8 N.Y.S. 289 | N.Y. Sup. Ct. | 1889
The second count of the complaint is upon a quantum meruit for services rendered by the plaintiff for the defendant in the sale of real estate belonging to the latter. The answer to that alleged cause of action contains the following averments; “The defendant alleges that the plaintiff did not procure a purchaser on the terms authorized by the defendant; and, in consideration that this defendant would convey the property * * * for a different sum and on different terms than any authorized by her, * * * the said plaintiff agreed that he * * * would waive all claims for compensation or commission, except a certain sum then agreed upon, and which the defendant then paid in full.” By his notice of motion the plaintiff asked to be informed of the following particulars of the special contract thus averred by the defendant, viz., when and where such contract was made; what was the “different sum” and what were the “different terms” for and upon which the defendant agreed to convey the property; what was the “certain sum” which the plaintiff agreed to accept for his services, and where and when such sum was “paid in full.” We think the plaintiff was entitled to the information sought. It is true the pleading was good without the particulars specified. It is a good answer to a complaint on a quantum meruit to aver that the services were rendered under a special contract. But the office of a bill of particulars is not to supply necessary allegations in a pleading, but to furnish information of particular facts which the party expects or intends to
Barker, P. J., concurs. Macomber, J., not voting.