It was all about the Jubilee celebrations which packed the front page of The Canberra Times on this day 70 years ago.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Jubilee opening of the 20th Commonwealth Parliament by then Governor-General, William McKell, ranked with the most impressive ceremonies that had ever taken place in Australian history.
Intermittent showers and an overcast sky did not deter more than 10,000 people from attending the parade and march past of 3600 troops in colourful uniforms before Parliament House.
Many watchers from the hillside followed the ceremonies through binoculars, gaining a better view than people on the packed stands or by the roadside.
About 230 kilograms of hot dogs, 5000 bread rolls, 7000 bottles of soft drink, 50 tins of biscuits and 5000 cups were ordered for two refreshment booths.
More than 2000 cars jammed the roads leading from Parliament House at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Commonwealth Bridge created a bottleneck as cars were brought to a standstill.
Hundreds of people scrambled for buses outside Parliament House.
Not a single road accident had been reported due to the excellent work of the police in keeping the traffic moving.