18. The judge may, of his own accord or upon the application of any elector, deliver to any party interrogatories in writing upon any matter as to which discovery may be sought, and require such party, or, in the case of a corporation, any of the officers of such corporation, within three days, to answer the questions in writing by sworn affidavit in the ordinary way.
R. S. 1964, c. 173, s. 18.