Can a pauper be hired as a looker?

In Rex v. Lydd (Inhabitants) (1824) 2 B. & S. 754, 107 E.R. 563, a pauper had been hired for three years at £20 per annum as a looker. The duty of a looker is to superintend the flocks and fences of his employer. When he was hired his master told him that he should not have full employment for him, but that he would employ him as much as he could. He was not to do any work for his master, other than that belonging to the office of looker, without receiving extra wages. During the first year and three quarters he worked for his master only, but was always paid extra for any work not belonging to his office of looker. Held there was not any hiring for a year.