EXHIBIT 24 (i)

              Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors


    
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our report dated January 30, 1997, except for Note 7, as to which the
date is February 24, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
of Hampshire Funding, Inc and Subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 1996,
included in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1) and related
Prospectus of Hampshire Funding, Inc. and Subsidiary.    
    
                                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP     

    
Boston, Massachusetts     

    
March 31, 1997