History

 

It is not generally realised by this generation - or the previous one, for that matter - that before World War II discipline in the home, and in school, was far stricter than could ever be imagined today. Corporal punishment was a perfectly acceptable practice ... with parents, teachers and the Police. No good complaining that you had had a good tanning from your father or your school teacher, especially down at the Police Station. More likely the Sergeant would tell you that you had thoroughly deserved it. The Police, in fact, were not averse to giving some youngster a damn good hiding instead of charging him. Saved time and trouble and probably did the youngster more good.

These practices applied to girls as well as boys.

A strap, a leather belt and the cane were the most widely used instrument of correction. Not lethal, but quite adequately painful when properly applied.

Do-gooders today hold their hands aloft, appalled at such practices. But do they ever consider how much better behaved was the youth of the Thirties and Forties compared with the louts and bimbos of today?