Charles Rees began as Headmaster in January 1886.

On January 18th he recorded his first use of the cane and this was by no means unusual for by the end of that first February the school log has seven canings recorded.

Mr Rees method of maintaining discipline was disliked by Reverend Lockhart, a School Manager. He was unhappy with the Headmaster’s forceful manner “which made it unpleasant for a Manager to discharge his duty.” This appears to be refering to the caning of girls, which later was not allowed under any circumstances.

The problem really came to a head in June 1889 when the school log shows yet another incident.

"On Tuesday afternoon I punished a boy named John Badrick of Rowsham (III) for carelessness by giving him 3 strokes on back with my stick. In the evening his father brought him up and complained that his back was bruised. I was sorry that the punishment showed as it did but I showed the father that the punishment was necessary and accounts for the bruise that the blow fell on the shoulder bone -- the father was satisfied with the explanation. I do not acknowledge that the punishment was excessive, but that unfortunately the strokes falling where they did left their marks.”

Reverend Lockhart did not share this view.

“Neither the father nor the mother were at all satisfied with the explanation of Mr. Rees.

Mr. Rees admitted to me that the punishment was very excessive. I saw the boy stripped, and his back was covered with bruises. The boy has not been to school since Tuesday. The parents say they will summons.”