This is a special proceeding. The moving affidavits constitute a petition asking for the removal of public officers under section 36 of the Public Officers Law. The issues raised by the answering affidavits are referred to Hon. Gilbert D. B. Hasbrouck, official referee, to take the proofs and report the same to this court, together with his opinion thereon, with all convenient speed. Present — Hill, P; J., Rhodes, Crapser, Bliss and Heffernan, JJ.