The first experiece I recall was at the age of 9 (Grade 4 here) and the year was 1959. My male teacher kept a short cane in his desk drawer that he used in a novel fashion. He would hold one end in his right hand and pull back the other with his left until it was under strain, then let go, at the same time flicking downwards.
It was not a formidable cane but it was used frequently for things as minor as spelling mistakes, and always in class. He never did it in anger, just matter-of-factly and as an unfortunate necessity.
Contrary to the popular view of caning teachers today, this teacher was by far the most liked in the school, simply because he liked and wanted to help his students. He commonly followed the progress of his former students and congratulated them on their successes in later school life – a truly exceptional character.