Second class for conduct was of a similar nature, but with considerable modifications. A white stripe had to be worn on the left arm; no cell or bread-and-water diet was involved, and a second-class table in the messroom took the place of cockpit mess; the same restrictions as to soup, beer, and second course. This could be imposed for from seven to fourteen days.
There is a manuscript note in this book to the following effect:—
“When reduction to second or third class seems to be non-effective with troublesome cadets, caning over the breech has been tried and found most beneficial.”
On a cadet being reduced to the second or third class, the fact was reported to his parents or guardians.
Another captain’s punishment was cockpit mess, which was the same as third class, but no stripes were worn. One day in cell on bread and water; dry bread for breakfast and tea, and other restrictions of diet the same; limit, three days.
Then, again, there was No. 4, which involved six days’ extra drill, leave stopped—except the penitential hour’s march with a corporal—turn out one hour earlier, stand on deck one hour after evening prayers, and one week’s pocket-money stopped.
Finally, an offender was liable to be “admonished by the captain,” which, though not an actual punishment, was duly recorded, and that cadet would not interview the captain as cheaply a second time.
The commander’s punishments include: Copying the regulation broken, turning out one hour sooner, extra drill, standing on middle deck one hour after prayers, messing at defaulters’ table (on reduced diet), confined to the cricket field, stoppage of leave.
Serious offences were not very common, and during the whole period since the training ship was first instituted there has not been a single instance of anything like concerted insubordinate action, such as may be found in the history of a large number of schools.
The health regulations include, as might be expected, vigorous measures against the introduction of contagious diseases from outside, especially when the cadets are returning from leave.