Our Mouse Trap

by Colin Maller

The floors of the house, except for the scullery, bathroom and lavatory were covered in linoleum which was kept polished; small carpets or mats were laid in front of the fires and by the side of beds. There were no lights u[stairs and we went to bed by candlelight.

Because of the construction of the terrace it was impossible to control the incursion of mice and insects, which moved under the floors from one house to another. All food was kept in tins and jars and large earthenware basins and lids.  

We always had traps set for mice and when the mice became wary of the traps we made our own out of a ruler projecting from a shelf, some cheese stuck on the end, and a three- quarters full bucket of water underneath. It never failed.