I guess this may have been due to the fact that it was administered across PE shorts, it was a young fit PE teacher that administered the punishment and also in order for a cane to be delivered accurately generally a full swing cannot be employed whereas with a plimsoll it can be applied as hard as possible and accuracy still be maintained.
If members wish to hear of some of my experiences I would be pleased to share my memories of that aspect of my school days
The Slipper in UK Schools43
