Letter: A just tawse

I found Hugh Reilly's article about going back to school (Perspective, 16 August) pertinent, especially the aside about window shopping in some of our major cities.

Classic sarcasm and fine use of the English language. I presume that Mr Reilly was at some period during his career allowed to use the tawse? If so, did he find that it made any difference?

During my time at Boroughmuir Senior Secondary, 50 years ago, there were a number of classes in minor subjects - such as music, art and physical education - which were on occasion subject to class disruption.

Pupils were controlled by the tawse - not always by direct measures but by threat. I can remember our music teacher, the now deceased Doc Doom, and Phys Ed teacher, former Commando TAS Taylor, balancing their John J Dick Lochgelly belts on the ends of their middle fingers, before applying punishment.

Few pupils went back for a second bite of the cherry once it was first applied.

When one went home with stinging fingers, the question was asked: what did you do to deserve it? Sympathy was minimal.

WL Bartlett

Bruce Grove

Pencaitland, East Lothian