Cambridge Independent Press 30 Jul 1864: Cawcutt refused to pay rat-catcher
BEARD V. CAWCUTT — Claim £1, for a half year’s rat catching, due Lady-Day last. Defendant, a farmer at Trumpington, refused to pay, because the rats were not caught. Plaintiff said he could not get at them, but he had caught about 150 rats between Michaelmas and Lady-Day. Defendant said he had removed three loads of barley sheaves, and found in them and killed 300 rats, and had written to the plaintiff to come over to kill the rats, but he did not come. Plaintiff said he went to defendant’s once a month, and always when he was requested by defendant. After a long inquiry, it transpired that the plaintiff had brought the rats alive to Cambridge for the amusement of gentleman of the University. — The JUDGE thereupon said it was the plaintiff’s duty, under his contract, to kill the rats, and he, therefore nonsuited the plaintiff.