Why does HunterLETS call their unit of currency a Molly?
Firstly, HunterLETS is the result of an amalgamation of four systems- Maitland, Cessnock, Newcastle and the Central Coast. The Maitland system called their unit of currency after a convict woman called Molly Morgan who was dubbed with many titles, two of which were “Convict to Queen” and “Queen of the Hunter Valley”. If Molly Morgan (1782-1835) were alive today half of Maitland’s business area might be paying rent into her bank account. Molly Morgan was one of the most keen, self-willed and resourceful convict women to be trasnported to Australia’s undeveloped soil, a born leader. She acquired large areas of land in addition to her grants and at one time “Wallis Plains” was known as “Molly Morgan Plains”. Many stories exist about her exploits and “friendship” with officials, but she was a firm friend of the emancipists and the convicts and many of the residents of the area owed their establishment and survival to her, often riding many miles to bring comfort to a sick settler with litt
