In a case heard at the Limerick Quarter Sessions, Judge Adams presided over a dispute between Max J Blond, a Jew, and James Rahilly. Blond claimed that Rahilly owed him £1 3s 2d for goods sold and delivered over the past six years. Rahilly’s defence was that he had no dealings with Blond and that any goods supplied were done so to his wife without his knowledge while he was in South Africa. The case had been partially heard before, and an interesting correspondence was presented.
Blond testified that there was a balance of £1 14s 6d owed by Mrs Rahilly, and the current amount due was £1 3s 2d. He stated that she had been dealing with him extensively since 1903, and he had informed Mr Rahilly about it. Judge Adams questioned whether Mr Rahilly knew about the transactions, and Blond asserted that they had spoken about it regularly.
Tensions rose between the solicitors, with accusations made against Blond. Judge Adams intervened, urging everyone to conduct the case calmly and avoid exacerbating the situation. The judge examined the ledger entries, suggesting the need for an interpreter due to the language used. Mr Gatiney, Rahilly’s solicitor, stated that they had never received a bill until the legal proceedings began.
The letters presented at the previous hearing were requested but not available. The defence pressed Blond about dealing with Mrs Rahilly without her husband’s knowledge, to which Blond claimed that Mr Rahilly was aware of the transactions. Judge Adams intervened, considering the case a minor one and expressed his intention to adjourn it to the next sessions, as he didn’t want a Jew or Christian case causing further tensions. He criticized the exaggerations made on both sides and emphasized the need for justice for all individuals, regardless of their religious background.
Judge Adams expressed his hope for peace in the town and urged the Jewish community to address any valid concerns in their business dealings. He also appealed to the people of Limerick to refrain from harming or mistreating Jews.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 03 May 1904
