After the arbitrators have commenced their investigations, they may adjourn from day to day or for a longer time, if the ends of justice require it, until their investigations are completed and they have made up their award. The arbitrators shall not meet or discuss the case or any issue except as a group and with the referee present.
(Code 1933, § 7-412, enacted by Ga. L. 1978, p. 2270, § 2; Code 1981, §9-9-121; Code 1981, §9-9-71, as redesignated by Ga. L. 1988, p. 903, § 3.)