1.   More puzzling is why the honors systems in Britain and France have opted for populism.

2.   Yet even in the highly selective Ivy League, a nearly universal honors system is wrongheaded to some.

3.   Prime Minister Jim Bolger appointed a committee Monday to examine whether to end the imperial British honors system and instead enhance a set of existing local awards.

4.   Prime Minister Major has sought to reform the honors system so that it is less dominated by establishment figures and civil servants nearing retirment.

5.   Wu agreed, saying Hong Kong should keep the honors system even after it becomes part of China.