An explanation: Corporal punishment was outlawed in schools in New Zealand in 1989, so this story is set before then, around 1980.
I grew up in a small country town that had a coed high school. There were 650 students, about half boys and half girls. All the girls could receive was detentions, but they showed plenty of interest when a boy was to be caned, although as far as I can recall, it never happened in front of them. Boys could be caned and most were at least twice as far as I know. Although I was caned myself on several occasions, the most I ever got was four of the best along with a friend after we had told each other to F off. It was just before I turned fifteen years old. Some may say that four of the best is not much, but it certainly kept me on the straight and narrow after that, and I had the bruises on my backside for more than two weeks. And yes, before you ask, I had tears in my eyes when I was told to stand up after the caning.
One of my uncles was a lawyer and so my cousin was sent to a boarding school in Auckland. He was a couple of months older than I was, and he told me many tales about life in the boarding school in the 50s. The rest comes from my imagination.
This story is written because a reader requested it and he supplied the basic idea.
The Story:
Ben Wishart was a growing 14 year old. He lived in California with his father who worked for a engineering company. Bens mother had been killed in an accident six months earlier. Ben and his father had never been particularly close, Rob Wishart was sent by his company all over the world troubleshooting difficult projects. Since his mother had died, Rob had made an effort to get closer to his son. He had stopped going off on trips, staying at the home office based in San Paulo, making sure Ben was up in time for school and taking him to baseball games at the weekend. They had once gone fishing, but both of them had got bored rather quickly, so the day had been wasted. Rob while not a harsh parent didnt let Ben get away with too much, and Ben had felt his fathers belt across his jeans covered buns on a few occasions. At junior high he had been paddled once, only three swats, for losing his temper and hurling a book to the floor in class and swearing at a friend who had been teasing him, just as the teacher had arrived in the class room.
It was autumn in California and Rob was at the office when his phone rang.
Rob, can you come up to the office please. It was Luke Somerville the President of the company.
Ok Luke, do I bring anything with me?
Just yourself .
Half a minute later Rob tapped on Lukes door and went straight in.
Thanks for coming Rob, Ive got a fax yesterday, from our rep in Taranaki, there is a problem on the oil rig there and they need you to straighten it out.
Id be happy to go, but Ben needs me.
You could take Ben with you. I thought of that when I got the fax, so I asked about schooling there. You would be there for three months so I faxed our rep and ..... There was a knock and the door opened and Sharon, Lukes secretary came in.
Mr Somerville, a fax just came in from John Brown in New Zealand.
Thanks Sharon, taking the fax from her and scanning it rapidly, As I was saying I faxed John in New Zealand, and this is his reply.
There are several good schools in the area, but the one I recommend is St Swithins. Ben can board during the week, as Rob will be on the rig, and come home at the weekend. There is a fully furnished house that we can get, the rent being NZ$150 per week, so all Rob and Ben need to bring would be their clothes. I have talked to the school and they have agreed Ben can start for the spring term which starts on 12 September and runs through to 16 December.
Of course the company will pick up all expenses Rob, said Luke, including the school fees.
You must want me there pretty bad, boss?
Yeap, the sooner you get there the better. John has a school handbook in the post to you, and I have already made bookings for you both to leave for New Zealand on Aug 30, thatll give you 10 days or so to get to Taranaki and get set up. You are flying Air New Zealand and will arrive in Auckland on Aug 31. You have the day there I have booked you into the Station Hotel, then you can fly or drive to New Plymouth from there.
Ok Luke, I will get out of here, go and pick up Ben from school and give him the news.
Yeah Rob, see you tomorrow.
Rob left Lukes office and went back to his own, packing up what he needed to work at home that night went out to his old Jeep in the parking lot next to the office. As he drove to Bens school he was wondering how Ben would take the news. Ben had been to the UK for two weeks with Beverly and him about a month before Bev was killed, so his passport was ok, but he had never been anywhere else in the world.
When he got to Bens school, Ben was waiting for him on a seat just outside the main door of the school.
Hop in sport, weve a lot to talk about.
Yeah Dad, youre late again, Ive been waiting hours.
Smart guy huh, well see how smart you are when we get home. Ben shot his father a look, while visibly stiffening in his seat. Come on son, get buckled up, weve got to ride, and if you got out of school on time, youve been waiting five minutes. Rob was wondering what Ben had on his conscience if he stiffened up like that at a bit of joking.
When they got home, Rob said, Son go freshen up, while I prepare a drink for me and do you want coke or something?
Since youre buying Dad, Ill have a coke.
Ok, get your butt back here in five.
Ben went off to his room wondering if his father had found out about the cigarettes he and Joey Lopez had smoked behind the house the other day. As a precaution he put on his newest, thickest jeans just in case his father was going to blister his butt. Ben hadnt had a butt blistering as his father called it for a year, and he was hoping that he was past that sort of thing. But Joey had told him that Fred, his older 17 year old brother had got blistered real good when his father had found out that he was smoking just five days earlier than Ben and Joey had tried smoking. Ben didnt even like the taste of the tobacco, he had come inside the house and brushed his teeth and put the shirt hed been wearing in the laundry. He was back in the kitchen inside the deadline that his father had set.
You look smart son, what say we got out to eat after our talk.
Ok Dad, what there to talk about, trying to be uninterested, but clenching his buttock muscles in preparation.
Son lets sit in the den, bring your coke. Ben followed his father to the den. After they were seated, and sipped on their respective drinks, Ben, I have got to go to New Zealand for three months at least. Luke has said that you can come with me, but you will be boarding at school during the week and come home with me at the weekends, when I come off the rig.
When do you go Dad?
We go together Ben on August 30, we fly Air New Zealand and arrive in Auckland the next day.
What school Dad?
Well, Joe Brown, the company rep has recommended a place called St Swithins it is quite near where we are going to live and they have a boarding hostel where you will stay Monday to Friday as Ill be on the oil rig all week and that is off the coast of Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand. Bring the Readers Digest Atlas and well take a look.
Ben got up and went over to the well stocked book shelves and brought a big atlas from bottom shelf and put it on his fathers desk. Flipping through the pages he found the map of the North Island.
Here it is Dad, pointing with his finger, and here is Taranaki province. Its on the west coast of the North Island. Where is the school Dad?
Im not sure yet son, but Joe Brown has posted the schools hand book by airmail so it should be here in a few days. We will know more then. My drink is finished, lets go and eat.
A few days later Rob got a thick envelope from Todd Oil Exploration, PO Box 225, New Plymouth, New Zealand. Without thinking he ripped it open, thinking it would give him more information on the problem he was going to try to fix in New Zealand. Instead he found a note from Joe Brown plus a booklet. The booklet was the Handbook to St Swithins and Rob put it aside. He and Ben could look at it that evening after dinner.
After dinner that evening Rob said, Ben that stuff about the school in New Zealand came to the office today. Come on into the den and we will look at it together.
Does that mean I dont have to wash the dishes?
No, it means that after you have finished the dishes you come. I wont read it until then, so take your time and do the job properly.
Yeah Dad.
About fifteen minutes later Ben joined his father in the den. Rob got the envelope out of his briefcase and showed in to Ben.
I opened it at work Ben, but when I saw what it was, I put it straight back in the envelope, so we could look at it together..
Thanks Dad.
They started thumbing through the booklet. At the discipline section, Rob read out aloud, Discipline is maintained in the traditional manner. Detentions, impositions and corporal punishment is used. If corporal punishment is used, it is administered on the clothed buttocks by slipper, tawse or cane. Prefects can use a slipper up to six strokes, masters can tawse or cane students up to sixteen years old by applying six strokes, students over sixteen years old can receive up to twelve strokes. The headmaster or his deputy, can administer up to twelve strokes to any student, if he thinks the punishment is warranted.
Gee Ill have to careful Dad.
They got to the pages about uniforms. Rob started reading aloud again. Uniforms will be worn as supplied by the school outfitters at 122 Devon St New Plymouth. It is made of the following:
5 White shirts of the appropriate size 2 Ties 5 Pairs of socks, long for those boys under sixteen, short dress socks for senior boys 3 pairs of trousers, short for boys under sixteen, long for senior boys 5 pairs underpants (Jockey briefs or similar) 5 singlets 1 School blazer 2 jerseys
Being in California, Ben wore baggy shorts in summer that came down below his knees. As there were no pictures in the booklet he couldnt see what the uniform looked like, but he still voiced his displeasure to his Dad.
Dad, I hate briefs I wear boxer shorts, and what are singlets? Are they a form of T shirt?
Ben a singlet is the same as your athletic vest you wear when you are doing track at school. I dont know why they say you must wear briefs, I cant see the difference myself, except that briefs give your balls a little more support. When we get there it will be early spring, and so the temperatures will be colder than what you are used to. So you will have quite a lot of adjusting to do.
Ok Dad.
A short time later Ben went upstairs to his room to complete his homework while Rob finished getting his current project together before leaving for New Zealand.
The following week they boarded the Air New Zealand DC 10 and flew to New Zealand. After they cleared customs they followed other passengers to a great arrival hall where people were being greeted by friends and families. Rob had been to New Zealand several times in the past, so he knew where to go. Heading over the Avis desk, he organised a rental car and went with the agent to collect it. He told Ben to wheel the trolley containing their baggage to the doors where he would meet him with the car.
When Ben got outside he saw his Dad getting out of a compact sedan. Ben pushed the trolley over to the car and as the agent opened the boot (trunk) for them he saw the name on the trunk lid was Holden Kingswood. When his dad got into the car, Ben had another surprise because his father got into the right side of the car. Ben heard the agent tell his Dad to remember to drive on the left side of the road and wished them a good trip.
Gee Dad, have you driven on the left before?
Quite often son, specially when Ive been to the UK or Japan. This is my third trip to the Shaky Isles as they are called because of the frequent earthquakes, so I have a rough idea of where to go. Come on hop in and belt up.
Ben got into the car and as they left the airport watched his father a little nervously until he was confident that his dad knew what he was doing. They arrived down town Auckland in about 40 minutes and checked into the hotel. As it was just before lunch, they went straight up to their room and freshened up before resting after their overnight flight from Hawaii to Auckland. The following day after being completely rested they drove through the North Island for 6 hours until they reached New Plymouth. Going straight to the Todd Oil Exploration offices on the main street, Devon Street, Ben followed his father into the building. At the reception area there was a pretty lady who greeted Rob.
Hello, Mr Wishart, I havent seen you for a while.
Hello Alisha, You are right, its been about 18 months since my last visit here. What have you been up to cause me to drop every thing and come running. By the way, this is my son Ben, he has come with me on this trip.
Hi Ben, nice to meet you. Mr Wishart, Mr Brown is expecting you, Ill just buzz him and let him know that you are here.
A two minutes later a man in his mid thirties came into the reception area.
Hi Rob, as he crossed the room towards them. And this is Ben,?
Yes Joe, this is my son Ben. Joe shook hands with his father and then with Ben.
Come on up to my office and we will talk things over. When they got to his office and were comfortable, they got down to discussions about the house, and schooling and then Joe said, Well that covers the social side, we will give you a day to settle in and look around our great little city, and we will talk business on Friday. The following Monday you can take Ben to school and introduce him and then I guess he will have to be kitted out with the correct uniform. Ive had a talk with the school bursar Charles White and because Ben will only be there for the spring term as they call it, they wont be to fussy about everything, but he will cover what he will need when he meets you on Monday. As you know the company is picking up the tab, so you dont need to be too scotch.
Thanks Joe, with a quiet chuckle, are you going to show us the house?
Yes, we will go in a few minutes but tonight you can bed down at the best pub in town.
The house was a comfortable three bedroom bungalow style with a modest lounge. As Rob and Ben would only be there for the weekends, they thought that it was ok. The following Monday Rob following Joes instructions and following a rough map he had drawn arrived at the school a short distance from New Plymouth city. A sign at the gate read: St Swithins Collegiate School and they followed the winding drive up to the main entrance of the school. Stopping the car just outside the door, they got out of the car and went over to the door and went up several steps into a foyer where a sign directed them to the bursars office.
Knocking at the door a voice asked them to enter. Inside was a man in his late fifties Rob judged, with wispy silver hair and a smoking pipe sitting on a big ashtray on a desk that had several piles of paper on it.
Yes, he said as he looked up, how can I help you?
I am Robert Wishart and this is my son Benjamin.
Of course, you are from California, Joe Brown from Todds called me several days ago and told me that you would be here today. He stood and came around the desk to shake hands with them both. I am Charles White, the bursar of the school. I understand that Benjamin or do you prefer Ben, at Bens nod, he went on, will be here for the spring term only at this stage. Because of that we wont get too fussy about his uniform, but he will have to get enough so that he conforms with the basic requirements. I have drawn up a list.
Can we have a look around?
Certainly, I will have someone show you around then you can come back here with any questions you may have. Just wait here while I go and fetch Young. He got up and went outside the room, five minutes later he came back with a blond haired boy about the same age as Ben. This is Barry Young. He has been in school for three years and he knows his way about. He will show you around and then bring you back here. Barry this is Ben Wishart from California. He is fourteen and probably going to be in the third form, but that is yet to be confirmed.
Perhapes just Ben can go, Mr White, I will stay here and we can talk over the official bits that we have got to go through.
That is a good idea, well boys we will see you back here in 45 minutes.
Ben just sat there looking at Barry Young. Barry was dressed in a white shirt with a tie, a gray pullover (sweater) and long socks up to just below his knees, and last but not least gray flannel shorts that came halfway down his thighs. He had a sudden sickening feeling in his stomach, was this the uniform he was expected to wear. He suddenly realised that his father and Mr White was looking at him, so he got to his feet.
As they left the office Barry said, Come this way, Ill show you the dorms first. They went up two flights of stairs and along a corridor. You are fourteen so you will sleep along here in the third form dorm. He opened the door at the end of the corridor and they went into a room with about twenty beds in it. There is a couple of spare beds down at the end, so pick one now or you wont get a choice later as there is an other new boy starting this term also.
Ben walked down the room and looked at the beds, Ill take the one nearest the window.
Good for you. Taking a marker pen from his pocket he wrote Ben Wishart on a piece of white cardboard and slotted it into the door of the small wardrobe next to the bed. Ok, youve got a place to sleep now lets look at the hall and gym and the grounds.
Ok, do you mind if I ask stuff as we go?
Go for it.
Whats with the short shorts? I mean I wear shorts in the States, but not that short and not to school.
These are the uniform shorts. The hems must be at least three inches above your knees.
God, Ill look like a dork.
No you will look like every other boy here until they are sixteen, then you can wear longs.
The rest of the tour passed in a bit of a blur and after forty minutes had passed they went back to the bursars office. Ben and his father went home for lunch. Seeing the clearly unhappy look on Bens face, Rob half guessed that Ben was not looking forward to going to school in the new country.
Ben once you start at school, it will be just like home. You will soon make new friends. How did you like the guy that showed you around?
He was ok Dad.
Well what is the long face for?
Its those shorts, Ill look like a dork.
Listen son, said in a firm tone, I had to come here for my job. I didnt want to you to be alone back home, that is why Luke arranged all this. If everything goes well we get back home for Christmas, otherwise I may be here a bit longer.
But Dad, I hate the cold, the country and those crummy shorts.
Im sorry Ben, but you will have to make the best of it. I have already explained why and the reasons.............
Why do we have to do everything your way?
Ben, said in a louder tone, that is enough. I have been there for you since Mom died, staying at home, going to the movies, taking you places that you wanted to go to, so no, not everything is done my way. Now listen Ben You are not going to throw a tantrum here, do you understand me?
No Dad. I dont understand, cant you understand me. I hate this bloody country, I hate the school, mostly I hate those _f_u_c_k_in shorts, the last yelled at the top of his voice.
Ben I warned you. You know I wont tolerate that sort of language. I know you are upset about the shorts, but you are going to conform. Now no more nonsense, this is your last warning.
Yeah big guy on the block, what are you going to do about it?
That is it young man, Rob grabbed his son by the shoulder and propelled him across the room along the passage to the room where Ben was sleeping. You can either bend over and grab your ankles or bend over the end of the bed. Im going to blister your butt Ben and dont think that you dont deserve it.
But Dad........
There is no but about it son, bend over, this was said as Rob pulled his belt through the loops on his pants. He doubled the belt and watched while the colour fled from Bens face.
Ben reluctantly bent over and grabbed his ankles. Rob measured the distance so that the doubled end of the belt would land halfway across Bens right buttock, raised the belt and let fly with about middling strength. The belt whoosed through the air and landed on the tightened jean clad backside with a smart crack sound. Four more strokes were delivered at the same strength, then the last one at Robs full strength just to let Ben know he could dish out a decent hiding if he had to.
At the last stroke, Ben let out a gasp.
You felt that one then son, ok you can stand up. Now is there going to be any more nonsense.?
No Dad.
Well we had better be going to the school outfitters then. Come on out to the car. Ben rubbing his backside carefully followed Rob out to the car.
The next Monday Ben was driven to school, with his luggage, by his father. Ben I will collect you around five on Friday afternoon. If something happens and I cant get here, I will get a message to you via Joe Brown. Now try your best. You are going to learn a few different things, maths and science wont be much different to back home, but other subjects will have local flavours. He gave Ben a brief hug and hopped into the car and drove off.
Ben watched as the car drove off. He was feeling a bit sad and he felt very strange with his knees showing and wearing the short shorts. His mind went back to last week and the scene he had caused with his Dad. Luckily his father was one of those pay the crime, do the time guys and all was forgiven. The visit to the outfitters had been a revelation. His Dad had got everything on the original list. He had said that in a school like St Swithins you had to conform with the dress code otherwise you would get picked on. He had also told Ben that you may get picked on because of his different accent and way of doing things, but if he got bullied to tell his mentor. While he was still thinking about what they had talked about, he heard a voice.
Hey Ben, over here. Turning he saw Barry Young beckoning to him. Over here Ben.
What about you coming here and helping with this stuff?
OK. Barry came across and picked up one of Bens bags. I didnt tell you earlier, but you are in my dorm. Chas White, has asked me to be your mentor, so Ill tell you things as we go. First of all because you are a new boy, you have two weeks to learn your way around the school and learn the basic rules.
What happens after that?
Your bum is fair game for the whack happy bastards around this place. Seeing the brief look of surprise on Bens face, he went on, It doesnt happen all that often, I only got caned twice last term and belted once in the gym. Then Familton, the head prefect, gave me four with his slipper because I was rude to him.
They climbed the stairs to the dorm. Once there, Ben packed his gear away then asked, Hey Barry, when do lessons start?
In about half an hour at 9.00 am. All your books have been provided by Mr White, so you wont have any problems finding stuff. You have a locker on the classroom floor where you keep all your school stuff. You have a locker in the gym. We do prep in the form room. And after prep you make sure everything is back in your locker again ready for the next day. You must keep your locker tidy, as well as your space in the dorm. And by the way, can you make a bed?
Of course, why?
Because you make your bed plus a seniors bed. That bed will be assigned after roll call this evening. Dont worry I will show you what to do.
Ben found that math and science was similar to what he had in the same year back home, but English and geography was strange. First there was the different ways of pronunciation, and spelling in English, then when geography came around there was nothing about the USA, it was all about Australia, the big country across the Taseman Sea from New Zealand. As he struggled through the lesson he wondered about sports period which was the last lesson of the day.
In the gym he met the gym master, William Kerry. Mr Kerry asked him what he had done in the gym in his high school in the States. Ben told him. Mr Kerry then asked what sports he played.
Well Coach I play baseball, do track, and in winter I play basketball.
Wishart, I am not Coach. You answer a question with Sir, or Mr Kerry.
Sorry Sir.
You may have a problem as we dont have baseball, we have softball. The biggest difference there is the pitching is done under arm instead of over arm. In New Zealand boys generally dont play basket ball, we play rugby football and some schools offer soccer, we dont have an official team here, but some of the boys play.
Ok can I think about it and let you know next period.
I will arrange for you to go to a rugby match this coming Saturday, it will be a big game our home province Taranaki versus Auckland for the Ranfurly Shield.
Sir, I go home at the weekends, but I will ask my father.
The season lasts until early October, and I can arrange for tickets for your father as well.
Thank you Sir. I can get a message to him and as soon as I know his reply I will let you know.
Good lad, now lets see what you can do, join the class.
Ben found that he enjoyed the class and after dinner he did his prep as homework was called here. Just as he was finishing up, a tall young man came into the room. He spoke to the duty master and then turned to the boys.
For all the new boys here this term, my name is Familton and I am the head prefect. I need a new helper, so after you have completed prep, will Wishart, report to my study with his mentor. Thank you and carry on. Familton spoke quietly to the teacher for a moment and then left the room.
What is a helper? Ben asked Barry as soon as they had been released from class. They were walking to their lockers.
A helper in the old English Public Schools was called a fag, and you do the routine jobs like making beds cleaning shoes etc. Come on we dont want to keep Familton waiting or else my bum will feel his slipper and I dont want that again in a hurry.
The boys reached Familtons study and knocked on the door.
Come. They entered. Familton outlined what he wanted Ben to do and then told Barry to make sure that Ben did the jobs the right way or else his bum would pay the price. He then told the two boys to go to supper and bed.
Ben felt strange undressing in front of all the boys in the dorm, there were twelve boys in the room all of a similar age, except for the monitor who was in the fifth form. Next morning they all trooped off to the bathroom where there were gang showers with a row of hooks on one wall to hang towels.
Hey guys look at Wisharts willie. It looks funny.
Ben stared down at his penis, to him it looked normal. He looked at the other guys under the showers and found them all looking at his willie. He looked down to their willies and saw that they had not been circumcised like he had.
Guys my Dad told me that I was circumcised because he was, and it is easier to keep clean. What is so strange about that.
Nothing.....does it feel different when you wank? asked a boy called Jeff Smith.
Well see how I dont know how it feels with skin on, I cant say, but it sure gives me a lot of fun.
Wishart likes to wank, Wishart likes to wank the group except Barry started chanting.
Barry said, Come on Ben lets get out of here. They grabbed their towels and went out of the shower room and dried off before putting on clean clothes for the day. Come on Ill show you where to take yesterdays clothes so they can be washed, and then we have got to make our beds then you my friend, have got to make Familtons bed and do his shoes.
They spent fifteen minutes on their chores and then went to Familtons room where the head prefect was out of bed. He watched as Ben made his bed and then cleaned his shoes.
If you keep up that standard for the rest of the term Wishart, you will get along alright. Ok head off to breakfast.
The rest of Bens week went off ok.
At the weekend Ben and his dad went with Mr kerry and a couple of sixth form boys to the rugby game at the local park. It was a sell out crowd of ten thousand and the game was long and hard fought with the home side losing by two points to the Auckland side. Ben thought that the game was harder than American football, specially seeing the players wore hardly no padding. A few wore head guards to protect their ears, but that was it.
The following week at school Ben saw his first caning. Jason Smith a boy in his class hadnt done his prep in fact according to the teacher, Mr Blackthorne, Jason must have played about all of prep period. Mr Blackthorne carried on.
Smith out the front now. Jason got up from his desk and went to the front of the room. Facing the blackboard, bend over and touch your toes, keeping your legs straight and together.
Jason did as instructed. Mr Blackthorne went to a tall cupboard at the side of the room and Ben was treated to his first sight of a cane. It was just as he had seen in picture books except that it did not have a crook handle. Mr Blackthorne bent the cane back and forth several times to test its flexiability, then swished it through the air a couple of times as he approached the bending waiting Jason. He stopped alongside Jasons left side, a little behind him, then tapped the cane across the tightened shorts covered buttocks several times.
Dont get up until you are instructed Smith.
With that he drew the cane back and putting his shoulder behind it lashed the cane down onto the thrust up buttocks that were waiting. The cane landed with a swish and a sharp crack. Three more strokes were dished out and Ben could see the faint marks on the stretched material of the shorts where the cane had landed. He realised that the teacher was working his way down the tightened seat. There was a longer pause....
Get up Smith. Let that be a lesson to you and any other boy foolish enough not to do their set prep in the time that you are given. The lesson continued.
In the gym a couple of days later Ben saw a boy in an other class tawsed as he waited for Mr Kerry at the beginning of the period. Ben didnt know who the boy was but he saw the tawse crack down six times across the kids PE shorts and wondered what he had done to get that. It was bad enough getting Dads belt across jeans and underpants, but with just a jock strap and those flimsy shorts that was the required apparel for PE Ben bet the kids bum would be glowing. While he was watching he felt his penis start to stiffen. He thought, thank God Ive got my jock on, and hoped it wouldnt show.
As the boy came out into the main part of the gym frantically rubbing his bum, Mr Kerry called, Wishart get in here now. Ben went into the office. Wishart, you have just seen what happens to boys that dont do as they are told or who fool about in the gym where people can get hurt. That boy was doing something that he was told not do. I usually give this talk to new students at the beginning of the year, but since you have only just joined us, you are getting it now.
Yes Sir.
Mr Kerry went on to outline the general rules in the gym and then asked, Well Wishart, do you want to try out for rugby?
Yes Sir.
Good lad. We can lend you the gear, even some boots. Now you can join the class.
Thanks Sir.
After gym in the showers Hey Barry, Ive seen a caning and someone getting the belt, does it happen often?
Usually once or twice a week, you see or hear of someone getting whacked. Its no big thing unless its happens to be you.
The following week Ben was in trouble with Familton, he had forgotten to clean his football boots after the previous days practice.
Wishart, I warned you what would happen if you slipped up. Im going to whack you. Bend over. Ben bent over as he would have in the States with his hands on his knees. Get right over with your fingers touching your toes.
From the corner of his eye Ben could see Familton pick up what looked like a tennis shoe. The next moment it had slammed into Bens bum with a loud crash. He felt an immediate burn, before he could react it had landed three more times on his backside. It was as bad as the paddling he had got the previous year.
Get up and get those boots cleaned up. If you are late for breakfast that is your problem.
Ben stood up and went over to the boots and took them with him outside to clean the mud off the boots before polishing them. His backside felt very sore and as he cleaned the mud off he calmed down the sting slowly abating and turning into a glow. All of a sudden he realised that his prick was a pole of steel just about bursting out of his shorts. He took the boots back to Familtons study and polished them. He got washed up and managed to get some breakfast. Later he told Barry that Familton had given him four with a shoe.
You mean a slipper.
No it was a tennis shoe.
Dufus, that is a slipper. It is flexiable so that it wraps around the shape of your buns when he hits you. How do you feel?
A bit sore, my buns feel as though there is a fire in them.
Thats normal, you wait until you get the cane, then youll know what a hot bum is.
Thanks a lot, youve turned out a great friend.
No problem, thats want friends are for. Come get to class or we will be in trouble.
A week later.....
Ben and Barry were behind the cricket pavilion having a quiet smoke. Ben had smoked a few cigarettes without being caught and he had convinced Barry that it was ok. So they were about halfway through their ciggies when Familton came around the corner of the pavilion and saw them.
Put out those cigarettes at once and come with me. He led them into the main part of the school and deposited them outside the their house masters study. Telling them to wait there and not to move, he knocked on the door and went in.
What happens now? asked Ben.
My guess is you will find out what the cane is like, and Hefty can swing a mean stick. Hefty was the nick name of the House master Mr Blackwell. He was about six feet four inches tall and there was no fat, he was just big.
Familton came out of the study and said to the two boys, Mr Blackwell will see you now. Follow me, and he led the way into the study. Ben had been here before and on that occasion thought that Mr Blackwell was not a bad guy, however this time there was no mistaking his displeasure. He sat there behind his desk looking very stern.
Wishart and Young. Young and Wishart, whose cigarettes were you smoking?
Mine Sir, said Ben.
You know that smoking is forbidden at school?
Yes Sir.
Yet you were caught smoking leaning up against the rear wall of the pavilion, a very old wooden building that could easily catch fire.
Yes Sir.
If I have my way you will be thrashed very severely Wishart. You too Young. Even though your mentoring period is up you have been at the school long enough to know better.
This time it was Barry that answered, Yes Sir.
This is too bad a crime for me to deal with alone, I will consult with the Headmaster or his deputy. You will be informed prior to prep what the outcome will be. Now get out of my sight.
As they left the study to go to the dinning room Barry said, We are going to have a very sore arse indeed. I wish I had never listened to you.
What will the Head or his deputy do?
If we get caned by them they can give more than six cuts at once, also we will probably be ordered to put on our PE gear so it can hurt more.
They had their dinner although neither felt like eating much. After dinner they were on there way to prep when Familton caught up with them.
You are a little idiot Wishart. You were going so well here, now you will watched like a hawk in case you cause more problems. You are both to report to Mr Rosewell the deputy Headmaster at 7pm. He has the pleasure of dealing with your sins.
At his words Ben saw the colour drain from Barrys face.
Whats the matter Barry, are you going to be sick?
I wish I were, Rosewell is reputed to have the strongest right arm with the best technique in the school. As he was talking he was reflectively rubbing the seat of his shorts.
They carried on to prep and at 10 minutes to 7pm asked the duty master could they be excused as they had to see Mr Rosewell.
Boys how much more prep have you got to do?
I have finished Sir, said Barry.
I have also Sir, came from Ben.
Then you are excused. They left the classroom and put their books away in their lockers and proceeded to Mr Rosewells study where they arrived with a minute to spare. Knocking on the door they were told to enter.
Going into the study they saw Familton, Mr Blackwell, their house master and Mr Rosewell.
Mr Rosewell spoke, Boys Familton and Mr Blackwell have told me that you were seen smoking. Do you both accept that?
Yes Sir. They replied together.
Furthermore Wishart, I am told that they were your cigarettes.
Yes Sir, said Ben.
Very well, you both admit to smoking which is forbidden. You both could have caused a major fire in burning down the historical cricket pavilion, and last but not least you both are endangering your health. Do you both have anything to say before I decide what punishment you will receive?
No Sir, said Ben, which was echoed by Barry.
Very well then. Young, you will receive six of the best across your underpants. This punishment is within my powers of discretion, as your buttocks will still be covered. You have been at the school since you joined us in form one, so you should have more sense. Beside you were appointed as Wisharts mentor, so should have stopped him from smoking. Do you understand?
Y..yes Sir, from a very miserable looking Barry.
As for you Wishart, I am astounded by your stupidity. You have only been in the school a few weeks and you break one of the most important rules we have, that is, no smoking. As well as being a fire hazard, it endangers your health. I have talked with your father and he is as shocked as I am. He has told me that, you will be punished by him as he has told you that you are not to smoke as well. However, I will punish you for breaking the school rule and leading Young into mischief as well. You will receive eight strokes of the cane across your underpants, well laid on. Do you understand why you are being punished?
Yes Sir.
Young, you are first. Since you havent been caned by me before, you will follow this procedure. Go to the armchair, turn it so the back is facing into the room, drop your shorts and bend over the back of the chair. Barry followed Mr Rosewells instructions, fumbling a little with his belt and buttons before slipping his shorts down and bending over the back of the chair. Get your head down closer to the seat Young. Barry did so. Familton you stand back by the bookcase with Wishart and perhapes Mr Blackwell you sit behind my desk, so that I have room to move. Seeing everything was to his satisfaction Mr Rosewell went over to a cupboard and opened it.
Ben could see several canes hanging there of different lengths and thickness. He felt Familton moving closer to him as he looked at the canes and then at Barrys backside, covered by his tight white underpants. There was the lower part of his buttocks showing as well. Mr Rosewell selected a cane, and flexed it a couple of times. He moved over to Barry and settled himself in position before tapping the cane across the centre of Barrys buttocks a couple of times.
Ben started to tremble, even before the first stroke fell, as well as he kept stealing glances at Barrys buns displayed in the tight underpants he could feel his _c_o_c_k_ starting to stiffen. Looking across at Familton, he noticed that the front of his long trousers were tented out as well.
Suddenly he brought back to attention by the swish of the cane followed by the loud crack as it landed on its target. Barry moved on the chair a little, but otherwise made no sound. Ten seconds later the second stroke whistled down and again Barry moved a little on the chair, but so far there was no noise of even a gasp. The third stroke swished through the air with a real growl to it and the crack as it landed was at a higher and louder pitch. There was for a moment silence from the chair, then Ben heard a sob, at the same time he saw Barrys buns wriggling up and down as he fought the pain that was being inflicted on him.
Bens _c_o_c_k_ got harder as he watched, with the last stroke that had fallen he could see the ends of the weal made by the stroke of the cane just below the legs of Barrys underpants. The fourth stroke followed by the fifth stroke whistled down again this time landing on mostly bare flesh. Then Ben saw Mr Rosewell shift slightly and the sixth stroke landed at the top of the left buttock crossing all the previous weals, the tip of the cane digging into the top of Barrys right thigh. Again there was a frantic pumping of Barrys buttocks as he absorbed the burning stinging pain. The sobs got louder. He laid there over the chair for a moment before being told to stand by Mr Rosewell.
Barry stood and as he turned towards Ben and Brendon Familton they could see the front of his underpants were wet. With tears streaming from his eyes and snot from his nose, he certainly was not a pretty sight.
I hope that you have learned your lesson Young. Pull up your shorts and join Familton, and keep your hands on your head after you have fastened your shorts, said Mr Rosewell.
Seeing Barry in such a state certainly did not lend courage to Ben, and he had two more strokes than the six that was given to Barry. Thank goodness he thought, my hard on has gone down.
Wishart it is your turn to pay for your crimes. Go to the chair and get ready. Do exactly what Young did.
Yes Sir.
I gather from your father that you have been punished before. What form did that take?
Sir, my father has belted me with a strap a few times over my jeans, and I got three whacks with the paddle last year for fooling around in class at school.
I think that you will find this experience a little different and if it teaches you not to smoke or break other rules or laws, then it will be a job well done. Drop your shorts and bend over the chair.
Barry did as he was told. He found that the top of the chair was just at the right height for him to bend over it comfortably with his _c_o_c_k_ in the pouch of his underpants resting on the top of the rounded back of the chair. He felt the cane tap across his buns a couple of times and clenched his buttocks in anticipation of the pain to come.
The sudden swish followed by a loud crack announced the arrival of the first stroke. Ben moved forward on the chair back as the cane landed. For a nano second there was nothing suddenly he felt a scalding sting race across the line where the cane landed. He gasped. There was a pause and the second stroke landed, the pain doubled. Again he moved forward and then backwards on the chair, his _c_o_c_k_ sudden got rock hard in spite of the pain caused by the cane.
The third stroke whistled down and bit into the meaty part of his buttocks, Ben could hear a keening noise in his ears, but didnt realise for a moment that he was making the noise. The fourth stroke came down and like on Barry, landed on bare flesh below the legs of his Jockey briefs. The fifth landed near the top of his buttocks. By then it was just pain heaped on pain.
Ben was sobbing loudly and as his buttocks moved back and forth on the top of the chair. The sixth landed on top of a weal made earlier, while his hips pumped back and forth across the top of the chair seemingly of their own violation. The seventh stroke landed, Ben hardly felt it. Just as the eighth stroke landed, again on mostly bare flesh, Ben howled aloud in a mixture of pleasure and pain. He hardly heard Mr Rosewell telling him to stand up and pull up his shorts. Looking at the chair seat through his tears just before he stood up, he saw that there was quite a puddle on it from his and Barrys tears. While the top of the chairs back looked distinctly sticky.
Ben stumbled over to where Barry was standing with Familton. He still had tears streaming down his cheeks although he wasnt making any noise except an occasional whimper. He barely heard Mr Blackwell telling Familton to take them to the bathroom and get them cleaned up and then to escort them to the dorm.
In the bathroom Familton told Barry and Ben, Strip off and get under the showers and Ill go and get your pyjamas for you. Barry and Ben did as they were told both of them running on automatic in a state of shock. Under the shower they started to calm down and then a little awkwardly started to talk.
Geese, that hurt. Said Barry.
_s_h_i_t_ yes, and thanks to Rosewell, Ill get a hiding from my Dad as well.
Hey Ben, lets see your arse. Ben turned slightly so Barry could see his backside properly. Geese, it is a bloody mess. Its bleeding in a couple of places. Ben ran his soapy hands lightly across his buns. He could feel the raised lines on them where the cane had bitten into his flesh.
Ok show me yours. Barry turned and showed his bum to Ben. He had five straight lines across both cheeks neatly intersected by his crack. The sixth stroke slashed across both buns diagonally forming a perfect five barred gate.
Hey Barry, did you come when you got it?
Yeah, but not as much as you did. I thought you werent going to stop pumping that chair man, even after the last hit, your bum was still jumping. Ben could feel himself go red. Dont worry Ben, I wont tell anyone. However our dorm mates will want to see the damage to our arses though.
Ben was just going to reply when Familton came back to the bathroom.
You guys look a little better. Get dried off and come along to my study and have a cup of cocoa and Ill even rub your sore places if you like. The last said with a bit of a grin.
Thanks, we will see you there. Said Barry.
Hey, Barry I dont want him rubbing my sore places. Ben said after Familton had left the bathroom.
I think he was just joking, but I definitely feel like a hot drink. Come get dressed and lets go.
They put on their pyjamas, Familton had brought their dressing gowns as well so bundling their dirty gear they took them to the laundry and left them in the basket there to be washed, they made there way slowly to Familtons study. Ben knocked on the door and at Familtons call to enter they went in.
Oh good you both came. The kettle has just boiled and I have got the makings ready and all I have to do is add the hot water, as he poured the boiling water into the three mugs sitting on his desk. Here you go, get that into you and you will feel a bit better.
Thanks Familton, they said together.
Look fellas you probably think Im a prick for reporting you, but you cant smoke as the Rose says it endangers your health. Ben, you want to go places in the world, maybe play sport, you certainly wont be able to if you take up smoking in a big way. And Barry you know better also. However that is all Im going to say about it, you have committed a crime, you were caught and you have paid for your sins. As far as I am concerned that is it, unless you do something stupid again. However Ben, as I said earlier, you, will be watched closely for a while until they are sure you have learnt your lesson.
Ben looked at Familton and nodded. He was starting to feel a lot better. His buns were still throbbing with pain, but as he drank the hot cocoa he could feel himself slowly warm up.
Now I was a little bit serious about rubbing your sore places. Ive got some Solarcaine, it is for sunburn, but I think that you will find it will help to take the sting out of your behinds a bit.
Thanks Familton, suddenly remembering Familtons tented trousers as he looked at Barrys bum, you mean here?
Id like that, but no, go to the bathroom and treat each other, then head to bed. You can give the Solarcaine back tomorrow when you come to do your chores.
Thanks again Familton, they said together as they left his study and went to the bathroom......