It is rather ludicrous to start a pupils school day by caning their bare bottom so that they are in a right old state, just for being late.
It is also rather daft to cane hands that will then be unable to write and take down notes if it is done too harshly.
A similar thing happened in my state schools.
Personally, as one whack with a plimsole is quite enough I cannot see how it was reasonable to give 6 of the best BB for anything but major bad behavior.
Surely any child is in a heck of a screaming crying state for ages after such an ordeal?