The Cane in School SIR,—I have just left a boarding
school where the cane is still frequently used, and having been one of the more adventurous pupils, consider myself reasonably experienced in corporal punishment of today.
I was beaten (or 'bummed,' a word found in the appendix of the school history, and one still com- monly used) for various wrong-doings. Converting a ball over the cloisters, participating in an unripe- apple war over the pond while the chapel bell was ringing, and the not uncommon sin of missing a lesson, are just three examples.
I do not regret having been subject to this form of punishment. and did not at the time. Five minutes pain being preferable to two hours 'usefully' spent in copying out lines. Into the bargain one is made a school hero for a day, and what boy does not want to be that?
I feel that people who do-so much talking on the subject, ought to know the views of the victims, and in reply to Mr. Williams, could not girls have the same views on the cane as myself?
Sheffield University
J. H. CURTIS
[See 'Medicine Today," page 358. — Editor.
SPECTATOR.]
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