FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC
10-Q, 1996-08-14
SAVINGS INSTITUTION, FEDERALLY CHARTERED
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                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                     
                          Washington, D.C. 20549
                                     
                                 FORM 10-Q
                                     
                Quarterly Report under Section 13 or 15 (d)
                  of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                                     
                                     
                    For Quarter Ended    June 30, 1996
                                     
                     Commission File Number    0-16329
                                     
                                     
                    First State Financial Services, Inc.
           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                     
                                 Delaware
      (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
                                     
                                22-2823506
                  (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
                                     
  1120 Bloomfield Avenue, CN 2449, West Caldwell,  New Jersey 07007-2449
                  (Address of principal executive offices)
                                     
                               (201) 575-5800
            (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
                                     
                                    N/A
      Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed
                             since last report
                                     
                                     
Indicate  by  check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed  all  reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such report(s), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes    X    No


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's class  of
common stock at
June 30, 1996:
             3,938,815 shares of common stock, par value $.01.





              FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                             INDEX
                                                            Page
                                                           Number

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     Item 1.   Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

               Consolidated Balance Sheets,
               June 30, 1996 and
               September 30, 1995                              3

               Consolidated Statements of Income,
               three and nine  months ended June 30,
               1996 and 1995                                   4

               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,
               nine months ended June 30, 1996
               and 1995                                        5

               Notes to Consolidated Financial
               Statements                                      6

     Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis
               of Financial Condition and Results of
               Operations                                      7


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION                                   19


PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     Item 1.   Consolidated Financial Statements

              FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                   Consolidated Balance Sheets
                           (unaudited)

                                           June 30        September 30,
                                            1996               1995
                                          ----------       ----------
                                                (in thousands)
ASSETS                                                              
Cash on hand and in banks                 $  13,874        $  11,792
Investment securities available for sale     17,604           11,799
Investment securities, at cost               22,309           20,889
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost         3,715            3,715
Loans receivable, net                       525,997          461,648
Mortgage loans held for resale               10,854           67,219
Mortgage-backed securities, at cost          31,616           18,961
Accrued interest receivable                   4,311            4,046
Office properties and equipment, net         10,442           10,523
Real estate owned                             5,192            8,564
Cost  in  excess of fair  value  of 
  net assets acquired                         2,199            2,349
Other assets                                 17,824           15,515
                                          ----------       ---------- 
                                          $ 665,937        $ 637,020
                                          ==========       ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                
Deposits                                  $ 589,509        $ 567,710
Borrowed money                               32,629           23,105
Advance payments by borrowers for                                   
  taxes and insurance                         2,475            3,253
Accrued expenses and other liabilities        1,369            1,360
                                          ----------       ---------- 
  Total liabilities                         625,982          595,428
                                          ----------       ----------
Stockholders' Equity:                                               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value,                                    
  2 million shares authorized;none issued         -                -
Common stock, $.01 par value,                                       
    8 million shares authorized;                                    
    3,938,815 issued;
    3,929,455 outstanding at  6/30/96;           39
    3,883,765 issued;    
    3,874,405 outstanding at  9/30/95;                            39
Paid-in capital                              21,242           20,949
Net unrealized loss on investment                                   
    securities available for sale              (379)             (89)
Retained income                              19,053           20,693
                                          ----------       ---------- 
    Total stockholders' equity               39,955           41,592
                                          ----------       ----------
                                          $ 665,937        $ 637,020
                                          ==========       ==========
                                                                    
                                
              FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                Consolidated Statements of Income
              (in thousands, except per share data)
                                
                                  Three months ended      Nine months ended
                                        June 30,               June 30,
                                      (unaudited)            (unaudited)
                                      1996      1995        1996       1995
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
Interest income:                                                     
  Interest on mortgage loans      $  7,975   $ 8,504    $ 23,870   $ 24,034   
  Interest on consumer and   
    commercial loans                 3,925     2,090       9,447      5,890 
  Interest  on  mortgage-    
    backed securities                  536       297       1,413        927 
  Interest  on investments   
    available for sale                 250       134         681        358 
  Interest  on  investment    
    securities                         364       425       1,083      1,298  
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
     Total interest income          13,050    11,450      36,494     32,507
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
Interest expense:                                                    
  Interest on deposits               5,734     5,472      17,036     14,769
  Interest on borrowed money           388       254         744        776
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
     Total interest expense          6,122     5,726      17,780     15,545
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
Net interest income                  6,928     5,724      18,714     16,962
Provision for loan losses            4,400       600       5,600      1,100
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
Net  interest  income  after   
provision for loan losses            2,528     5,124      13,114     15,862
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
Other income:                                                        
  Loan fees and other loan           
    charges                          4,007     1,019       8,973      2,543
  Service   charges   on             
    deposit accounts                   498       459       1,385      1,321 
  Net gain on sales of loans            13        36       1,067         42
  Net gain (loss) on sales           
    of investments                       4        11         140       (144) 
  Other                                583       297         901        781
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
     Total other income              5,105     1,822      12,466      4,543
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
Operating expenses:                                                  
  Compensation and employee          
    benefits                         2,118     1,866       6,134      5,492
  Premises  and  occupancy           
    costs, net                         569       471       1,744      1,506 
  Amortization of intangible         
    assets                              50       110         150        378 
  Loan processing expenses           5,503     1,233      11,708      3,061
  Data processing                      304       271         916        824
  Advertising and promotion            205       201         610        603
  Federal insurance premiums           311       322         939        929
  Problem asset expenses, inclusive of
    real estate owned write-downs    1,451       354       2,164        981 
  Other expenses                       625       786       2,016      2,335
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
     Total operating expenses       11,136     5,614      26,381     16,109
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
Income (loss) before income         
    tax expense (benefit)           (3,503)    1,332        (801)     4,296 
Income tax expense (benefit)          (694)      374         195      1,389
                                  ---------  --------   ---------  ---------
Net income (loss)                 $ (2,809)  $   958    $   (996)  $  2,907
                                  =========  ========   =========  =========
Primary earnings (loss) per     
    share of common stock         $   (.69)  $   .24    $   (.25)  $    .75
                                  =========  ========   =========  =========


              FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
              Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                         (in thousands)
                                                  Nine months ended
                                                       June 30,
                                                     (unaudited)
                                                   1996           1995
                                              ----------     ----------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                                 
Net income  (loss)                            $    (996)     $   2,907
Adjustments to reconcile net income to                         
  net cash provided by operating activities:  
Amortization of intangible assets                   150            378
Depreciation                                        919            723
Net accretion of loan fees and discounts           (181)          (182)
Net amortization and (accretion) of                
  investment premium and discount                    23            (50)
Net amortization of MBS premium and                
  discount                                           50             58 
Increase in interest receivable                    (265)        (1,661)
Proceeds from loan sales                         76,636          3,638
Origination of loans held for resale            (19,204)        (2,693)
Recovery on sale of real estate owned              (261)             -
Net gain on sale of loans                        (1,067)           (42)
Net (gain) loss on sales of investments            (140)           144
Provisions for losses on loans                    5,600          1,100
Provision  for write-downs of real              
  estate owned                                    1,700            300 
Increase in other assets                         (2,309)          (477)
Increase in other liabilities                         9          1,812
                                              ----------     ---------- 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES        60,664          5,955
                                              ----------     ----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                                 
Net increase in loans, receivable               (71,078)       (63,216)
Purchase of mortgage-backed securities          (15,337)        (2,325)
Principal payments on mortgage-backed         
  securities                                      2,659          3,382  
Proceeds from dispositions of real         
  estate owned                                    3,243          2,457  
Office properties and equipment               
  expenditures                                     (838)          (681)  
Purchase of investment securities               (11,711)        (7,655)
Purchase of investment securities           
  available for sale                            (30,017)        (4,677)
Proceeds from sale of investment securities 
  available for sale                             31,419         10,021  
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock              -           (710)
Proceeds   from  maturities  of  investment 
  securities                                      2,884          6,340  
                                              ----------     ---------- 
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES           (88,776)       (57,064)
                                              ----------     ----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                   
Net increase in deposits                         21,799         55,097
Dividends paid on common stock                     (644)          (545)
Additional borrowings                             9,524              -
Principal repayments of borrowings                    -         (4,008)
Net (decrease) increase in advance payment     
  by borrowers for taxes and insurance             (778)           622    
Common stock issued                                 293            189
                                              ----------     ---------- 
NET CASH  PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES       30,194         51,355
                                              ----------     ----------

Increase in cash and cash equivalents             2,082            246
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING           11,792         14,137
  OF PERIOD                                   ----------     ---------- 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD    $  13,874      $  14,383
                                              ==========     ==========
                                                                     
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:                                     
   Interest                                   $  17,836      $  15,521
   Income taxes                               $      50      $   2,213
                                                                      
NON-CASH TRANSFERS:                                                  
Loans classified as Real Estate Owned         $   1,310      $   1,740 
Transfer of Investment securities to     
  Investment securities available for sale    $   7,357      $   2,300
Reclassification of Mortgage loans held 
  for resale to Loans receivable, net         $       -      $     758



FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


1.   Presentation of Statements

     In the opinion of management the accompanying unaudited
     consolidated   financial   statements    contain    all
     adjustments (all which were normal recurring  accruals)
     necessary  for  a fair presentation.   The  results  of
     operations  for the interim period are not  necessarily
     indicative of the results which may be expected for the
     entire year.

     First  State  Financial Services, Inc. is  the  holding
     company  for  First DeWitt Bank, its principal  wholly-
     owned   subsidiary.   Audited  consolidated   financial
     statements for the year ended September 30,  1995  were
     filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



2.   Earnings Per Share

     Earnings  per share was calculated for each  period  by
     dividing  the net income for the period by the  average
     number  of primary shares outstanding over the  period.
     The  actual  average  primary shares  outstanding  were
     4,046,706  and 4,030,960 for the three and nine  months
     ended  June  30, 1996, respectively; and 3,995,225  and
     3,894,013 for the three and nine months ended June  30,
     1995, respectively.



              FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
          Condition and Results of Operations


Financial Condition

On  June  26, 1996, First State Financial Services, Inc.   (First
State),  entered  into  an  Agreement and  Plan  of  Merger  with
Sovereign  Bancorp, Inc. (Sovereign) providing for the merger  of
First  State into Sovereign.  Sovereign is to exchange $14.75  in
Sovereign common stock for each outstanding share of First  State
common  stock.    The price is fixed to First State shareholders,
subject  to  adjustment if the average price of Sovereign  common
stock,  as  defined in the Agreement, falls outside  a  specified
range.   First State has the ability to terminate the transaction
if the average price of Sovereign common stock is less than $8.00
per  share,  unless  Sovereign elects to  increase  the  exchange
ratio.   Sovereign may terminate the transaction at any  time  if
certain  specified asset quality measures are triggered at  First
State,  or  if the reported losses on asset sales exceed  certain
levels.   In this regard, First State had previously announced  a
strategic  restructuring, pursuant to which, among other  things,
it  intended to liquidate substantially all of its problem assets
and  in  connection therewith indicated that it intended to  make
significant  additional provisions for loan losses in  the  third
quarter  of  fiscal  1996.  The Agreement may  be  terminated  by
Sovereign if First State records additional provisions  for  loan
losses  in  excess of $5.75 million prior to the consummation  of
the  merger.   The  merger  is subject  to  approval  by  various
regulatory agencies and the shareholders of First State.   It  is
anticipated  that  the transaction will close early  in  the  1st
quarter (calendar) of 1997.

Total  assets of First State Financial Services, Inc. were $665.9
million  at  June  30,  1996. This is a  net  increase  of  $28.9
million,  or 4.54%, in total assets from September 30, 1995.  The
increase  in  total assets was mainly due to increases  in  loans
receivable  of  $64.3 million, in mortgage-backed  securities  of
$12.7 million, in investment securities and investment securities
available for sale of $7.2 million, in cash on hand and in  banks
of $2.1 million, and an increase in other assets of $2.3 million.
Regarding  the  increase in loans receivable, First  DeWitt  Bank
("the  Bank")  continues to market a number of  competitive  loan
products.   The  Bank originated $169.9 million  in  loans  since
September   30,  1995.   The  increases  in  the  mortgage-backed
securities   portfolio,  investment  securities  portfolio,   and
investment  securities available for sale were mainly because  of
outright purchases of such securities.  The increase in  cash  on
hand  and  in banks was mainly due to the increase in  volume  of
check  clearances.  Nationar, a former correspondent  institution
clearing  checks  for  the Bank, was taken  over  by  the  Acting
Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York on  February  6,
1995  for  purposes of an orderly liquidation of  their  affairs.
Nationar  was in process of clearing $7.7 million of  the  Bank's
checks  at  time  of  takeover.  First DeWitt had  received  $4.7
million  from Nationar for check clearances in 1995 and  received
the remaining $3.0 million balance in June of 1996.  The increase
in  other  assets  was  mainly due to an  increase  in  the  cash
surrender   value  of  insurance  policy  investments   held   in
connection with executive supplemental retirement plans, deferred
servicing premiums acquired with the sale of mortgage loans,  and
other   receivables  including  income  tax   receivables.    The
significant decreases in assets were in loans held for resale  of
$56.4  and in real estate owned of $3.4 million.  In the December
quarter,  the Bank sold $67.7 million of mortgage loans from  its
mortgage loans held for resale accounts.  The cash generated from
the  sale was used to repay brokered certificates of deposit,  to
fund  loans,  and to fund the purchase of investment  securities.
The decrease in real estate owned is elaborated on below.

Total liabilities were $626.0 million at June 30, 1996.  This  is
an increase of $30.6 million, or 5.13%, in total liabilities from
September  30, 1995. The increase was mainly due to  an  increase
in  deposits  of $21.8 million and an increase in  borrowings  of
$9.5  million.  The increase in deposits was mainly  due  to  the
continued aggressive marketing of the Banks deposit products  and
also  to the opening of two new branch offices.  A branch  office
was  opened in a mall in a retirement community near Toms  River,
New  Jersey in October of 1995 and an office was opened  in  Wall
Township,  New  Jersey in April of 1996.  The  deposits  in  both
offices  were in excess of $16.0 million at June 30,  1996.   The
increase in borrowings was primarily used to fund the increase in
loans.

Nonperforming assets, including current restructured loans,  were
$28.3 million at June 30, 1996 compared to $31.2 million at March
31,  1996,  and $30.5 million at September 30, 1995.   The  table
below details the composition of these assets.

                             6/30/96       3/31/96       9/30/95
                            ---------     ---------     ---------
                                       (in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans            $ 21,504      $ 23,134      $ 18,503
Real estate owned              5,192         6,513         8,564
Current restructured loans     1,569         1,575         3,476 
                            ---------     ---------     ---------
Total nonperforming assets  $ 28,265      $ 31,222      $ 30,543  
                            =========     =========     =========

The  decrease at June 30, 1996 was mainly attributable to charge-
offs  and also due to disposals.  When a loan becomes 90 days  or
more  past  due or the collection of interest becomes  uncertain,
the accrual of income is discontinued. These loans are classified
as nonaccrual and interest income is only recognized subsequently
in the period collected.  Loans are returned to an accrual status
when  all  past  due  amounts  have been  collected  and  factors
indicating  doubtful collectibility on a timely basis  no  longer
exist.   If nonaccrual loans had been current in accordance  with
their  original  terms, the Bank would have  realized  additional
interest  income of approximately $394,000 for the quarter  ended
June 30, 1996 and $1.2 million for the period from September  30,
1995 to June 30, 1996.

The  allowance for loan losses totaled $9.1 million at  June  30,
1996.  An analysis of the allowance for loan losses follows:

                                                        
     Balance at September 30, 1995           $ 6,081,000
     Charge-offs:                                       
        Consumer loans                           617,000
        Mortgage loans                         1,809,000
        Commercial loans                         252,000
     Recoveries:                                        
        Mortgage loans                            83,000
        Consumer loans                            18,000
                                             ------------
     Net charge-offs                           2,577,000
     Additions charged to operations           5,600,000
                                             ------------
     Balance at June 30, 1996                $ 9,104,000
                                             ============           

Management   closely   monitors  the  loan   portfolio   and   is
concentrating on workouts with the Bank's troubled loans and real
estate  owned  properties.   The  Bank's  loan  review  committee
analyzes   the   loan   portfolio  on  a  quarterly   basis   for
classification  of  problem and potentially problem  loans.   The
loan  review  committee  also  reviews  the  allocation  of  loss
reserves   to  loans.   Management  believes  that  the   present
allowance  for  loan losses is adequate in light of  management's
assessment of the risk inherent in the portfolio.  However, while
management uses its best judgment in providing for possible  loan
losses,  management  recognizes that  additional  problems  could
develop and that future adjustments may be necessary.  The  Board
of  Directors  of  First State previously announced  a  strategic
restructuring, pursuant to which, among other things, it intended
to  liquidate  substantially all of its problem  assets  and,  in
connection  therewith,  indicated  that  it  intended   to   make
significant  additional provisions for loan losses this  quarter.
The  provision  for loan losses of $4.4 million  recognized  this
quarter   is   reflective   of   this  strategic   restructuring.
Subsequently,  First State entered into a merger  agreement  with
Sovereign  Bancorp,  Inc.  One of the conditions  in  the  merger
agreement  is  that  the merger agreement may  be  terminated  by
Sovereign if First State records additional provisions  for  loan
losses  in excess of $5.75 million during the period between  the
signing  of  the  merger agreement and the  consummation  of  the
merger.  It is anticipated that the transaction will close  early
in the 1st quarter of 1997.

In  May  1993  the  Financial Accounting Standards  Board  (FASB)
issued  Statement  of Financial Accounting Standards  (SFAS)  No.
114,  "Accounting  by Creditors for the Impairment  of  a  Loan."
SFAS  No. 114 was amended by SFAS No. 118 in October 1994.   SFAS
No. 114, as amended, prescribes the recognition criteria for loan
impairment and the measurement methods for certain impaired loans
whose  terms  are modified in troubled debt restructurings.   The
Bank adopted SFAS No. 114, as amended, effective October 1, 1995,
and   the  adoption  has  not  had  a  material  impact  on   the
consolidated financial statements. As a result of the adoption of
SFAS  114,  as  amended,   the Bank had a recorded investment  of
$14.0 million in loans defined as impaired at June 30, 1996.  The
total  allowance associated with these loans totaled $5.1 million
at June 30, 1996.  The loans classified as impaired in accordance
with  SFAS 114 were classified as such due to management's belief
that  it  was  probable  that all amounts due  according  to  the
contractual  terms of the loans would not be collected  in  full.
In  conjunction  with  the adoption, the Bank  chose  to  not  to
recognize interest income on impaired loans and instead recognize
the  net entire change in net present value of impaired loans  as
bad-debt expense.

Real  estate owned totaled $5.2 million at June 30, 1996 compared
to  $6.5 million at March 31, 1996, and $8.6 million at September
30,  1995.   The  decrease  was due to  the  sale  of  foreclosed
properties  as  well as writedowns. The Bank has  contracted  the
services  of an experienced problem asset disposition  expert  to
assist  in  the disposition of the Bank's problem  assets.   Real
estate  owned is carried on the Bank's books at fair  value  less
estimated costs to sell the property.  Management recognizes that
future  adjustments  may be necessary if the real  estate  values
decline.

First  State  had previously announced a strategic restructuring,
pursuant  to which, among other things, it intended to  liquidate
substantially all of its problem assets.  Additional write-downs,
depending upon the availability of interested purchasers and  the
speed  with  which a sale can be consummated,  will  be  made  as
considered necessary to dispose of the problem assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

First State's principal sources of funds are funds provided  from
operations and dividends received from subsidiaries.  The  Bank's
principal   sources  of  funds  are  deposits;   scheduled   loan
amortization  payments; sales and prepayments of loan  principal;
sales  and  repayments of mortgage-backed securities,  sales  and
maturities  of investment securities and short-term  investments;
borrowings and funds provided from operations.

The financing activities section of the Consolidated Statement of
Cash  Flows reflects a net increase in deposits of $21.8  million
during  the nine month period ended June 30, 1996.  The  increase
consisted  of  $4.8  million  in net deposits  along  with  $17.0
million in interest credited to deposit accounts.  The opening of
two  new  branch offices contributed to the increase in deposits.
See   the  "Financial  Condition"  section  of  this  report  for
additional information.  Deposits increased $55.1 million  during
the same 1995 period.  The increase consisted of $40.3 million in
net  deposits  along with $14.8 million in interest  credited  to
deposit  accounts.  The Bank had a special promotion  program  to
attract  certificates of deposit in the 1995 period.   Borrowings
were increased by $9.5 million in the 1996 period compared to the
net  repayment of $4.0 million in borrowings in the 1995  period.
The increased borrowings were mainly used to fund loans.

Cash  provided by operating activities amounted to $60.7  million
in  the  nine month period ended June 30, 1996 compared  to  $6.0
million  in  the  1995  period.  The  1996  activity  was  mainly
attributable  to  the  sale of mortgage  loans  from  the  Bank's
mortgage  loans held for resale accounts.  The proceeds from  the
sales  were primarily used to fund loans and to fund the purchase
of securities.  Loans originated for resale totaled $19.2 million
in the 1996 period compared to $2.7 million in the 1995 period.

In  the  investing  activities section of the Statement  of  Cash
Flows,  a  net increase in loans receivable of $71.1  million  is
reported  for the nine months ended June 30, 1996 compared  to  a
net  increase  of $63.2 million for the same 1995 period.   Loans
originated totaled $169.9 million and $130.8 million in the  1996
and  1995  periods,  respectively.   The  Bank  actively  markets
several  competitive loan programs and has successfully  utilized
the  services of loan solicitors for the origination of  mortgage
loans.  Cash generated from sale of investment securities totaled
$31.4   million.    Principal   repayments   of   mortgage-backed
securities  amounted  to $2.7 million.  These  funds  along  with
funds  from other sources were utilized to purchase $15.3 million
in  mortgage-backed  securities and $41.7 million  in  investment
securities,  primarily  securities  held  for  resale.   See  the
"Financial  Condition"  section of  this  report  for  additional
information.  In the 1995 period, the Bank received $5.3  million
in cash from activities in its investments held for sale accounts
and  $6.3  million  from  maturities  of  investments.  The  cash
proceeds  were  mainly reinvested in short term  notes  of  local
municipalities. Cash funds received from the disposition of  real
estate  owned  properties amounted to $3.2 million  in  the  nine
month period ended June 30, 1996 compared to $2.5 million in  the
same 1995 period.

At  June 30, 1996 First State's liquid assets consisted of  $13.9
million  in  cash  on  hand and in banks  and  $17.4  million  in
securities  which qualify as liquid assets for Office  of  Thrift
Supervision  (OTS)  regulatory requirements.  The  cash  balances
will  be  used  in normal operations.  The Bank  is  required  to
maintain  minimum levels of liquid assets as defined by  the  OTS
regulations, such as United States Government and federal  agency
securities.  This requirement, which may be varied by the OTS, is
based  upon  a percentage of deposits and short-term  borrowings.
The required ratio is currently 5.00%. The Bank's ratio was 5.29%
at June 30, 1996.  The Bank anticipates maintaining its liquidity
at or above the level required by regulatory agencies.

First  DeWitt  had  $27.6 million in outstanding  commitments  to
originate  loans, $3.3 million in commitments to sell loans,  and
$51.6 million in unused lines of credit primarily available under
home  equity credit and credit card lines at June 30,  1996.  The
Bank had no material commitments for capital expenditures at that
date.  Management  intends  to fund  the  loan  commitments  from
internal operations and available liquid assets. Any shortfall in
obtaining  the  funds internally will be satisfied by  additional
borrowings.   As  a member of the Federal Home Loan  Bank  (FHLB)
system,  the Bank may borrow from the FHLB of New York. The  Bank
maintains a $60.4 million line of credit with the FHLB. The  Bank
had  $22.8  million in borrowings against the line of  credit  at
June 30, 1996.

The  Bank's  capital exceeds all regulatory requirements  and  is
categorized  as  "well  capitalized" under  the  Federal  Deposit
Insurance  Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 definitions.   The
regulatory  capital requirements and First DeWitt Bank's  capital
position as of June 30, 1996 are as follows:

                                    Capital                   
                    Capital        Requirement     Excess     
                    Amount    %     Amount   %     Amount   %
                  ---------- ---- --------- ---- --------- ----        
                               (dollars in thousands)
Tangible Capital   $ 36,506  5.5% $ 10,005  1.5% $ 26,501  4.0%
Core Capital         36,506  5.5%   20,010  3.0    16,496  2.5
Risk-based Capital   42,023  9.6%   35,134  8.0     6,888  1.6

The  OTS has proposed an increase in the core capital requirement
from the current 3% to a level that is expected to be between  4%
and 5%.

The  deposits  of  the  Bank are insured by  the  FDIC  primarily
through  the  Savings Association Insurance Fund  ("SAIF"),  with
$67.3  million of deposits at June 30, 1996 insured  through  the
Bank  Insurance Fund (the "BIF"), the deposit insurance fund that
insures most commercial bank deposits.

The  FDIC  Board  has reduced the insurance premium  assessed  on
deposits  insured by the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF").   The  FDIC
reduced  the BIF premiums from a range of 23 to 31 basis  points,
which is the range of premiums currently paid on deposits insured
by the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"), to a range of
0  to 31 basis points.  The FDIC estimated that in excess of  90%
of  the banks whose deposits are insured through the BIF would be
assessed  at the lowest premium rate.  Due to the reserve  levels
of  the  SAIF, the FDIC has not proposed a reduction in the  SAIF
insurance   premiums,  and  it  is  not  expected  that,   absent
legislative developments, the insurance premiums assessed on SAIF
deposits  could  be  reduced until the end of  the  decade.   The
deposits held by the Bank are primarily insured through the  SAIF
and the reduction in BIF premiums, without a similar reduction in
SAIF  premiums,  places  the Bank at a competitive  disadvantage,
since  BIF-insured institutions can either:  (1) pass through  to
depositors  in the form of higher rates the reduction in  deposit
premiums,  which would cause the Bank to increase  rates  on  its
deposits without an offsetting reduction in premium expense;  (2)
increase BIF-insured institutions' profitability, which  may  not
be  available  to  the  Bank;  or  (3)  a  combination  of  both.
Management continues to monitor the situation and is working with
the  various  trade associations the Bank is affiliated  with  to
achieve equality in the insurance premium assessment.

Legislation  has  been proposed in Congress to  recapitalize  the
SAIF  fund and possibly consolidate the BIF and SAIF funds.   One
feature  of this proposal calls for a special one-time assessment
on  all  SAIF-insured institutions of up to 80  basis  points  to
bring  the  SAIF fund up to its required level of capitalization.
It  is  assumed that after this assessment takes place,  the  on-
going level of insurance premium assessments for the SAIF-insured
institutions would be reduced to the same range as  that  of  the
BIF-insured institutions.  Based upon the Bank's deposit base  at
June  30,  1996, the special assessment could cause a  charge  to
earnings  of approximately $4.4 million, or $2.8 million  net  of
income   taxes,  while  a  reduction  in  the  insurance  premium
assessment  rate  from 23 basis points to 3  basis  points  would
reduce annual premium expenses by approximately $1.2 million,  or
$762,000 net of income taxes.  It is not known at this time  when
and if this legislation will be approved and implemented.


Results of Operations

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1995

First  State  recorded a net loss of $2.8 million,  or  $.69  per
share,  for  the quarter ended June 30, 1996 compared  to  a  net
income  of  $958,000, or $.24 per share, for the same quarter  in
1995.   The most significant factor contributing to the  decrease
in  net  income during the 1996 quarter was the posting  of  loan
loss  provisions.  Loan loss provisions in the 1996 quarter  were
$4.4 million compared to $600,000 in the comparable 1995 quarter.

Total  interest income increased $1.6 million during the  quarter
ended  June  30, 1996 compared to the same period in  1995.   The
increase in interest income was primarily due to the $1.8 million
increase  in  interest on consumer and commercial loans  and  the
$239,000 increase in interest on mortgage-backed securities.  The
increases  were  mainly  attributable to  the  increased  average
balance  of  the  loan  and mortgage-backed  security  portfolios
outstanding.   The  average balance of  consumer  and  commercial
loans outstanding was $119.0 million in the 1996 quarter compared
to $79.5 million in the 1995 quarter.  The average balance of the
mortgage-backed  security portfolio was  $32.4  during  the  1996
quarter compared to $17.7 million in the comparable 1995 quarter.
A  serviced  credit  card portfolio, which  is  included  in  the
consumer loan category, is described and elaborated upon  in  the
"operating  expenses"  section of this report.  The  decrease  of
$529,000 in interest on mortgage loans was mainly attributable to
the  sale  of  $67.7 million of such loans from the Bank's  loans
held  for  sale accounts in the December 1995 quarter.  The  Bank
primarily  invests its funds in loans and intends to continue  to
be  active  in  originating loans both for its own portfolio  and
also  for  sale to others.  The Bank originated $27.9 million  in
mortgage  loans during the quarter.  Long-term, fixed-rate  loans
are  mainly  originated with the intent of selling the  loans  to
others.   Adjustable-rate and shorter term fixed-rate  loans  are
mainly originated for the loan portfolio.  The yield on all  loan
portfolios was 9.12% at June 30, 1996 compared to 8.25%  at  June
30, 1995.  Interest income from the investment securities and the
investment  securities  available for sale  portfolios  increased
$55,000  during the 1996 quarter.  If nonaccrual loans  of  $21.5
million  at  June  30, 1996 had been current in  accordance  with
their  original  terms, the Bank would have  realized  additional
interest  income  of  approximately $394,000 during  the  quarter
ended  June 30, 1996.  The average yield on loans and investments
was 8.77% at June 30, 1996.

Total  interest expense increased $396,000 in the  quarter  ended
June  30, 1996, compared to the same period in 1995. The increase
was  due to the $262,000 increase in interest on deposits and the
$134,000  increase in interest on borrowings.   Average  deposits
outstanding  during the 1996 period were $574.3 million  compared
to  $546.5 million during the 1995 period.  The average  cost  of
deposits increased to 4.26% at June 30, 1996 from 4.07%  at  June
30,  1995.  The Bank will continue to offer deposit programs that
are  competitively  priced to attract new  deposits  as  well  as
retain savings of existing depositors.  The average interest rate
on deposits and borrowed money was 4.33% at June 30, 1996.

Net  interest  income increased $1.2 million during  the  quarter
ended  June  30, 1996 compared to the same period  in  1995.  The
interest  income and interest expense elements of the changes  in
net interest income are described above.

Provisions  for loan losses totaled $4.4 million in  the  quarter
ended  June  30,  1996  compared to $600,000  in  the  same  1995
quarter.  The  related  allowance for loan  losses  totaled  $9.1
million  at  June 30, 1996. Substantially all of  the  nonaccrual
loans are secured by first mortgage liens on real property.   See
"Financial  Condition"  section for  additional  information  and
information   regarding  factors  which  influence   management's
judgment in determining the amount of additions to the loan  loss
allowance. Although management considers the allowance  for  loan
losses  to  be  adequate, management recognizes  that  additional
problems could develop and lead to additional loss provisions and
asset write-downs.

Total  other  income increased $3.3 million in the quarter  ended
June 30, 1996.  The increased income is mainly attributable to  a
$3.0 million increase in loan fees and other loan charges and   a
$286,000  increase  in  the "other Income"  category.   The  $3.0
million  increase in loan fees and other loan charges is directly
attributable to the credit card portfolio.  First State  obtained
a  serviced  credit card portfolio through the merger with  Ocean
Independent Bank in October, 1994.  The effect of the  accounting
for  the credit card portfolio has caused increases in the  areas
of  consumer loan interest, loan fees and other loan charges, and
loan   processing  expenses.   Details  regarding  First  State's
serviced credit card portfolio are discussed below.  The increase
in  the  "other" category of other income was mainly due  to  the
recognition  of  income from a non refundable  deposit  that  was
placed with the Bank and forfeited when related proposed deal was
not consummated.

Total  operating expenses increased $5.5 million in  the  quarter
ended  June  30, 1996 and was mainly attributable to an  increase
in  loan  processing  expenses of $4.3 million,  an  increase  in
problem   asset   expenses,  inclusive  of  real   estate   owned
writedowns, of $1.1 million, and an increase in compensation  and
employee  benefits of $252,000. Substantially all of the increase
in  loan processing expenses was due to the accounting for credit
card  expenses.  Details regarding First State's serviced  credit
card  portfolio are discussed separately below. The $1.1  million
increase  in  problem asset expenses, inclusive  of  real  estate
owned  writedowns was mainly due to writedowns of  $1.3  million.
The writedowns are in accordance with the Bank's announced intent
to  liquidate  substantially  all of  its  problem  assets.   The
$252,000  increase  in  compensation and  employee  benefits  was
mainly  due  to  continually rising cost  of  employee  benefits,
living increase, and the employment of personnel to staff the new
branch office opened in April, 1996.

The Corporation acquired a serviced credit card portfolio through
the  acquisition of Ocean Independent Bank in October, 1994.  The
arrangement  with  the  servicer of the portfolio,  Applied  Card
Systems  (ACS) of Wilmington, Delaware, provides the  Corporation
with a guaranteed net return based on the outstanding receivables
associated  with  the serviced portfolio.   The  return  that  is
guaranteed  to  the  Corporation is net of all  costs,  including
credit  loss and cost of funds.  First State records all interest
income associated with the portfolio in the "Interest on consumer
and  commercial  loans"  caption and  all  fees  associated  with
portfolio are recorded in the "Loan fees and other loan  charges"
caption.  The difference between the amounts received for the two
captions  above and the net return guaranteed to the  Corporation
is considered "credit card expenses" that represent the fees paid
to  ACS  for  their servicing of the portfolio.  This  amount  is
recorded   in  the  "Loan  processing  expenses"  caption.    The
Corporation's business with ACS has expanded and this growth  has
caused  an increase in all three income statement captions.   The
detail  effects  of  the serviced credit card  portfolio  on  the
income statement for the quarter ended June 30, 1996, and for the
nine-month period ended June 30, 1996, are presented below.

                                            3 Months    9 Months
                                              Ended       Ended
        Income Statement Caption             3/30/96     6/30/96
                                           ----------   ---------
                                                (in thousands)
Interest on consumer and commercial loans  $   2,094    $  4,330
Loan fees and other loan charges               3,755       8,285
                                           ----------   ---------
                 Total credit card income      5,849      12,615  
                                                                
Loan processing expenses                       5,376      11,641      
                                           ----------   ---------  
Net credit card income (pre tax)           $     473    $    974
                                           ==========   =========
Net credit card income (after tax)         $     289   $     594
                                           ==========   ========== 

The  total credit card receivables outstanding that were serviced
by  ACS  totaled $62.6 million at June 30, 1996 and $36.7 million
at March 31, 1996.

The  Income tax benefit of $694,000 incurred in the quarter ended
June  30,  1996 was mainly due to a pre-tax loss of $3.5 million.
The  loan  loss provision of $4.4 million recognized  during  the
quarter  was  not  entirely deductible for income  tax  purposes.
Income tax expense of $374,000 incurred in the quarter ended June
30, 1995 was due to the generation of taxable income.


Comparison of Nine Months Ended June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1995

First  State recorded a net loss of $996,000, or $.25 per  share,
for  the  nine month period ended June 30, 1996 compared  to  net
income  of $2.9 million, or $.75, per share, for the same  period
in  1995.  The loss in the 1996 period was mainly attributable to
the  $4.4 million in provisions for loan losses recorded  in  the
quarter ended June 30, 1996.

Interest  income  increased $4.0 million during  the  nine  month
period  ended June 30, 1996 compared to the same period in  1995.
The  increase in interest income was primarily due  to  the  $3.6
million  increase in interest income on consumer  and  commercial
loans  and  was  mainly  attributable to  the  increased  average
balances of the portfolios.  The average balances totaled  $103.4
million in the 1996 period compared to $76.6 million in the  1995
period.   A serviced credit card portfolio, which is included  in
the  consumer loan category, is described and elaborated upon  in
the  "Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 1996--Results  of
Operations"  section of this report.  The Bank primarily  invests
its  funds  in  loans and intends to continue  to  be  active  in
originating loans both for its own portfolio and also for sale to
others.   The Bank originated $169.9 million in loans during  the
nine  month  period  ended June 30, 1996.  Long-term,  fixed-rate
loans  are mainly originated with the intent of selling the loans
to others.  Adjustable-rate and shorter term fixed-rate loans are
mainly originated for the loan portfolio.  The yield on all  loan
portfolios was 9.12% at June 30, 1996 compared to 8.25%  at  June
30,   1995.   Interest  income  from  mortgage-backed  securities
increased $486,000 and was mainly attributable to the increase in
the  average  balance of the mortgage-backed security  portfolio.
The average balance of the portfolio was $28.5 million during the
1996  period  compared to $17.9 million in  the  comparable  1995
period.   The  Bank's  investment securities available  for  sale
portfolio,  which  totaled  $17.6  million  at  June  30,   1996,
generated  an  increase in interest income of $323,000  over  the
1995  period.  If nonaccrual loans of $21.5 million at  June  30,
1996  had  been current in accordance with their original  terms,
the  Bank  would  have  realized additional  interest  income  of
approximately $1.2 million during the nine months ended June  30,
1996.   The average yield on loans and investments was  8.77%  at
June 30, 1996.

Total  interest expense increased $2.2 million in the nine  month
period ended June 30, 1996, compared to the same period in  1995.
The  increase  was  due to the increase in  interest  expense  on
deposits  and  was mainly attributable to the increased  deposits
outstanding  in  the  1996 period.  Average deposits  outstanding
during  the  1996 period were $555.8 million compared  to  $524.1
million  during  the 1995 period. The average  cost  of  deposits
increased to 4.26% at June 30, 1996 from 4.07% at June 30,  1995.
The  Bank  will  continue  to  offer deposit  programs  that  are
competitively  priced to attract new deposits as well  as  retain
savings  of  existing  depositors.  Interest  on  borrowed  money
decreased  $32,000 in the 1996 period. The average interest  rate
on deposits and borrowed money was 4.33% at June 30, 1996.

Net  interest income increased $1.8 million during the nine month
period  ended June 30, 1996 compared to the same period in  1995.
The  interest income and interest expense elements of the changes
in net interest income are described above.

Provisions for loan losses totaled $5.6 million in the nine-month
period  ended June 30, 1996 compared to $1.1 million in the  same
1995  quarter. The related allowance for loan losses totaled $9.1
million  at  June 30, 1996. Substantially all of  the  nonaccrual
loans are secured by first mortgage liens on real property.   See
"Financial  Condition" section for information regarding  factors
which  influence management's judgment in determining the  amount
of  additions  to  the  loan loss allowance. Although  management
considers   the  allowance  for  loan  losses  to  be   adequate,
management recognizes that additional problems could develop  and
lead to additional loss provisions and asset write-downs.

Total  other  income increased $7.9 million  in  the  nine  month
period  ended  June 30, 1996. The increased income was  primarily
due  to  the  $6.4 million increase in loan fees and  other  loan
charges, the $1.0 million net gain on the sales of loans, and the
net  gain  on the sales of investments of $284,000.  The increase
in  loan  fees and other loan charges was mainly attributable  to
the  credit  card  portfolio.  First State  obtained  a  serviced
credit  card  portfolio through the merger with Ocean Independent
Bank  in  October,  1994.  The effect of the accounting  for  the
credit  card  portfolio  has caused increases  in  the  areas  of
consumer  loan  interest, loan fees and other loan  charges,  and
loan   processing  expenses.   Details  regarding  First  State's
serviced credit card portfolio were previously discussed  in  the
"Comparison  of  Three Months Ended June 30,  1996  --Results  of
Operations" section of this report.  The sale of $75.4 million of
mortgage loans from the available for sale portfolio generated  a
net  gain  on sales of loans of $1.0 million.  Net gains  on  the
sales of investments totaled  $284,000 in the 1996 period.  First
State  maintains  an  investment securities  available  for  sale
portfolio  and  anticipates periodic gains on the sales  of  such
securities.

Total  operating  expenses increased $10.3 million  in  the  nine
month  period  ended  June  30, 1996.  The  increase  was  mainly
attributable  to  the $8.6 million increase  in  loan  processing
expenses,  the  $642,000  increase in compensation  and  employee
benefits  expense,  and to the $1.2 million increase  in  problem
asset  expenses,  inclusive  of  real  estate  owned  writedowns.
Substantially all of the increase in loan processing expenses was
attributable to the accounting for credit card expenses.  Details
regarding  First  State's  serviced  credit  card  portfolio  are
discussed In the "Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 1996-
- -Results  of  Operations " section of this report.  The  $642,000
increase in compensation and employee benefits was mainly due  to
continually  rising cost of employee benefits, a cost  of  living
increase,  and the employment of personnel to staff the  two  new
branch offices opened during the period.  The increase in problem
asset  expenses  was mainly due to write-downs  of  the  carrying
values of properties.

Income  tax  expense of $195,000 was incurred in the  nine  month
period  ended  June 30, 1996 despite a pre tax loss of  $801,000.
The  loan  loss provisions of $5.6 million recognized during  the
period  were  not  entirely deductible for income  tax  purposes.
First  State therefore generated taxable income over the  period.
Income  tax  expense of $1.4 million incurred in the  nine  month
period  ended June 30, 1995 was due to the generation of  taxable
income.

 PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

              FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
                 The   company  is  not  engaged  in  any   legal
          proceedings  of a material nature at the present  time.
          From  time  to time, First DeWitt is a party  to  legal
          proceedings within the normal course of business.

Item 2.   Changes in Securities
               Not applicable.

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities
               Not applicable.

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
          None

Item 5.   Other Information
          Not applicable.

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
          (a)       None
          (b)  A report on form 8-K dated June 25,1996 and a report
               filed on form 8A dated July 17, 1996 had been filed
               during the quarter.  Both reports provided disclosure,
               pursuant to Item 1(b) thereof, relating to  an agreement
               entered into between First State Financial Services, Inc. 
               (First State), and Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. (Sovereign), 
               pursuant to which Sovereign will acquire First State 
               through the merger of First State into Sovereign.  Sovereign
               will issue shares of its common stock to the shareholders of
               First State as a result of the merger.




                           SIGNATURES


Pursuant  to  the  requirements of Section 13  or  15(d)  of  the
Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly  caused
this  report  to  be  signed on its behalf  by  the  undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.


              First State Financial Services, Inc.


Dated: 08/14/96                    By: /s/Michael J. Quigley, III 
                                       --------------------------
                                       Michael J. Quigley, III
                                       Chairman, President and
                                       Chief Executive Officer



Dated: 08/14/96                    By: /s/Emil J. Butchko 
                                       --------------------------
                                       Emil J. Butchko
                                       Senior Vice President
                                       and Treasurer






<TABLE> <S> <C>




<ARTICLE> 9
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                                        <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                              9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                          13,863
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                              11
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                     0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                     17,604
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                          57,640
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                            56,808
<LOANS>                                        536,851
<ALLOWANCE>                                      9,104
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 665,937
<DEPOSITS>                                     589,509
<SHORT-TERM>                                    27,300
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                              3,844
<LONG-TERM>                                      5,329
<COMMON>                                            39
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                      39,916
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                 665,937
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                 42,290
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                3,177
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                     0
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                45,467
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                              17,036
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              17,780
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                           18,714
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                    5,600
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 140
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                  2,016
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   (801)
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                        (996)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                      (996)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     (.25)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     (.25)
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    8.77
<LOANS-NON>                                     21,504
<LOANS-PAST>                                         0
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                 1,569
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                 6,081
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                    2,678
<RECOVERIES>                                       101
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                9,104
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                             1,342
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                          7,762
        

</TABLE>


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