Memorandum by M J Williams (HON 39)
I read in The Times of today's date that
you are to head an inquiry into the honours system. This review
is long overdue.
The present system should not and cannot be
allowed to continue. This system of handouts from those on high
to those who have towed the line or financially lubricated the
workings of a [party] machine must stop. It brings the whole system
into disrepute and belittles the recognition of those many deserving
cases.
I am interested in ceramics and a few years
ago was reading about the life of a great Japanese master potter—Shoji
Hamada—who in 1955 was recognised in Japan as a Living National
Treasure. What a wonderful and meaningful title. Anyone worldwide
on hearing that would immediately understand its meaning.
My proposal to you is that we adopt an identical
term for recognising those in the arts. This would allow not only
individuals but also small groups to be recognised. It would allow
The Rolling Stones, as a group, to be recognised as a Living National
Treasure instead of Sir Mick having recognition and the other
Stones to be ignored. I will not mention here what I think of
Jagger for accepting this crumb from the top table.
For someone in the arts to be made a Sir, Dame, MBE
is meaningless. What was it given for? Services to their industry,
support for their political party (if Baldrick ever gets anything)
etc.
February 2004
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