(1) In such cases it is the duty of the Judge -
(a) to decide all questions of law arising in the course of the trial, and especially all questions as to the relevancy of facts which it is proposed especially all questions as to the relevancy of facts which it is proposed to prove, and the admissibility of evidence or the propriety of questions asked by or on behalf of the parties; and, in his discretion, to prevent the production of inadmissible evidence, whether it is or is not objected to by the parties;
(b) to decide upon the meaning and construction of all documents given in evidence at the trial;