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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Prospectus/Proxy Statement of United Security Bancorporation and Bancwest
Financial Corporation that is made a part of this Registration Statement 
(Form S-4) and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated 
February 26, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of 
United Security Bancorporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for 
the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission.



/s/ MCFARLAND & ALTON, P.S.



Spokane, Washington
December 15, 1998