Rule 15 Proceedings to be heard by the [ district judge]

Any action listed for hearing by [^f4 the judge] in which the defendant fails to appear at the hearing may be directed by [ the judge] to be heard by the [^f5 district judge].

^f6 The [ district judge] may refer to [ the judge] any action which he thinks should properly be decided by [ the judge] and [ the judge] may either dispose of the action or refer it back to the district judge with such directions as he thinks fit.]