In 1865 the Maori Wars were at their height and Morris’s passengers were at extreme risk. The senior, Rev C S Volkner, was seized and murdered by the hostile Maoris in a truly sickening way, and Morris and his brother Samuel, a storekeeper in the town, were eventually successful in spiriting the other, Rev T S Grace, to safety.
Being Jewish, the Levy brothers were untouched by the Maoris, who felt an affinity with our people.

Julian and I have amassed a great deal of research into this incident and others in the lives of Morris and Sophia, which we have built even further after recent visits to Whakatane and Opotiki, and in Nelson. We would be happy to share this on your Museum site.

We congratulate you on this venture and wish it all the success it deserves.

I have written to you already, without receiving an answer, but I guess you are too busy formulating the overall plan. When the time is right, I would be delighted to compile a history of this remarkable man and some of his experiences for your collection of histories. When you send me the submission criteria (format, usage of pictures, etc), I’ll work within the bounds of them.

When I first read of this venture I immediately showed it to the Jewish Historical & Genealogical Society of Western Australia, of which I am the Librarian. Our determination to create a museum of local history has been foundering for lack of a forum to display it, so with imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, we hope to emulate your ‘Jewish Lives’ and learn from its style and presentation.

Very best wishes to you all. Y’Shar Koach!!

Sue Levy
Perth, Western Australia