EXHIBIT 20.1

                             Slade's Ferry Bank

                         .......PRESS RELEASE.......
 
 
August 29, 1996                                           Media Contact: 
                                                          Charlene J. Jarest 
                                                          (508) 675-2121 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
 
Somerset, Massachusetts 
 
 
      Slade's Ferry Bank is pleased to announce the successful completion of 
its merger with National Bank of Fairhaven, Fairhaven, Massachusetts. 
 
      Slade's Ferry Bank now has nine full-time bank offices, servicing 
communities from the Rhode Island border to Cape Cod, all along the south 
coast. 
 
      On Friday, August 23rd, Slade's Ferry's assets upon completion of the 
merger were approximately $290,000,000, and the employees number 180. 
 
      "We believe the opportunity to expand the delivery of financial services
to the Greater New Bedford market will benefit the bank, the marketplace, 
and the stockholders.  We will be providing expanded financial choices in 
the Greater New Bedford marketplace, and increasing the product and lending 
capabilities as a result of this merger," said James Carey, President of 
Slade's Ferry Bank. 
 
      Slade's Ferry Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Weetamoe Bancorp, 
which is listed on the pink sheets as WTMO.  For further information as to 
stock price or availability, contact your broker. 
 
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                         Slades Ferry Trust Company
         100 Slades Ferry Avenue * P.O. Box 390, Somerset, MA 02726
                 Cable Address "Slade Bank"      Member FDIC