The nib, when its prongs had separated too much for writing purposes, could be attached to a paper dart and, with perseverance, this could be made to stick upside down in the ceiling by vigorous throwing when the teacher was distracted or out of the room. When Brothers changed classrooms at the end of periods, opportunities would arise for the pea-shooter expert with his pocketful of wheat, or the “lacker band” brigade who could sting the back of a boy’s neck with a paper pellet from three rows away. The Brothers’ surprise entry often produced plenty of fodder for the wielded strap.”
School Corporal Punishment History117
