FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES INC
10-Q, 1996-05-15
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    March 31, 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 March 31 ,1996:

             3,932,465 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,
               March 31 ,1996 and
               September 30, 1995                              3

               Consolidated Statements of Income,
               three and six  months ended March 31,
               1996 and 1995                                   4

               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,
               six  months ended March 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                    20


PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     Item 1.   Consolidated Financial Statements

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

                                          March 31,       September 30,
                                            1996             1995
                                         -----------       ----------
                                                (in thousands)
ASSETS                                                              
Cash on hand and in banks                $   14,046        $  11,792
Investment securities available for sale     17,083           11,799
Investment securities, at cost               17,511           20,889
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost         3,715            3,715
Loans receivable, net                       496,296          461,648
Mortgage loans held for resale                8,225           67,219
Mortgage-backed securities, at cost          32,855           18,961
Accrued interest receivable                   4,054            4,046
Office properties and equipment, net         10,523           10,523
Real estate owned                             6,513            8,564
Cost  in  excess of fair  value  of  net      2,249            2,349
assets acquired
Other assets                                 15,614           15,515
                                          ----------       ----------
                                          $ 628,684        $ 637,020
                                          ==========       ==========
                                                                    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                
Deposits                                  $ 557,629        $ 567,710
Borrowed money                               23,429           23,105
Advance payments by borrowers for                                   
  taxes and insurance                         2,267            3,253
Accrued expenses and other liabilities        2,345            1,360
                                          ----------       ----------
  Total liabilities                         585,670          595,428
                                          ----------       ----------
Stockholders' Equity:                                               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value,                                    
   2  million shares authorized;  
   none issued                                    -                -
Common stock, $.01 par value,                                       
   8 million shares authorized;                                    
   3,932,465 issued; 
   3,923,105 outstanding at 3/31/96;
   3,915,865 issued;    
   3,906,505 outstanding at 12/31/95             39               39
Paid-in capital                              21,199           20,949
Net unrealized loss on investment                                   
    securities available for sale              (302)             (89)
Retained income                              22,078           20,693
                                          ----------       ----------
    Total stockholders' equity               43,014           41,592
                                          ----------       ---------- 
                                          $ 628,684        $ 637,020
                                          ==========       ==========
<TABLE>                                
              FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                Consolidated Statements of Income
              (in thousands, except per share data)
<CAPTION>                                
                                        Three months ended      Six months ended
                                              March 31,             March 31,
                                            (unaudited)           (unaudited)
                                           1996      1995        1996       1995
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  --------- 
<S>                                    <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>
Interest income:                       
  Interest  on   mortgage loans        $  7,662  $  8,039    $ 15,895   $ 15,530
  Interest on consumer and     
    commercial loans                      2,954     1,998       5,522      3,800
  Interest  on  mortgage- backed 
    securities                              514       311         877        630
  Interest  on investments           
    available for sale                      215       117         431        224
  Interest  on  investment securities       256       442         719        873
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------
      Total interest income              11,601    10,907      23,444     21,057
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------
Interest expense:                                                    
  Interest on deposits                    5,474     4,971      11,302      9,297
  Interest  on   borrowed money             247       267         356        522
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------
      Total interest expense              5,721     5,238      11,658      9,819
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------

Net interest income                       5,880     5,669      11,786     11,238
Provision for loan losses                   900       300       1,200        500
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------
Net interest  income  after provision 
    for loan losses                       4,980     5,369      10,586     10,738
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------
Other income:                                                        
  Loan fees and other loan charges        3,151       824       4,966      1,524
  Service charges on deposit accounts       432       439         887        862
  Net gain on sales ofloans                 127         5       1,054          6
  Net gain (loss) on sales of    
    investments                              26         1         136      (155)
  Other                                     163       398         318        484
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------
      Total other income                  3,899     1,667       7,361      2,721
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------
Operating expenses:                                                  
  Compensation and employee benefits      2,065     1,826       4,016      3,626
  Premises and occupancy costs, net         608       552       1,175      1,035
  Amortization of intangible assets          50       134         100        268
  Loan expenses                           3,918     1,018       6,205      1,828
  Data processing                           312       291         612        553
  Advertising and promotion                 203       201         405        402
  Federal insurance premiums                332       322         628        607
  Problem asset expenses, inclusive                                         
    of real estate owned write-downs        262       464         713        627
  Other expenses                            690       741       1,391      1,549
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------
      Total operating expenses            8,440     5,549      15,245     10,495
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------

Income before income tax expense            439     1,487       2,702      2,964
Income tax expense                          131       499         889      1,015
                                       --------- ---------   ---------  ---------
Net income                             $    308  $    988    $  1,813   $  1,949   
                                       ========= =========   =========  =========
Primary earnings per  share       
    of common stock                    $    .08       .25    $    .45   $    .50
                                       ========= =========   =========  =========
</TABLE>
              FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
              Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                         (in thousands)
                                                      Six months ended
                                                         March 31,
                                                        (unaudited)
                                                     1996           1995
                                                 ---------      ---------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                                 
Net income                                       $  1,813       $  1,949   
Adjustments to reconcile net income to  net                          
cash provided by operating activities:                                          
Amortization of intangible assets                     100            267
Depreciation                                          607            483
Net amortization and (accretion) ofloan              (114)           (84)
   fees and discounts
Net amortization and (accretion) of       
   investment premium and discount                     10            (27) 
Net amortization and (accretion) of MBS       
   premium and discount                                36             23   
Increase in interest receivable                        (8)        (1,132)
Proceeds from loan sales                           75,100          1,230
Origination of loans held for resale              (15,052)          (232)
Net gain on sale of real estate owned                 (11)             -
Net gain on sale of loans                          (1,054)            (6)
Net (gain) loss on sales of investments              (136)           155
Provisions for losses on loans                        400            200
Provision for write-downs of real estate      
   owned                                            1,200            500 
(Increase) decrease in other assets                   (99)           791
Increase in other liabilities                         985             35
                                                 ---------      ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES        $ 63,777       $  4,152
                                                 ---------      --------- 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                                 
Net increase in loans, receivable                 (36,760)       (46,928)
Purchase of mortgage-backed securities            (15,337)             -
Principal payments on mortgage-backed          
   securities                                       1,433          1,514 
Proceeds from dispositions of real estate       
   owned                                            2,688          1,196 
Office properties and equipment                  
   expenditures                                      (607)          (330)
Purchase of investment securities                  (7,564)        (7,091)
Purchase of investment securities available    
   for sale                                       (26,969)          (415)
Proceeds from sale of investment securities    
   available for sale                              30,044          7,677 
Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock              -           (710)
Proceeds from maturities of investment          
   securities                                       2,470          2,840
                                                 ---------      ---------    
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES            $(50,602)      $(42,247)     
                                                 ---------      ---------    
FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                                 
Net (decrease) increase in deposits               (10,081)        54,411
Dividends paid on common stock                       (428)          (352)
Additional borrowings                                 324              -
Principal repayments of borrowings                      -        (14,407)
Net (decrease) increase in advance payment      
   by borrowers for taxes and insurance              (986)           424 
Common stock issued                                   250             59
                                                 ---------      ---------  
NET CASH USED PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES   $(10,921)      $ 40,135 
                                                 ---------      ---------  

Increase in cash and cash equivalents               2,254          2,040
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD   11,792         14,137    
                                                 ---------      --------- 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD       $ 14,046       $ 16,177
                                                 ---------      --------- 
                                                                     
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:                                     
   Interest                                        11,608          9,695    
   Income taxes                                        50            988
                                      
NON-CASH TRANSFERS:                                                  
Loans classified as Real Estate Owned               1,026          1,647     
Transfer   of   Investment  securities   to        
   Investment securities available for sale         8,436          2,300
Reclassification  of Loans,  receivable  to       
   Mortgage loans held for resale                       -            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
     4,045,364  and 4,037,553 for the three and  six  months
     ended  March 31, 1996, respectively; and 3,934,281  and
     3,926,162 for the three and six months ended March  31,
     1995, respectively.



              FIRST STATE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

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


Financial Condition

On  April 30, 1996 the Board of Directors announced that  it  has
authorized,  in  principle,  a  strategic  restructuring  of  the
operations of First State Financial Services, Inc. with the  goal
of   increasing   profitability   and   substantially   enhancing
shareholder value.  Key elements of the envisioned plan which are
still being finalized are:

    *           To better utilize the existing branch network  by
          concentrating  on the Bank's primary  market  areas  in
          Essex  and Morris counties.  Six branch offices outside
          of the primary market area would be offered for sale.

    *           To  liquidate  a  substantial  dollar  amount  of
          nonperforming assets by March  1997.

    *           To  implement  a comprehensive expense  reduction
          program  and  refocus the business of the  restructured
          company.   A  specialist  will  be  engaged  to  assist
          Michael J. Quigley, III, in these efforts.

    *          Upon completion of both the branch sales and asset
          dispositions, to enter into a stock repurchase program.

Total  assets of First State Financial Services, Inc. were $628.7
million  at  March  31,  1996. This is a  net  decrease  of  $8.3
million,  or 1.31%, in total assets from September 30, 1995.  The
net decrease was mainly attributable to the sale of $67.7 million
of  mortgage loans, in the December quarter by First DeWitt  Bank
("the  Bank")  from its mortgage loans held for  resale  account.
The cash generated from the mortgage loan sales was used to repay
brokered and other high yielding certificates of deposit, to fund
loans and to fund the purchase of investment securities. The Bank
continues  to market a number of competitive loan products.   The
Bank originated $50.0 million in mortgage loans, $25.4 million in
consumer  loans,  and  $20.4 million in  commercial  loans  since
September  30,  1995.  Loans receivable increased  $34.6  million
during  the  same  period.  Mortgage-backed securities  increased
$13.9  million  and  investment  securities  available  for  sale
increased  $5.3 million mainly because of outright  purchases  of
such   securities.   The  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board
created  a  one-time  window enabling banks to  reallocate  their
investment securities between their Available-for-Sale and  their
Held-to-Maturity   accounts   without   tainting   their    total
portfolios.  The Bank used this opportunity to restructure  fixed
rate  securities into adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities,
to  sell  poor performing securities and to improve  the  overall
yield  of  its portfolios.  The portfolio restructuring  was  the
principal  reason  for  the $3.4 million decrease  in  investment
securities.   The decrease in real estate owned is elaborated  on
below.  The increase in cash on hand and in banks was mainly  due
to  the increase in volume of check clearances.  Cash on hand and
in banks included approximately $3.0 million of funds in Nationar
Bank   ("Nationar")  for  funds  cleared  by  that  correspondent
institution.   On February 6, 1995, the Acting Superintendent  of
Banks  of  the  State  of  New York ("the  Superintendent")  took
possession of the business assets of Nationar for purposes of  an
orderly  liquidation of their affairs.  First DeWitt has received
$4.7  million  from  Nationar for check clearances  and  believes
that, as a preferred creditor, the remaining $3.0 million balance
will  be  received in the near future.  First DeWitt's  proof  of
claim  for  $3.0  million has been accepted and approved  by  the
superintendent. First DeWitt's status as a preferred creditor was
concurred  with by counsel for the Superintendent.   Counsel  for
the  Bank  informed  management that on  May  1,  1996  an  order
allowing  for  payment  of  interim dividends  to  creditors  was
entered and that all elements are established for a June 26, 1996
payment  of  the Bank's priority claim, providing  no  appeal  is
filed within thirty days of the order.

Total liabilities were $585.7 million at December 31, 1995.  This
is  a  decrease  of $9.8 million, or 1.64%, in total  liabilities
from  September  30,  1995. The decrease  was  mainly  due  to  a
reduction in deposits of $10.0 million. Cash generated  from  the
sale  of   mortgage loans, mentioned earlier, was used  to  repay
brokered   and   other  high  yield  certificates   of   deposit.
Certificates   of  deposit,  which  include  brokered   deposits,
decreased $16.0 million from September 30, 1995.

The  Bank  announced that it plans to offer for sale  six  branch
offices  (and  one  approved, unopened  branch  site)  which  are
outside the Bank's primary market area.  Those branch offices had
deposits totaling $126.9 million at March 31, 1996.  Total assets
will  also  be  reduced in order to fund the sale of  the  branch
office deposits, mainly through the sale of loans and the sale of
office  properties  and equipment.  Management  anticipates  that
sales   offering  brochures  will  be  available   to   potential
purchasers in June, 1996.

Nonperforming assets, including current restructured loans,  were
$31.2  million  at March 31, 1996, compared to $23.2  million  at
December 31, 1995 and $30.5 million at September 30, 1995.    The
table below details the composition of these assets.

                                    3/31/96   12/31/95   9/30/95
                                    --------  ---------  --------
                                          (in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans                    $23,134    $15,572   $18,503
Real   estate  owned                  6,513      6,047     8,564
Current restructured loans            1,575      1,581     3,476
                                    --------  ---------  --------
Total nonperforming assets          $31,222    $23,200   $30,543
                                    --------  ---------  --------

The  increase  at March 31, 1996 was mainly attributable  to  ten
loans  which  were classified as nonaccrual during  the  quarter.
Included  in  this  increase is a $3.1  million  loan  which  was
carried  as nonaccrual loan at September 30, 1995.  The loan  was
brought  current  in  the  December quarter.  Factors  indicating
doubtful  collectibility on a timely basis on this loan  appeared
to  have been rectified, however, this loan again became over  90
days  delinquent  in the March quarter.  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  $546,000  for  the
quarter  ended  March,  1996 and $849,000  for  the  period  from
September 30, 1995 to March 31, 1996.

The  allowance for loan losses totaled $6.6 million at March  31,
1996.  An analysis of the allowance for loan losses follows:

            Balance at September 30,1995        $6,081,000
     Charge-offs:
          Consumer loans                           129,000
          Mortgage loans                           594,000
          Commercial loans                          13,000
     Recoveries
          Consumer loans                            17,000
                                                -----------
        Net charge-offs                            719,000
     Additions charged to operations             1,200,000
                                                -----------
     Balance at March 31, 1996                  $6,562,000
                                                ===========

Management   closely   monitors  the  loan   portfolio   and   is
concentrating on workouts with the Bank's troubled loans and real
estate owned properties.  The increased provision for loan losses
recognized  during the quarter ended March 31, 1996, is  directly
attributable to the increase in problem assets.  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.   As
previously announced, the Board of Directors of First  State  has
authorized  a  strategic restructuring of the operations  of  the
company.   A significant part of this restructuring involves  the
liquidation  of  substantially all problem assets  by  March  31,
1997.  Information essential to the ultimate determination of the
liquidation  values,  within  this time  frame,  of  all  current
problem  assets,  is being obtained.  Management recognizes  that
significant  additional  provisions could  be  necessary  once  a
liquidation analysis of the problem assets has been completed.

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
$12.0  million  in loans defined as impaired at March  31,  1996.
The  total  allowance associated with these  loans  totaled  $2.2
million  at March 31, 1996.  The loans classified as impaired  in
accordance with SFAS 114 were classified as such due 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 $6.5 million at March 31, 1996 compared
to  $6.0  million  at  December 31, 1995,  and  $8.6  million  at
September  30, 1995.  The increase was due to the acquisition  of
three  properties through foreclosure proceedings.   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.

A  key element of the Board of Directors plan to restructure  the
operations  of First State, mentioned earlier, is to liquidate  a
substantial  amount of nonperforming assets by  March  31,  1997.
The  Bank  has recently contracted the services of an experienced
problem  asset  disposition expert to  assist  in  this  process.
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 decrease in deposits of $10.1  million
during  the six month period ended March 31, 1996.  The  decrease
consisted  of  $21.4 million in net withdrawals offset  by  $11.3
million  in interest credited to deposit accounts.  The  decrease
was   mainly   due  to  the  repayment  of  high  interest   rate
certificates  of  deposit as they matured.   See  the  "Financial
Condition"  section  of  this report for additional  information.
Deposits  increased $54.4 million during the  same  1995  period.
The  increase  consisted of $45.1 million in net  deposits  along
with $9.3 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
$324,000 million in the 1996 period compared to the net repayment
of $14.4 million in borrowings in the 1995 period.

Cash  provided by operating activities amounted to $63.8  million
in  the  six month period ended March 31, 1996 compared  to  $4.2
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 repay certificates of deposit,  to
fund  loans,  and  to  fund the purchase  of  securities.   Loans
originated  for resale totaled $15.1 million in the  1996  period
compared to $232,000 in the 1995 period.

In  the  investing  activities section of the Statement  of  Cash
Flows,  a  net increase in loans receivable of $36.8  million  is
reported  for the six months ended March 31, 1996 compared  to  a
net  increase  of $46.9 million for the same 1995 period.   Loans
originated  totaled $95.8 million and $96.5 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 both from sale of investment  securities
and  from  and  maturity  of securities  totaled  $32.5  million.
Principal  repayments of mortgage-backed securities  amounted  to
$1.4  million.   These funds along with funds from other  sources
were  utilized  to  purchase  $15.3  million  in  mortgage-backed
securities and $34.5 million in investment securities,  primarily
securities  held  for  resale.   See  the  "Financial  Condition"
section  of this report for additional information.  In the  1995
quarter,  the Bank received $7.7 million in cash from  activities
in  its investments held for sale accounts and $2.8 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 $2.7 million in the six month period ended
March 31, 1996 compared to $1.2 million in the same 1995 period.

At  March 31, 1996 First State's liquid assets consisted of $14.0
million  in  cash  on  hand and in banks  and  $15.7  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.  First DeWitt 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 5.22%
at   March  31,  1996.   The  Bank  anticipates  maintaining  its
liquidity at or above the level required by regulatory agencies.

The  Bank  had  $24.7  million  in  outstanding  commitments   to
originate  loans, $3.5 million in commitments to sell loans,  and
$42.8 million in unused lines of credit primarily available under
home equity credit and credit card lines at March 31, 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  $18.1  million in borrowings against the line of  credit  at
March 31, 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 March 31, 1996 are as follows:

                                         Capital
                          Capital      Requirement     Excess
                           Amount   %    Amount   %    Amount   %
                                 (Dollars in Thousands)
Tangible Capital          $39,243  6.2% $ 9,431 1.5%  $29,812 4.7%
Core Capital               39,243  6.2   18,862 3.0    20,381 3.2
Risk-based Capital         44,369 10.8   32,739 8.0    11,630 2.8

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 March 31, 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
March  31,  1996, the special assessment could cause a charge  to
earnings  of approximately $4.1 million, or $2.6 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 $1.1 million,  or
$716,000 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 March 31, 1996 and March 31,
1995

First  State recorded net income of $308,000, or $.08 per  share,
for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 compared to a net income  of
$988,000,  or $.25 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
$900,000 compared to $300,000 in the comparable 1995 quarter.

Total interest income increased $694,000 during the quarter ended
March 31, 1996 compared to the same period in 1995.  The increase
in  interest income was primarily due to the $956,000 increase in
interest  on  consumer  and commercial  loans  and  the  $203,000
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 $100.5 million in the 1996 period compared
to  $77.7  million in the 1995 period and the average balance  of
the  mortgage-backed security portfolio was $31.8 during the 1996
quarter compared to $17.5 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
$377,000 in interest on mortgage loans was mainly attributable to
the  sale  of  $67.7 million  of such loans 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 $23.5 million in mortgage loans during the quarter and
$50.0  million  in mortgage loans in the six month  period  ended
March   31,   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 8.60% at March 31, 1996 compared to 8.38% at March
31,   1995.   Interest  income  from  the  investment  securities
portfolio  decreased  $186,000 during  the  1996  quarter  mainly
because  of  a  decrease  in  the  size  of  the  portfolio.   If
nonaccrual  loans  of $23.1 million at March 31,  1996  had  been
current  in accordance with their original terms, the Bank  would
have   realized   additional  interest  income  of  approximately
$546,000  during the quarter ended March 31, 1996.   The  average
yield on loans and investments was 8.32% at March 31, 1996.

Total  interest expense increased $483,000 in the  quarter  ended
March 31, 1996, compared to the same period in 1995. The increase
was  mainly  due  to  the $503,000 million increase  in  interest
expense  on  deposits  and  was  attributable  to  the  increased
deposits  outstanding  in  the  1996  period.   Average  deposits
outstanding  during the 1996 period were $543.3 million  compared
to  $530.3 million during the 1995 period.  Management  has  been
decreasing  the  Bank's  holdings  of  brokered  certificates  of
deposits.   The average cost of deposits decreased  to  4.02%  at
March  31,  1996  from 4.27% at September 30,  1995.   Management
anticipates  that  the  changes in  the  deposit  portfolio  will
continue  to  have a favorable effect on overall cost  of  funds.
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  $20,000 in the 1996 period. The average interest  rate
on deposits and borrowed money was 4.09% at March 31, 1996.

Net  interest income increased $211,000 during the quarter  ended
March  31, 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 $900,000 in the quarter  ended
March 31, 1996 compared to $300,000 in the same 1995 quarter. The
related  allowance for loan losses totaled $6.6 million at  March
31,  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 $2.2 million in the quarter  ended
March 31, 1996.  The increased income is mainly attributable to a
$2.3  million increase in loan fees and other loan charges and  a
$122,000  net  gain  on  the sales of loans.   The  $2.3  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  expenses.  Details regarding First State's serviced  credit
card portfolio are discussed below.  The sale of $6.4 million  of
mortgage loans from the available for sale portfolio generated  a
net  gain on sales of loans of $127,000.  Net gains on the  sales
of investments totaled  $26,000 in the 1996 quarter.  First State
maintains  an investment securities available for sale  portfolio
and  anticipates periodic gains on the sales of such  securities.
The  decrease in the "other" category of other income was  mainly
due  to the recording of a greater amount of cash surrender value
of insurance policies in the 1995 period.

Total  operating expenses increased $2.9 million in  the  quarter
ended  March 31, 1996 and was mainly attributable to the increase
in  loan  expenses.  Substantially all of the  increase  in  loan
expenses  was  due  to the accounting for credit  card  expenses.
Details  regarding First State's serviced credit  card  portfolio
are  discussed  separately  below.   The  $239,000  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 new branch office opened
in  October,  1995.   The  $202,000  decrease  in  problem  asset
expenses,  inclusive of real estate owned writedowns  was  mainly
due  to decrease in real estate owned.  Real estate owned totaled
$6.5 million at March 31, 1996 compared to $10.3 million at March
31, 1995.

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  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 March 31, 1996, and for the  six-
month period ended March 31, 1996, are presented below.

                                           3 Months     6 Months
                                             Ended         Ended
                                             3/31/96      3/31/96
                                           ----------   ---------
                                               (in thousands)
    Income Statement Caption                                              
Interest on consumer and commercial loans  $   1,297    $  2,235
Loan fees and other loan charges               2,957       4,529
                                           ----------   ---------   
                 Total credit card income      4,254       6,764
                                                                
Loan expenses                                  3,963       6,265
                                           ----------   ---------        
Net credit card income (pre tax)           $     291   $     499
                                           ==========   =========
Net credit card income (after tax)         $     178   $     304
                                           ==========   =========

The  total credit card receivables outstanding that were serviced
by  ACS totaled $36.7 million at March 31, 1996 and $25.9 million
at December 31, 1995.

Income  tax  expense of $131,000 incurred in  the  quarter  ended
March 31, 1996 and income tax expense of $499,000 incurred in the
quarter ended March 31, 1995 was due to the generation of taxable
income.


Comparison of Six Months Ended March 31, 1996 and March 31, 1995

First  State  recorded net income of $1.8 million,  or  $.45  per
share, for the six month period ended March 31, 1996 compared  to
net  income  of $1.9 million, or $.50, per share,  for  the  same
period in 1995.  The decrease of $136,000 in the 1996 period  was
mainly  attributable  to increased provisions  for  loan  losses.
Loan  loss  provisions  in  the 1996 quarter  were  $1.2  million
compared  to  $500,000  in  the  comparable  1995  quarter.   The
increase  in  loan  expenses is elaborated on the  other  expense
section of this report.

Total interest income increased $2.4 million during the six month
period ended March 31, 1996 compared to the same period in  1995.
The  increase in interest income was primarily due  to  the  $2.3
million  increase  in  interest income  on  loans.   Interest  on
mortgage  loans  increased  $365,000, interest  on  consumer  and
commercial loans increased $1.7 million and interest on mortgage-
backed  securities increased $247,000.  The increases were mainly
attributable  to the increased average balances of the  loan  and
mortgage-backed  security  portfolios outstanding.   The  average
balances  of  the loan portfolios totaled $488.0 million  in  the
1996 period compared to $464.0 million in the 1995 period and the
average  balance  of the mortgage-backed security  portfolio  was
$26.5  during the 1996 quarter compared to $17.9 million  in  the
comparable 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  March
31,  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 $95.8 million  in
loans  during the six month period ended March 31,  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 8.60% at March  31,  1996
compared  to  8.38%  at  March 31, 1995.  The  Bank's  investment
securities available for sale portfolio, which approximated $17.1
million  at  March  31, 1996, generated an increase  in  interest
income of $207,000 over the 1995 period.  If nonaccrual loans  of
$23.1  million  at March 31, 1996 had been current in  accordance
with   their  original  terms,  the  Bank  would  have   realized
additional  interest income of approximately $849,000 during  the
six  months ended March 31, 1996.  The average yield on loans and
investments was 8.32% at March 31, 1996.

Total  interest expense increased $1.8 million in the  six  month
period ended March 31, 1996, compared to the same period in 1995.
The  increase  was due to the $2.0 million increase  in  interest
expense  on  deposits  and  was  attributable  to  the  increased
deposits  outstanding  in  the  1996  period.   Average  deposits
outstanding  during the 1996 period were $546.6 million  compared
to  $513.0 million during the 1995 period.  Management  has  been
decreasing  the  Bank's  holdings  of  brokered  certificates  of
deposits.   The average cost of deposits decreased to  4.02%%  at
March  31,  1996  from 4.27% at September 30,  1995.   Management
anticipates  that  the  changes in  the  deposit  portfolio  will
continue  to  have a favorable effect on overall cost  of  funds.
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 $166,000 in the 1996 period. The average interest  rate
on deposits and borrowed money was 4.09% at March 31, 1996.

Net  interest  income  increased $548,000 during  the  six  month
period ended March 31, 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 $1.2 million in  the  quarter
ended  March  31,  1996 compared to $500,000  in  the  same  1995
quarter.  The  related  allowance for loan  losses  totaled  $6.6
million  at  March 31, 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 $4.6 million in the six month period
ended   March   31,  1996.   The  increased  income   is   mainly
attributable  to a $3.4 million increase in loan fees  and  other
loan charges, a $1.0 million net gain on the sales of loans,  and
a net gain on the sales of investments of $291,000.  $3.4 million
of  the  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  expenses.  Details regarding First State's serviced  credit
card  portfolio  were previously discussed in the "Comparison  of
Three  Months  Ended  March  31, 1996  --Results  of  Operations"
section  of  this report.  The sale of $74.2 million of  mortgage
loans from the available for sale portfolio generated a net  gain
on  sales  of loans of $1.1 million.  Net gains on the  sales  of
investments  totaled  $136,000 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 $4.8 million in the six month
period ended March 31, 1996.  The increase is mainly attributable
to  a $4.4 million increase in loan expenses.  Substantially  all
of  the  increase  in  loan  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 March 31,  1996--Results  of
Operations  " section of this report.  The $390,000  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 new branch office opened
in October, 1995.


Income  tax expense of $889,000 incurred in the six month  period
ended  March  31,  1996 and income tax expense  of  $1.0  million
incurred in the six month period ended March 31, 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
                (a)    An annual meeting of shareholders of First
          State Financial Services, Inc. was held on January  17,
          1996 (the "Meeting").

                (b)---Patrick N. Ciccone, M.D., Walter J.  Davis,
          and  Marie  G. Martino were re-elected as directors  by
          the  stockholders  at the Meeting,  and  the  following
          directors  continued in office following  the  Meeting:
          Henry  F. Albinson, Frank H. Bridge, Theodore  F.  Cox,
          Michael  J. Quigley, III, and Ralph M. Riefolo.   There
          were no broker non votes or abstentions.

               The nominees for election as directed received the
               following votes:
                                               For      Withheld
               Patrick N. Ciccone, M.D.      2,974,236    15,569
               Walter J. Davis               2,962,890    26,915
               Marie G. Martino              2,974,236    15,569

Item 5.   Other Information
               Not applicable.

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
               (a)       None
               (b)  No reports on form 8-K have been filed during
                    the quarter ended March 31, 1996.




                           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: 05/15/96                    By: /s/ Michael J. Quigley, III
                                      --------------------------------
                                        Michael J. Quigley,III
                                        Chairman, President and
                                        Chief Executive Officer



Dated: 05/15/96                    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>                              6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                          14,016
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                              30
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                     0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                     17,083
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                          54,081
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                            53,405
<LOANS>                                        504,521
<ALLOWANCE>                                      6,562
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 628,684
<DEPOSITS>                                     557,629
<SHORT-TERM>                                    18,100
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                              4,612
<LONG-TERM>                                      5,329
<COMMON>                                            39
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                      42,975
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                 585,670
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                 26,383
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                2,027
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                     0
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                28,410
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                              11,302
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              11,658
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                           11,786
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                    1,200
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 136
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                  1,391
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,702
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                       1,813
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,813
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .45
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .45
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    8.32
<LOANS-NON>                                     23,134
<LOANS-PAST>                                         0
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                 1,575
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                 6,081
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                      736
<RECOVERIES>                                        17
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                6,562
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                             2,033
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                          4,529
        


</TABLE>


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