Smackings with the hand at primary school could be quite vicious however with 10 rapid slaps not being unheard of.
The cane was very rare and given by the head in private. I never ever saw the cane in class.
these smackings on the legs or bottom were ad hoc ( they happened spontaniously) girls generally got it on the legs, boys on bottom or legs. In generall a boy would be yanked over the desk where he sat by means of his waist band, thus pulling shorts up rather tight. Then a random amount of viscious slaps would be applied to the top of legs or bottom. This continued until teacher was happy and lad was normally in tears.