Ethel Bruce's rail pass and tickets to the opening of Parliament House

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.  

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.