Ethel Bruce's Rail Pass And Tickets To Parliament House Opening

The day of the much-anticipated opening of Parliament House in Canberra dawned on 9 May 1927. Officially opened by the Duke of York, the ceremony marked a significant moment for the federal parliament, the national capital and the nation.

This handy leather souvenir wallet containing a first-class rail pass as well as tickets to the opening of Parliament House and the associated events was issued to Mrs Ethel Bruce, wife of Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce and a member of the official party.

The function tickets in the wallet were issued by the Federal Capital Commission and demonstrate the meticulous attention to detail in the planning and organisation of the program.

A black leather wallet with the Australian Coat of Arms and 'Establishment of the seat of Government at Canberra by His Royal Highness The Duke of York May 1927' embossed in gold, an envelope, first class railway ticket from Melbourne to Canberra for Mrs Bruce for travel from 4th May to 11th May 1927, rectangular tickets to the State Luncheon, Senate Chamber, Stands and Reception at Parliament House.

A black and white photo of the facade of Parliament House decorated with flags, a canopy and welcome carpet before the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of York for the opening of the building. There are crowds on the roof, front steps, verandahs and flanking the front door. A guard of honour in military uniform stands ready. Two attendants are holding up the end of the red carpet.

Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce and Mrs Ethel Bruce (standing on the carpet to the left) await the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of York for the opening of Parliament House. Much effort was spent keeping the red carpet clean until the Royal carriage arrived.
Photograph by Sam Hood, SLNSW hood-07965

But first, Mrs Bruce needed to get to Canberra from Melbourne, a long and onerous journey eased by the first-class travel pass issued by the Government Railways of Australia. Mrs Bruce travelled to Canberra on 4 May, the same day the couple moved into the Lodge, the brand-new prime ministerial residence. Despite all the personal upheaval that moving house entails, Mrs Bruce was the consummate hostess and five days later was escorting and entertaining the Duke and Duchess of York and other dignitaries who were in town for the opening festivities.

This black and white photograph shows three individuals standing on the platform at the weatherboard Canberra Railway Station on 8 May 1927. In the distance you can see the open doors of a train and people walking down the platform with luggage. Some other people are sheltering close to the railway station building. The weather looks cool and windy. On the left is Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce dressed in a dark suit with white shirt and dark tie over which is a belted trench coat in a lighter shade

Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce, Mrs Ethel Bruce and Chair of the Federal Capital Commission, John Butters, waiting at a windy Canberra Railway Station to greet the Duke and Duchess of York, 8 May 1927. Photograph by William J Mildenhall, NAA: A3560, 3092

This black and white photograph lets us peek over the edge of the carpeted floor of the white timber Royal dais constructed at York Park for the official party to watch the Troop Review. On the left, a seated Mrs Ethel Bruce chats with the Duchess of York. Ethel is dressed in a dark, luxurious fur coat with cloche hat and gloves. The Duchess is richly dressed in a pale-coloured lustrous dress with elaborate embroidery and a fur-trimmed cape, cloche hat and white gloves. Prime Minister Bruce, in top hat and

Mrs Ethel Bruce and the Duchess of York chat as Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce takes his seat on the Royal dais next to Lady Stonehaven, the wife of the Governor-General. Photograph by William J Mildenhall, NAA: A3560, 3033

Whether Mrs Bruce actually needed to produce her tickets or used the maps provided is uncertain. As a member of the official party, she would have been well known to the organisers and ushers and this may account for their pristine condition.

Either way, Mrs Bruce's tickets admitted her to:
- stand A at the front of Parliament House for the opening ceremony (seated by 10.30am),
- seat 19 in the Senate Chamber for the establishment of the Commonwealth Parliament in Canberra,
- a seat at the 'Special' table for the State Luncheon in the Dining Room,
- and a Reception for Overseas Representatives in King's Hall at the surprisingly late hour of 9pm.

Special details from the day include the State Luncheon menu featuring turtle soup, poached snapper, fillets of beef, roast chicken and ham, straw potatoes (French fries), green peas, Canberra Pudding, fruit ices, coffee and cheese. Soft drink was served for the toasts, as alcohol was prohibited in the Federal Capital Territory (later ACT) at the time. Prohibition was lifted in 1928.

At the final event of the day the prime ministerial couple received Ministers of State and overseas representatives who delivered messages of goodwill from their respective governments. The entertainment included a concert in the Senate Chamber, a film showing in one of the party rooms and a supper in the Refreshment Rooms.

An old paper rail pass with the words Government Railways of Australia, First Class, Issued to Mrs S.M. Bruce for travel from Melbourne to Canberra and return Available 4th May,1927 to 11th May, 1927.

A brown ticket displaying an overlay of Parliament House indicating the entry way.

Photograph of an orange ticket displaying an overlay of the Senate Chamber and its galleries.

Photograph of a green ticket displaying an overlay of a dinining room with a table seating position.

Who opened Parliament House?

Parliament House was opened on 9 May 1927 by HRH the Duke of York, later George VI and Queen Elizabeth's father. He officiated at the opening on behalf of his father, King George V.