return local variable as reference -- ok?

Hi all,

I have some questions about the return array & reference...

function &node_factory()
{ // local varible $newnode
$newnode=array("No", "OO");
return $newnode;
}

$mynode0=node_factory();
$mynode1=node_factory();
$mynode2=&node_factory();
$mynode3=&node_factory();

Is that correct that
1. $mynode0 and $mynode1 are two new arrays, because the array are return
(copy) using pass-by-value methods.

2. $mynode2 and $mynode3 are the same array because they are refer to
$newnode in function node_factory. However, since the $newnode is local
variable of a function. Are the references valid?

Thanks in advanced.

Regards,
KeanHeng