Punishment Books are not always the best place to see what took place concerning corporal punishment. The School Log Book often gives more information and is not subject to the 50-year rule in some cases.
I found several delightful entries in some books. You can search for weeks and find nothing and then hit the jackpot.
“In spite of warnings the boys arrived at school wet as a result of snowball fights. The whole of class 2 received two strokes on their buttocks and class three 3 strokes. We managed by mid-afternoon to get all the clothing dry for them to go home.”
Did this mean they were all caned on the bare bottom? Did it mean that these two classes sat in the nude most of the day while their things dried? It makes you think