show cause,  the  master  or other person in charge of such vessel, the owner or consignee thereof  or  any other person interested therein, may apply and contest the claim  of the lienor as contained in the application for a warrant,  by  filing  with  the  justice  an  affidavit  controverting any material allegation  contained in the notice of lien or the application of  the  lienor.  The  issue so raised shall be tried as are other issues in a court of record,  without  a  jury,  before the justice granting the order at a time to be  fixed by him, or they may be referred by him to a referee, to  be  heard  and determined.