I believe he was genuinely interested in my views of his stewardship of the school, (particularly my reasons for not staying on in the 6th form that he was actively trying to expand), during that 5 year period. However, at the time, it was very hard to be objective when the person soliciting your opinion has just beaten you (again) with a length of rattan that remains in plain view on his desk.
I think on this occasion, I must have been in his office for the best part of half an hour all told.
At the time of the alleged incident, you had (it seems) absolutely nothing to lose by telling him to shove his cane up his jumper.”